Nearly 1,000 acres protected, donated to Jones Gap State Park

Jones Gap State Park has become approximately 25 percent larger following a donation of 955 acres to the SC Department of Parks, Recreations & Tourism (SCPRT) from The Nature Conservancy. The property, known as Gap Creek, is protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement held by Upstate Forever. Although Gap Creek is not currently open to the public, Parks officials say it could expand capacity and public access to Jones Gap State Park in coming years. 

Thanks to your support, Upstate Forever’s land trust will ensure that this property, along with its scenic vistas and natural resources, will be preserved forever. We are grateful to the many dedicated individuals and organizations who made this project a success, including The Nature Conservancy, SCPRT, South Carolina Conservation Bank, Open Space Institute and other generous supporters. 

In addition to healthy hardwood forests and headwater streams, this property is home to several rare and iconic species, including Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, green salamander, showy orchis, Carolina fantail darter, black bear and a newly discovered species of trillium, currently known as Jones Gap trillium.

Read the entire press release from SCPRT

Learn more about Upstate Forever's land conservation work