EDISTO ISLAND OPEN LAND TRUST
RECEIVES COVETED NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

A First for the Lowcountry

After a rigorous 18-month review process, we are pleased to announce that Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT) has been granted national accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. This is big news, since accreditation signifies that the land trust “meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.” 

Only a relative handful of the 1,700 land trusts in the United States have attempted to pursue accreditation because of the time and dedication needed to complete the process. So, "Thank you!" to EIOLT's Accreditation Team (board and staff members) for an extraordinary effort. Thank you, too, to our members, supporters, volunteers, partners, friends… and people like you. Together, we have created a strong and hardworking community-based land trust.

EIOLT is proud to take its place among the 78 land trusts accredited to date. Join us in enjoying the moment.

Edisto Island Open Land Trust's
(EIOLT) Accreditation Task Force
celebrates success. (Back row from left): EIOLT Board of Directors members Charles E. Callahan, Pamela G. Jacobs and I. Jenkins Mikell, Jr.
(Front row from left): EIOLT Executive Director Marian D. Brailsford and Board President
Robert E. "BoBo" Lee, Jr.
All are residents of Edisto Island.

What does EIOLT's accreditation mean for you?

Confidence…in EIOLT's quality. As Tammara Van Ryn, head of the Accreditation Commission puts it, “Accreditation assures the public that the land trust has undergone an extensive, external review of its governance, management, systems and land protection policies.”  This means that EIOLT has the official “seal of approval” signifying that we operate “in an ethical, legal and technically sound manner befitting of public trust.”

Knowledge…that EIOLT is on the leading edge. The accreditation program is a new initiative of the Land Trust Alliance – meaning that EIOLT is among the "first wave" of honorees. This progressive, forward-thinking approach is essential in an organization dedicated to protecting Edisto’s irreplaceable landscapes forever.

Certainty…that EIOLT will remain strong. You can count on the qualities that earned EIOLT accreditation status: wise financial stewardship, organizational stability and a strong commitment to saving land in perpetuity. And, accreditation means not just attaining high standards but maintaining them, since accreditation must be renewed every five years.

Pride…that you are part of the EIOLT family. EIOLT is the first land trust in the Lowcountry, and the second in the state, to receive accreditation. Be proud: you are part of EIOLT’s success story.

EIOLT, in cooperation with its ACE Basin conservation partners, has preserved more than 16,000 acres.This means that Edisto has the highest percentage of preserved acres of any inhabited island off of the South Carolina coast.

With 45 percent of the island preserved currently, it is the goal of EIOLT to take Edisto "Over the Top" within two years – surpassing the 50 percent mark. Accreditation greatly increases the likelihood that we will reach our goal, since it provides a mark of distinction and credibility attractive to landowners, financial supporters, members, partners and friends.

Return to Home Page