COLUMBIA, SC – On Land Trust Day, Saturday, June 6, the Columbia Mast General Store will donate 20% of its sales to Congaree Land Trust. Representatives of the group will be present to meet store guests and explain the vital initiatives their agency takes to protect local land and waterways.
Land trusts preserve scenic landscapes, create accessible shared spaces, protect wetlands and wildlife habitats, and provide recreational opportunities for everyone. These non-profit organizations, also known as conservancies, work with landowners and other associations to purchase land and negotiate easements with private property owners, ensure a family farm is passed down to the next generation, and assist in expanding the boundaries of public, state, and national parks, among many other important roles.
Throughout Mast General Store’s region, land trusts make our communities more livable, generate local economic opportunities, and tell the story of the places we call home.
"I feel blessed that all Mast Store locations are hosting active land conservation groups. The work these partners do touches our lives every day in ways we can visibly see and in ways that we still benefit from,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast Store.
The Congaree Land Trust protects more than 100,000 acres of pristine lands, open spaces, farms, forests, and natural habitats across 14 counties in the Midlands of South Carolina. In its three decades, the agency has promoted voluntary conservation efforts that support the regional economy, promote healthy lifestyles, secure clean air and water sources, and improve the local quality of life.
“Most people think about pastoral views when they hear the word 'conservancy,' but much of their work is saving and reestablishing wetlands that help reduce flooding and provide fresh water, creating alternative transportation routes like greenways, or protecting wildlife habitats. That's why it's important to our Mast Store team to support the work of these organizations and to help others understand what they do. We thank you for helping support their work for all of us,” said Cooper.
Drop by the Columbia Mast Store on Saturday, June 6, to learn about your local land trust and the outdoor spaces it has conserved in your community. It’s a great opportunity to acknowledge how their work helps us all enjoy nature, breathe fresh air, and drink clean water every day. For more information about Congaree Land Trust, visit its website, www.congareelt.org.
# # #