Our Mission

To help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment by promoting wise land use practices, environmental education, and technical assistance.

Be a Part of the Blue Heron Nature Center
The Blue Heron Nature Center, a 4,200 sq. ft. teaching/nature center log cabin,  operated by and the home of the Jasper Soil & Water Conservation District, is committed to educating Jasper County’s children, landowners, and residents about the importance of our natural resources. Jasper Conservation District, Jasper County, Town of Ridgeland and City of Hardeeville use this unique area for environmental education and community enhancement.

Located on 10 acres of green space at Exit 21 on I-95 in Ridgeland, SC, the Blue Heron Nature Center & Trail offers you a chance to see blue herons, osprey, alligators, and turtles in their natural setting. Come and enjoy the songs of Carolina wrens and cardinals or the chorus of tree frogs. The Nature Center is an urban haven for birds, animals and people. It provides a unique educational tool and recreational opportunity.

Our Conservation Goals

Goal #1

To provide educational opportunities on natural resources and conservation to the general public, which includes but is not limited to: students, clubs, organizations, businesses and units of government

Goal #2

To assist citizens, units of government, and agencies with natural resource issues

Goal #3

Strengthen existing and develop new partnerships

Goal #4

Improve forestry, wildlife, and recreational opportunities

Goal #5

Expand legislative efforts to better support Soil & Water Conservation Districts activities

Commissioners

The Jasper Soil & Water Conservation District is a non-profit organization and a sub-unit of state government that is governed by 5 commissioners, elected officials, who receive no compensation for their services. The Soil & Water  Conservation Districts in South Carolina have been operating since 1937. South Carolina has 48 Conservation Districts.

Mr. Thomas G. Stanley, Jr., Chairman

Mr. Stanley E. Wells, Vice-Chairman

Mr. CM Dantzler

Mr. Lonnie M. Ginn

Mr. R. Michael Davis

Ms. Lyn Boyles, Executive Director

Conservation Education

Objective 1: Conservation Education

Goal:  Teach the basic concepts of wise use of our natural resources through education and outreach programs, targeting students, private citizens, and units of government, in partnership with organizations involved in land development, land management, or land protection.

Objective 2: Conservation in Urban and Developing Communities

Goal:   Help developers and property owners plan and implement best management practices to better control erosion, slow runoff, protect and improve water quality, and protect lives and property downstream.

Objective 3: Conservation in Rural Communities

Goal:   Plan and put on the ground conservation systems that help agricultural producers and others improve both surface and ground water quality, improve soil health, and develop or protect wildlife habitat.