Open Space Institute, South Carolina Conservation Bank and the Catawba Nation purchase, protect 600 acres of culturally, historically significant land along Catawba River that will ultimately become new South Carolina state park

Catawba clay is the lifeblood of the Nation and has been used continuously by its people to make their namesake pottery and sustain their community for more than 6,000 years. During the Great Depression, Catawba women made and sold pottery to help Catawba people survive. In modern times, Catawba pottery has become a well-regarded form of Native American art with pieces made from the clay located on the Nisbet Tract featured in museums throughout the world.

“The Nisbet clay hole site has been an important site for Catawba Nation for generations,” said Catawba Nation Executive Committee member, Roo George-Warren. “Working with Open Space Institute, the Nisbet family, and SC State Parks to ensure this site is preserved and accessible to our artisans while protecting and promoting the natural beauty that surrounds it is an important step in creating a region that honors and protects all of its people."

“The Nisbet property is one of the most compelling conservation projects I have seen in my tenure,” commented Raleigh West, SCCB Executive Director. “Its historic, archaeological, and cultural significance spans the entirety of human civilization in our state and is particularly noteworthy for its ties to the Catawba Nation. I remain extremely grateful to all parties, particularly the family who so generously offered to sell it at a steep discount, for the opportunity to conserve this incredible property for the citizens of South Carolina.”

The Nisbet family sought a conservation and public recreation outcome for the land. “Our family has owned the property for over 100 years. Our father, William Oliver Nisbet, believed in family, fellowship, and community involvement,” said Caroline Nisbet Hewett. “We are proud and truly honored for the opportunity to continue Oliver Nisbet’s legacy by preserving this property for the use and enjoyment of generations to come. We are thankful to Open Space Institute for their assistance to help turn the land into a community space.”

The rolling, river-front property harbors mature piedmont hardwood and floodplain forests, a host of wildlife species, and a stunning bluff along the river. The property contributes to a growing network of protected lands providing publicly accessible open space, outdoor recreation opportunities, and uninterrupted wildlife habitat.

“OSI is proud to have played a role in protecting this exceptional property and all it represents,” said Dr. Maria Whitehead, OSI’s Southeast Vice President of Land. “Together with the Nisbet family and our invaluable funding partners, we are securing unique public access and upholding the Nation’s historic and ancestral connection to this hallowed place.”

“South Carolina State Parks is entrusted with protecting and sharing some of the most treasured natural and cultural resources in the Palmetto State,” said Duane Parish, Director of SCPRT. “We are honored for the opportunity to share the Catawba’s history and culture in this special place with generations of visitors, and we look forward to expanding public access to outdoor recreation in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.”

“The Arras Foundation is proud to join the public-private partnership dedicated to preserving this important open space for current and future generations. Building a healthy community includes protecting green space, clean air, and water,” said Arras Foundation Chair Lisa Bridges. “Arras is grateful to all partners involved in this project for ensuring the cultural significance of this land is honored while also creating accessible space for healthy living."

“The acquisition of the Nisbet property is a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve this historic and valuable open space for use and enjoyment for future generations of Lancaster County residents,” stated Dennis Marstall, Lancaster County Administrator. “As a rapidly growing County, with tremendous development pressures and an increasing interest in parks and open space, saving this piece of property is another way in which we can tangibly demonstrate we are working to enhance the quality of life in Lancaster County.”

“We think it’s important to work alongside community partners to ensure the natural beauty and cultural history of South Carolina can be protected and enjoyed for generations to come,” said Rick Jiran, vice president of community relations for Duke Energy. “We are excited to play a part in the addition of this historic land to South Carolina’s state park system.”

OSI intends to hold the property until the state is prepared to accept the land as a donation.