About Johns Island

Painted BuntingJohns Island, located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, is one of  more than fifty sea islands along the South Carolina and Georgia coast.   Johns Island is the fourth largest island on the US East Coast (after Long Island NY, Mt Desert Island ME and Martha’s Vineyard MA).   Johns Island is 84 square mile in size with a population of 17,000 people and scores of   wildlife species including deer, alligators, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, otters and wild hogs (see Map).   The rivers and marshes that make this an island abound with fish and shellfish, esp. oysters, and the ever popular local dolphins.   The numbers of bird species are in the hundreds.   They include bald eagles, osprey, wild turkeys, owls, hawks, herons, egrets and ducks.   The flora is also abundant with many native and imported species as well as agricultural crops.   Feilds FarmJohns Island has been inhabited for thousands of years by Native Americans and most recently by Africans and Europeans.   Historically Johns Island has been primarily an agricultural community. With the popularity of   local organic produce and meats on the rise, it has become a valuable source of   products for distributors, restaurants and consumers. Charleston’s recent prominence as a destination for fine dining is built partly on these trends.   Johns Island has also played an important role in American history from the Revolution, through the Civil War, into the twentieth century and as part of the Civil Rights Movement.   More recently, with the popularity of Charleston and our proximity to the “Holy City”, Johns Island has experienced significant development as a desirable suburban location.   Johns Island is also the gateway to the resort islands of Kiawah and Seabrook.   All residents and visitors to these popular destinations must pass through Johns Island.   Because of our natural assets and proximity to Charleston and the resort communities, Johns Island has been, and will continue to be, developed for residential, recreational and commercial purposes. A dedicated conservancy effort is needed to ensure that   development on Johns Island is both ecologically responsible as well as economically sensible.   Find out more about Our Mission and About Us.