Open Space Institute Protects Nearly 600 Acres to Expand Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina

August 26, 2026

YORK COUNTY, S.C. (August 26, 2026) — The Open Space Institute (OSI) today announced the acquisition of nearly 600 acres in York County, South Carolina, setting the stage for a significant expansion of Kings Mountain State Park and safeguarding a vital corridor of undeveloped land near the quickly-growing region surrounding Charlotte, North Carolina.

The 588.8-acre property borders Kings Mountain State Park, representing a rare opportunity to expand public lands and connect a larger undeveloped landscape for the benefit of wildlife and clean water resources. OSI purchased the land and will hold it for several years before transferring it to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT), ensuring permanent protection and public access.

“This is strategic conservation that delivers for both people and the environment,” said Nate Berry, OSI’s Chief Land Protection Officer. “By expanding Kings Mountain State Park, we are enhancing access to nature while preserving intact green corridors, wetlands, and wildlife habitat in a part of the Southeast experiencing rapid growth.” The project builds on OSI’s work at Kings Mountain State Park where it protected a 50-acre “critical conservation gap” inholding in 2024.

Located within 45 minutes of Charlotte—one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas—conservation of the tract helps prevent fragmentation of forests and farmland while preserving open space for future generations. The property includes a mix of forests, rolling pastures, wetlands, and streams that support biological diversity and water quality.

“This project protects an incredible landscape at a pivotal moment,” said Heather Reading, Conservation Division Lead Advisor at Land Advisors Organization (LAO), which helped facilitate the transaction. “We’re thrilled to have worked alongside OSI and the seller to ensure this land will be preserved and available to the public as part of Kings Mountain State Park.” LAO is among the largest land brokerage and advisory firms in the nation. Its Conservation Division advises and empowers clients to leave a meaningful conservation legacy for future generations. The firm’s South Carolina office Advisors Clay Driggers and Whit Cox along with LAO’s Conservation Advisors Heather Reading and Hunter Kotoske represented the seller in the transaction.

“Our client saw a meaningful opportunity for this parcel to benefit the community while remaining protected in perpetuity,” said Driggers. “Creating a lasting legacy and helping expand the beloved Kings Mountain State Park in partnership with OSI aligned with their goals for the land. We were pleased to help facilitate this outcome.”

All or part of the property was identified by the South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB) as a high conservation priority, with much of the land serving as a critical corridor for wildlife habitat and movement. Due to the land’s high environmental values and status as a high-priority acquisition for SCPRT, SCCB was able to provide essential support from a dedicated funding pool.

“We are proud to support projects like this that conserve working lands, protect wildlife habitat, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Peter King, Chairman, SCCB Board. “This acquisition represents a meaningful investment in both conservation and community well-being.”

In addition to its environmental benefits, once added to Kings Mountain State Park the property will enhance recreational opportunities with ample spaces for hiking, fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and more. Thanks to its proximity to Charlotte, Gastonia, and other population centers, it will expand access to the outdoors for a growing and diverse population.

“This acquisition is a tremendous addition to Kings Mountain State Park and an important investment for the future of outdoor recreation in South Carolina. We are grateful to the Open Space Institute and our conservation partners for helping ensure this land will remain protected and accessible for generations to come,” said Duane Parrish, Director, SCPRT.

The property’s importance extends to its rich Revolutionary War history: Kings Mountain State Park shares its northeastern border with Kings Mountain National Military Park, site of the 1780 battle widely regarded as the turning point in the Revolutionary War, where Patriots soundly defeated a Loyalist militia, ending British momentum in the South, boosting Patriot morale, and laying the groundwork for the campaign that ended at Yorktown.

In addition to SCCB funding, this project was generously supported by the Green South Foundation.

About the Open Space Institute

Founded in 1974, the Open Space Institute has been a partner in the protection of more than 2.5 million acres in the eastern United States. OSI’s Southeast office, established in Charleston in 2014, has been a partner in the protection of more than 210,000 acres across the Southeastern United States, the vast majority of which will be open to the public. Visit OSI online at openspaceinstitute.org/southeast.

About Land Advisors Organization

Founded in 1987, Land Advisors Organization is the nation’s largest land brokerage firm specializing in providing deep market insights to landowners and purchasers for the most comprehensive and effective evaluation of land in markets across the country. Land Advisors’ Conservation Division specializes in facilitating real estate transactions that conserve important land and water resources, with an aim towards balancing the built and natural environments. The firm’s Conservation experts advise and guide landowners and developers across the United States through conservation transactions to preserve important land and water resources while empowering clients to achieve their goals and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations.

Contacts:

Patty Johnson, Connections Marketing & Communications (Land Advisors Organization): (602) 402-2965 or pattyjohnson@connections-marcom.com

Siobhan Gallagher Kent, Open Space Institute: (845) 576-8186 or sgallagherkent@osiny.org