Trust Grant Helps Assemble 12 Acres of Saluda River Frontage in Piedmont
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2026
Contact:
Carlton Owen
Greenville County Historic & Natural Resources Trust
864-414-1325
carltonowen1@gmail.com
Greenville County Trust to Announce Completion of Riverfront Conservation Project in Historic Piedmont Mill Village
Small in Acreage. Exceptional in Complexity. Built Through Partnership.
WHAT: The Greenville County Historic & Natural Resources Trust will announce the completion of one of its smallest yet most complex and collaborative conservation projects to date.
The project represents more than two years of work to assemble 12 acres of Saluda River frontage in the historic Piedmont mill village through a combination of land acquisition, conservation tools, and layered public-private funding partnerships.
The project brings together:
Two former FEMA flood buyout parcels are located within the floodway
A donated easement provided by the former textile mill property owners
The acquisition of approximately 6 acres from a private family
Equally significant is the financing structure. Funding for the six-acre acquisition reflects a true "layer cake" of conservation investment, including:
A grant from the Greenville County Historic & Natural Resources Trust
Matching funds from the South Carolina Conservation Bank
Private support through the Community Foundation of Greenville
Additional matching support from the New Leaf Fund, established by Greenville native and longtime New York City parks planner Lea Rohrbaugh
These investments demonstrate how local leadership, along with public and private investment, can stretch dollars and unlock projects that no single funding source could accomplish alone.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 26, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Historic Piedmont Mill Village Parking: Saluda River Grill, 1 Main St, Piedmont, SC 29673 With pleasant weather, the event will be just beyond the smokestack near the Saluda River.Rain location: Piedmont Fire Department, 3 Main St.
WHO: Greenville County Historic & Natural Resources Trust, project funding and conservation partners, community leaders, and invited guests
VISUALS / MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Saluda River riverfront and assembled project lands
Project concept maps
Remarks from project leaders and funding partners
Group photos and interview opportunities
WHY IT MATTERS:
This project shows what can happen when public agencies, private landowners, and philanthropic partners work together. What began as disconnected parcels, flood-prone land, and a complicated ownership structure will become a community riverfront asset -- protecting history, expanding public access, and creating new opportunities for generations to come in a revitalizing Piedmont stewarded by the Piedmont Public Service District.
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