Conversation with the Chair: Meet Ashley

Beginning her career in conservation almost thirty years ago, Ashley Demosthenes now serves as President and CEO of the Lowcountry Land Trust (LLT) and brings a wealth of knowledge to the South Carolina Land Trust Network (SCLTN).

“I was always interested in conservation, protecting land,” she says. “We have family land in Beaufort County, so I interned with the Lowcountry Open Land Trust (now LLT) in college. Little did I know this would turn into a lifelong career.”

In 1998, she started work for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the ACE Basin. Later on, she helped open TNC’s McClellanville office, where she worked with the forest service, buying land from big paper companies and negotiating conservation easements for the Francis Marion National Forest. 

She grew in her experience over the years, developed a keen understanding of conservation easements and the ability to lead people in an expanding field. Ten years ago, Ashley took over as President and CEO of LLT from her predecessor, Elizabeth Hagood. 

Since then, she has led the organization into larger projects like the Angel Oak on John’s Island—buying the property, stewarding the land, and embracing community-centered conservation.

“Community-centered conservation is a relatively new term. This has really expanded the dimensions of our traditional land conservation work in rural landscapes. We’re adapting and riding the beautiful tide of this movement, seeing how land conservation can be a solution for some community challenges—like open green space for health and wellness, or capturing cultural stories and the importance of place, alongside our cores principles of protecting natural resources and wildlife habitat.” 

Ashley has witnessed and participated in growing the Land Trust Network from a loosely organized group to the strong coalition it is today.

“I’m proud of this organization and how it’s excelled under Jen’s leadership. For me to have seen where this started and where it is now, and become Board Chair, is very exciting and an honor.”

“I hope to bring energy and creativity. I’m excited to be able to apply what I’ve learned over these many years and assist other land trusts in growing their organizations.”

She raises the essential questions land trusts must consider in today’s world—How can land trusts meet the challenges of climate change, sea-level rise, and shifting conditions that require us to think differently about conservation? What does it mean to authentically and effectively engage with one’s community? How do we increase awareness of the benefits of conservation, especially in the private sphere? How can we propel the relevance of land conservation so that it means something to everyone?

“This is so important in a state like South Carolina, where we’re blessed with all these beautiful places and natural resources. I’m eager to support Jen and help our land trust members feel encouraged and informed and grow in their own leadership.”

A core principle of the Land Trust Network has always been to provide excellent support and relevance to its members. Ashley echoes this sentiment:

“Conservation is a team effort. The collective impact of a statewide organization is really powerful. Having a Network helps to advance conservation much more effectively by creating a forum for convening and sharing ideas. It helps people get to know each other, forms community.”

“I have come to value my relationships within the land trust community so much,” she says. “They’re some of my best friends. We enjoy working together. It’s when the best ideas come to fruition. Those partnerships are what our South Carolina conservation community has—it’s one of our superpowers.”