Francis Marion University has acquired 8,355 acres of land in the Pee Dee River bottomland, expanding its conservation efforts and providing a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on learning. The university, based in Florence, South Carolina, will use the land as a “living laboratory” for its forestry, environmental science, and environmental studies programs.

Conservation Efforts

The acquisition is a significant milestone for the university, which has been working to expand its conservation efforts in the region. The land, which includes over 7,500 acres of bottomland hardwood forest and wetlands, will provide a unique opportunity for students to study and work in a real-world setting.

The transfer of the land was made possible through a coalition acquisition engineered by the Open Space Institute, a New York-based land trust. The institute worked with the university, as well as state and local agencies, to secure the funding necessary for the acquisition.

Impact on the Community

The acquisition is expected to have a positive impact on the local community, providing opportunities for economic development and job creation. The university plans to use the land to support its new Bachelor of Science in Forestry program, which is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2026.

The program will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the forestry industry, and will help to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. The university has also partnered with Horry-Georgetown Technical College to create a direct transfer pathway for students who complete an associate degree in forestry management technology.

Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.