We are nearing our goal of establishing a passive park at Cherry Hill. On June 22, 2023, Mayor DiVito and the Port Royal Town Council issued a proclamation in support of preserving the landmark live oak at Cherry Hill. This commitment to partner with Beaufort County Passive Parks for the ongoing maintenance of the property represents a truly collaborative effort between Beaufort County, the Town of Port Royal, the Open Land Trust, and the Friends of Cherry Hill Oak. It wouldn't be possible without this joint effort.
Here is our letter of gratitude:
Good evening Mayor DiVito and Council members Owens, Ashmore, Heyward, and Phillips. My name is Hope Cunningham. I am blessed live at 159 Gautier Place in Port Royal. Tonight, I am speaking as a representative of the newly organized nonprofit, The Friends of Cherry Hill Oak. We are here to thank you for your service to the town we call home.
Port Royal is a place that people visit once and can’t leave. Its walkable town center, waterfront setting, and natural beauty make it one of the most livable communities in the low country. Unique parks and community services enrich local life with respect for history, culture, and natural resources. Our town is a place where heaven meets earth, a boater’s paradise, a bird lover’s sanctuary, and a community that celebrates outdoor life by gathering in parks for farmer’s and artisans’ markets, festivals, and a reverence for nature.
On May 8th, the Friends of Cherry Hill Oak asked you to consider supporting a unique and historically significant new passive park in Port Royal. The nearly 12-acre historic Cherry Hill parcel features the oldest and largest live oak in Beaufort County, surrounded by forty-two landmark and specimen trees. This rural and critical parcel is adjacent to an existing conservation easement. It borders the marshes of Battery Creek and provides much-needed wildlife habitat in an area that has seen deforestation due to recent development.
I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to the Town of Port Royal for its responsiveness to citizen engagement, dedication to environmental responsibility, investment in the quality and quantity of public spaces, and commitment to regional cooperation. Your efforts inspire trust and optimism for the future of Port Royal. It’s a great place to live.
As always, please be aware that donations on Change.org only support the petition platform. To learn how to make financial contributions, visit our website friendsofcherryhilloak.org