Resilient Coasts & Communities Program
Protecting South Carolina Coastal Communities
The Threat to Our Frontline Communities
Rising tides, severe erosion, and aggressive flooding threaten the South Carolina coast right now. Historic neighborhoods like Rosemont, Maryville/Ashleyville, and Artillery Point/Battery Island Drive face the worst of every high tide and coastal surge. Historic development patterns and the degradation of salt marshes have weakened natural flood defenses, leaving low-lying communities increasingly vulnerable to flooding and coastal storms. Communities shouldn’t have to face growing coastal risks without the tools, infrastructure, and support they need to prepare and adapt. We’re changing that.
Your Guide to a Resilient Lowcountry
For over twenty years, The Sustainability Institute has worked alongside South Carolina families to build safer, more equitable neighborhoods. Supported by a landmark $2.65 million NOAA grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, we partner with local residents, community organizers, government leaders and coastal engineers to deliver the practical tools, training, and natural infrastructure needed to keep homes secure and our shared land and waters protected.
Our Three-Part Approach
Rosemont represents the essence of a beloved community, but rising development, shifting zoning laws, and economic pressures pose an immediate threat to our historical residents. Protecting our natural marsh buffer is essential to shielding our neighborhood from both environmental collapse and cultural displacement.
From Coastal Threats to Community Resilience
What's at Stake
Without direct intervention, coastal erosion and recurrent flooding will continue to erode land and disrupt daily life. Frontline neighborhoods bear the brunt of these storms, leaving under-resourced communities vulnerable while threatening the local ecosystems and small businesses that fuel our economy.
What We Can Build Together
- Smart, Nature-Based Protection: Collecting local environmental data helps us track changing coastal conditions so we can place natural defenses right where our neighborhoods need them most, continuously tuning our approach over time to adapt as threats evolve.
- Trained Community Leaders: Providing local residents with practical tools and training allows neighborhoods to lead their own coastal restoration projects.
- Thriving Coastlines: Restoring native coastal habitats gives our communities a powerful natural defense against severe storms, keeping floodwaters away from homes and roads while protecting the local livelihoods tied to our waters.
Our Focus Communities
Rosemont
North Charleston, SC
Maryville/Ashleyville
Charleston, SC
Artillery Point
James Island, SC
Protecting Our Coastline, Together
Our coastal communities are more than just places on a map. They are where we live, work, and raise our families. Supporting the Resilient Coasts & Communities Program means protecting the neighborhoods we love and building lasting security across our region.
With strong science, community partnerships, and support from local and federal government, we have a powerful foundation for action. Now, we need partners and volunteers to help turn that momentum into lasting impact.
Partner: Bring your expertise to frontline communities by supporting data collection or hosting a community workshop.
Volunteer: Join us at one of our many community volunteer events throughout the year.