EDISTO ISLAND — Across 11 generations and more than three centuries, Tom Austin's family has called the area in and around this sea island home. As Austin drove his car down tree-shaded lanes, he talked excitedly about the landscape he loves.

"This is something irreplaceable," said Austin, director of land conservation for the Edisto Island Open Land Trust. "It's my duty to try and make this place a better place for everyone who calls it home."