Halsey Creek has both great ecological value and historical significance. Residents of Charleston are surrounded by a vibrant and dynamic salt marsh ecosystem—one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Our marshes mitigate storm surge and sea level rise, host a phenomenal amount of life, cleanse upstream water before it empties into the ocean, and provide habitat for an untold number of birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway.

Halsey Creek played a key role in some of the most important events in US history. During the colonial era, the mouth of the creek was known as Gibbs Landing and was the principal staging ground for the British Siege of Charleston during the American Revolution. The plantation and landing were also part of the fascinating and tragic history of Denmark Vesey, who lived at this site as a slave of Captain Joseph Vesey (owner of the property beginning in 1791). In addition, the creek’s deep channel allowed for vessels to get within a few hundred feet of the "Broad Path" (today’s King Street), without having to unload their heavy cargo. Gibbs Landing was well positioned to connect river boats and commerce with the growing city of Charleston.

The marsh rewards the patient observer. Living near Halsey Creek, The M.A.R.S.H. Project fell in love with their neighborhood waterway and began to understand its significance—both its vibrant ecology and fascinating history. Untended, partially filled, and polluted with trash and debris, the creek still remains vital. The M.A.R.S.H. Project coalesced around the restoration of the creek in the hopes of inspiring others to fall in love with their local marshland.

Humans are part of a larger living community that collectively enables life. As members of this living system, our goal is to create more life with our own, contributing generously through reciprocal acts of stewardship and the thoughtful ecological restoration of our living landscapes.

We acknowledge the interconnectedness of all life and seeks to increase its overall abundance.