A Sustainable Vision

Charles Fraser’s vision for Hilton Head Island lives on today.

By Linda Lanier

Captain William Hilton, the first Englishman to step foot on the island that he later named Hilton Head Island, recorded in his ship’s diary in 1663: “The air is clean and sweet, the country very pleasant and delightful.”

Almost 300 years later when the forward-thinking developer Charles Fraser came to the island, he paid homage to Hilton by establishing the highest landplanning standards: to keep this lush sea island clean and vibrant for the thousands of residents and visitors who enjoy it every year.

This was the early 50s, and Fraser envisioned more than the typical beach destination. Fraser’s use of covenants and deed restrictions to protect the environment within Sea Pines, the island’s first planned community, was progressive for the time. His unconventional approach, which limited development and prioritized the natural scenery, interlaced man-made and natural elements.

Homes and structures were built away from the oceanfront, designed to blend in

“Man is a steward of the land. We should preserve, protect it. We have a great opportunity, and we live in a magnificently ”beautiful place.

– CHARLES FRASER

with the pine forest and create harmony with nature. Nighttime’s twinkling stars take centerstage, and many of the island’s natural inhabitants have a sanctuary where they can thrive.

To protect the habitat and cultural resources of Hilton Head Island’s natural inhabitants — from manatees, dolphins and egrets to deer, foxes and bald eagles — the Town of Hilton Head Island has acquired land for green space, parks and environmental protection.

Today, Hilton Head Island Land Trust holds 300 acres, which includes Whooping Crane Pond Conservancy, Cypress Conservancy, Northridge Conservancy tracts and Museum Street Conservancy District.

The Visitor & Convention Bureau recognizes that everyone plays a role in the island’s sustainability and conservation efforts. To that end, visitors and residents are invited to make the Hilton Head IslandBluffton Promise, committing to protect and preserve the island's delicate ecosystem, leaving nothing behind but their footprints.

Whether you’re visiting the Lowcountry or you are here to stay, make the promise at HiltonHeadIsland.org/promise.