The Ray’s Natural Capital Initiative Takes Root in Charleston County

The Ray is thrilled to share a work-in-progress update on the Charleston County Pollinator Habitat Initiative. This innovative project was initiated thanks to our selection as a Summer 2025 awardee of the Pollinate Program, which awarded us $10,000 in funding from the UIC Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group. The project is underway, and the physical work of establishing this initiative is complete, demonstrating our core mission to transform the interstate right-of-way—an often-underutilized public asset—into a beneficial natural connection within the transportation corridor.

The funding was immediately put to work by our Natural Capital Manager, Josh Weaver, who oversaw the critical initial phase of project implementation. Josh successfully established three distinct native pollinator meadows along county rights-of-way. This effort converts traditional roadside tracts into functional, biodiverse ecosystems, embodying our commitment to implementing living infrastructure that focuses on ecological enhancement and climate readiness.

This initial implementation phase is vital as it allows us to test the model locally. By intentionally shifting underutilized areas into thriving habitats, we are not only addressing local pollinator decline but also promoting significant benefits in stormwater management. Crucially, this pilot advances The Ray’s broader vision for high-quality, ecologically responsive infrastructure that serves as a scalable model for other jurisdictions.

While the fieldwork is complete, the most important phase—nature's work—is now taking root. The native seeds have been successfully integrated into the landscape. It will take several months for these carefully selected native plantings to fully germinate and bloom into the brilliant, life-giving pollinator habitat we envisioned.

We are excited to share the journey of these meadows with our partners and the community. This initial success is a vital first step in transforming these planted tracts into vibrant sites for resilience. By demonstrating the tangible results of this ecological approach, the Charleston County Pollinator Habitat Initiative aims to set a clear example for widespread ecological improvement across South Carolina and beyond.

Stay tuned for future updates as we monitor the growth of this living infrastructure and prepare to share the meadows as they come to life.

Let's drive the future, together.