July 7, 2025

Fourth-Generation Farmer Promotes Gullah Culture in South Carolina

News Summary

Sarah Reynolds Green, a fourth-generation farmer on St. Helena Island, is enhancing agricultural education while preserving Gullah culture through her nonprofit, Marshview Community Organic Farm. With a focus on teaching youth about farming and cultural heritage, her efforts include community initiatives and programs aimed at engaging local schools. As development pressures increase, Reynolds Green’s work plays a vital role in community preservation and ensuring the continued relevance of Gullah traditions.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina: Fourth-Generation Farmer Fosters Gullah Culture Through Agricultural Education

Sarah Reynolds Green, a fourth-generation farmer on St. Helena Island, is making significant strides in agricultural education while promoting the preservation of Gullah culture. In 2009, she and her husband, Bill Green, established the nonprofit Marshview Community Organic Farm, which focuses on teaching children aged 10 to 18 about agriculture alongside the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah community.

The Reynolds family’s farming legacy dates back to 1869 when Sarah’s great-grandfather, Robert Reynolds, purchased land on St. Helena Island shortly after being freed from slavery. This land has been nurtured through generations, and Reynolds Green continues the family tradition by utilizing organic farming practices to educate community members about crop cultivation and sustainable farming.

As part of her outreach efforts, Reynolds Green collaborated with the South Carolina Coastal Community Development Center in March 2025 to organize fresh greens for community distribution. This initiative highlights her commitment to supporting local residents with healthy food options while fostering a sense of community. Additionally, through school gardens and programs aimed at emotional support, she shares her agricultural knowledge with local schools, helping students develop skills in gardening and ecological awareness.

Preserving Culture in the Face of Development

Reynolds Green’s farming initiative plays a vital role in preserving the culture of St. Helena Island amid increasing development pressures. The island is recognized for its marshes and its historical significance as a center of Gullah culture, which is celebrated for its unique language, food, music, and traditions. The St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay is in place to restrict certain developments and maintain the rural character of the island, ensuring that Gullah culture can thrive.

In addition to field crops, Reynolds Green’s efforts include youth programs that teach traditional skills such as bateau building, further enriching the educational experience offered at Marshview Farm. A noteworthy development on the island includes plans for a new community marketplace, which will be funded by a grant of $450,000 from the Mellon Foundation aimed at restoring the Corners’ Packing Shed. This marketplace will likely serve as another hub for community engagement and cultural expression.

Future Goals for Cultural Engagement

The Penn Center, established in 1862, remains a pillar of Gullah cultural preservation and plans to revitalize its educational programs in 2025 to engage younger generations effectively. Emory Campbell, a former executive director of the Penn Center, emphasizes the necessity of cultural education in enabling youth to retain their traditional lifestyles and to navigate the changing landscape of St. Helena Island.

As development debates continue on St. Helena Island, there are ongoing tensions between the need for community preservation and economic opportunities for Gullah residents. Reynolds Green, through Marshview Community Organic Farm, aims not only to sustain agricultural practices but also to educate the community about the importance of their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Sarah Reynolds Green is substantially impacting St. Helena Island’s community through her dedication to organic farming and cultural education. Her work at Marshview Community Organic Farm stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Reynolds family and the continued relevance of Gullah culture in a rapidly changing world.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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