CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The City of Charleston is taking a major step towards sustainability with the launch of a new initiative focused on improving the environment and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Mika Gadsden, Director of Sustainability for the City of Charleston, said the environmental corridor project is called The Just Corridor– named in honor of pioneering African American biologist and Charleston-native Ernest Everett Just.

She said what makes the project so exciting is that it will be the first-ever ecological corridor in the Southeast.

Gadsden said the city’s initiative aims to enhance natural spaces, strengthen green infrastructure, and boost resilience against environmental challenges. This includes helping to deliver cleaner air, fresh water, and more green public space to all Charleston residents, regardless of their zip code.

She said The Just Corridor initiative is part of a larger effort to adapt to climate change by integrating nature into everyday life and creating solutions that benefit both the environment and the community.

She added that plans are still being finalized, but some ideas include expanding public parks and increasing access to recreational spaces. Gadsden emphasized that the initiative goes beyond environmental improvements.

“What our ecological corridor does is help implement more green infrastructure solutions to help with things like flood mitigation or even solving some of the peskier problems that come with the challenges of climate. What we hope to do is empower residents and teach them how they themselves can be stewards of the environment, but also bring about more green infrastructure projects that help complement the gray infrastructure,” Gadsden said.

She said green infrastructure encompasses ideas such as designed innovative tree wells, creative living shorelines, attracting pollinators to the area, or encouraging locals to start their own rain gardens.

Gadsden said while the corridor won’t immediately solve problems like flooding, it addresses persistent issues and will help create remedies to long-term solutions.

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