Charleston Residents Revive Neglected Creek, Build Community

As of November 2025, a group of Charleston, South Carolina residents have been working tirelessly to revive a neglected urban creek in their neighborhood. The project, known as The MARSH Project, was founded in 2020 by Joel Caldwell and two of his friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they were all having their first children.

Halsey Creek, mere blocks from Caldwell's house, had been neglected and abused in its urban setting. The trio's first step was a community trash pickup, which drew an unexpected 50 participants, showcasing the locals' hunger to connect with their environment. Over the years, they have removed tires, radios, televisions, and even a car engine from the marsh.

The wetlands restoration work is crucial for Charleston, a hurricane-prone city facing increasing storm threats due to climate change. The project aims to preserve the creek's tidal flow, expand its reach, and rewild its edges, helping to absorb floodwater. This aligns with a growing public appreciation for how wetlands can mitigate flooding.

Beyond the practical benefits, the project has also brought the community together. Caldwell, a freelance photographer, says, "We can be paralyzed by the bad news that we are fed every day, or we can work within our local communities and engage with people and actually do things." The MARSH Project has hosted public lectures, trash pickups, and community events, fostering a sense of stewardship and appreciation for the local environment.