NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – In honor of Earth Day on Monday, a group of activists got together to celebrate what they call the most beautiful spot in North Myrtle Beach- the Ingram Dunes.
“This is 50 feet above sea level and it’s covered with the most beautiful live oaks. When you walk in there, there’s a spirit, and you feel healed when you walk in there,” Damien Triouleyre, President of Preserve Ingram Dunes said.
As the oldest and highest relic dunes on the coast of South Carolina, the Ingram Dunes provide some serenity in the well-developed city of North Myrtle Beach.
However, in 2016 the owner of the land began the process to build more than 30 homes on the dunes. Since then, Triouleyre and other activists have been working to save them.
“No one thing is going to save the dunes, but it’s all together,” Triouleyre said.
Three years later, the city has pledged $500,000 towards buying the land, and more recently, the South Carolina Conservation Bank granted another $500,000.
Protecting the dunes has never been at a closer reach.
“It’s closer than it’s ever been, so we’re very hopeful and we’re very positive,” Triouleyre said.
The city has until May 1 to notify the South Carolina Conservation Bank whether or not they will be able to purchase the Ingram Dunes or lose the money.
Triouleyre and others are working to raise enough money in time to pay for the land’s $3 million asking price.
“This is our earth day celebration, and it’s mother earth and honoring the soul of the whole planet and all that God gives us really,” Triouleyre said.
To make a donation to save the Ingram Dunes, mail or bring a check to North Myrtle Beach City Hall (memo: Ingram Dunes fund), or make a donation online by clicking here.