Greenville, SC, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Conestee Nature Preserve in Greenville, SC reported vandalism and theft after two cash donation boxes were found damaged and emptied. The incident, believed to have occurred Sunday night, may have stolen hundreds of dollars vital for the nonprofit’s maintenance. With replacement costs for the boxes ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 each, community support is crucial as the preserve continues ongoing repair efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Greenville, SC – Conestee Nature Preserve has reported incidents of vandalism and theft after two cash donation boxes were found damaged and emptied on Monday. The theft, which occurred on Sunday night, left the Iron Ranger boxes broken into and devoid of cash, sparking concerns over the security of donations crucial for the preserve’s maintenance.
The heavy metal donation boxes were discovered dismounted and missing the cash by employees arriving for work on Monday morning. It is believed that the thieves sawed the boxes from their mounts, indicating that considerable time and effort went into the act. The boxes had been emptied of cash just a few days prior on Friday, and although the exact amount taken is uncertain, estimates suggest that hundreds of dollars may have been stolen.
Replacing each Iron Ranger box will impose a hefty financial burden on the nonprofit, with costs ranging between $1,000 to $1,500 per box, not accounting for installation expenses. In light of this incident, a local metal worker has generously offered assistance to help replace the stolen items.
The nonprofit organization, which relies heavily on donations and grants for funding, faces further challenges as it works on ongoing repairs from the damages caused by Hurricane Helene. Specifically, significant repairs to boardwalk infrastructure can escalate to over six figures, placing additional stress on the organization’s resources. Despite this setback, the preserve has managed to reopen most of its trails and anticipates significant improvement in access for visitors. Crews are actively working to rebuild sections of the boardwalk, ensuring better durability against future storms.
Conestee Nature Preserve aims to have 95% of its trails reopened by September, which marks the busiest month for visitors. The community’s support through donations is vital, and contributions can be made either online or at the trailhead boxes. The nonprofit continues to focus on recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene while combating the recent theft and vandalism.
Background on Conestee Nature Preserve
Conestee Nature Preserve is a vital environmental resource that offers recreational opportunities and fosters conservation efforts in Greenville. The nonprofit organization dedicated to the preserve works tirelessly to maintain its natural beauty and infrastructure. Repairs and improvements are ongoing, particularly after the recent destructive impact of Hurricane Helene.
Summary of Key Points
- Two Iron Ranger cash donation boxes were vandalized and robbed at Conestee Nature Preserve on Sunday night.
- The boxes were found broken and emptied when employees arrived on Monday.
- Thieves likely took hundreds of dollars, and each box costs $1,000 to $1,500 to replace.
- A local metal worker has offered help in replacing the stolen boxes.
- Despite challenges, most trails have reopened with improvements expected in September.
How to Donate
Community members can support Conestee Nature Preserve by making donations online or at designated trailhead boxes. All funds raised go directly to maintaining the preserve and its ongoing repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened at Conestee Nature Preserve?
- Two cash donation boxes were vandalized and emptied on Sunday night.
- How much money was stolen?
- While the exact amount is unknown, it is estimated that hundreds of dollars may have been taken.
- What is the cost to replace the stolen donation boxes?
- Each Iron Ranger box costs between $1,000 and $1,500 to replace, excluding installation costs.
- How can individuals help Conestee Nature Preserve?
- Individuals can make donations online or at trailhead boxes to support the nonprofit’s repair efforts.
- What is the status of the trails at Conestee Nature Preserve?
- Most trails are currently reopened, with a goal to have 95% of them open by September.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Theft Incident | Two donation boxes vandalized and robbed |
| Estimated Stolen Amount | Hundreds of dollars |
| Replacement Cost | $1,000 – $1,500 each |
| Trail Status | 95% reopening by September |
| Donation Options | Online and at trailhead boxes |
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Nature Preserve Vandalism Report
- WYFF4: Donations Stolen at Conestee Nature Preserve
- Fox Carolina: Video on Donation Box Theft
- Greenville Journal: Charity Ball Beneficiaries
- Wikipedia: Conestee Nature Preserve
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville 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 Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . 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 Greenville 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.
