While growth from the outer Columbia area continues to creep towards the county line, Little Mountain resident Roxie Derrick is making sure at least a few acres of the scenic mountain woodlands remain protected from modern development.

She's donated just fewer than 44 acres of undeveloped land along Billy Dreher Island Road to the Upper Savannah Land Trust, with the understanding that the land will be used for conservation purposes only.

“It's just something I felt like in my heart I wanted to do,” Derrick said. “It's something I could do for our community and our state. It's a unique area; it's so special.”

Derrick's grandfather acquired the land in the 1930s, and he turned a portion of it over to his granddaughter. Now, Derrick, who has called Little Mountain home for 50 years, is turning the land over, but with great hopes for its future.

“I was hoping it could possibly be used for educational purposes at some point,” she said, “and just for pure enjoyment.”

The deeded land is filled with thriving plant and animal life. Cricket frogs, no bigger than a nickel, live just upstream from a 3-foot waterfall and are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. The protected acres are home to more than 150 species of flora and fauna.

Wild azaleas provide pops of color in the late fall and early winter. Mushrooms dot tree trunks, and mountain laurels stretch over the moving creek bed.

“We are indebted to Roxie Derrick for her generosity and her desire to preserve this very special area for generations to come,” said Little Mountain Mayor Buddy Johnson. “Not only is our Little Mountain community fortunate, but Newberry County and the Central Midlands region are much better because this unique micro-ecological area on Rocky Branch will be protected.”

Derrick and Johnson have a common dream of clearing a trail through the woods, with bridges spanning Rocky Branch Creek. Clemson University has already proposed a scenic entrance to the creek trails, which includes a small parking lot, restrooms and a picnic shelter.

However, Johnson said taking on such a project will not be an easy task. He estimates a $400,000 price tag, most of which he hopes to bring in through grant money. The rest will have to be raised. Johnson says the town will be applying for new grants in the fall.

“I trust that Roxie Derrick's leadership in conserving this special place will be an example to others in our county and the state,” Johnson said.

This isn't the first time Derrick's name has been connected to philanthropy. She and her husband Sam donated land for the J. Kess Derrick Medical Clinic, and contributed toward Little Mountain's fire department and helicopter pad.

“I feel blessed that we can do this,” Derrick said. “I'm the one that's blessed. Hopefully it can be a benefit to others.”