Islands owned by the descendants of slaves are in danger of being bought out by land developers. Farmers and fishermen use hard work and common sense to preserve their pristine coastline.

St. Helena Island is a magical place on the South Carolina coastline. African Americans have farmed and fished here for centuries: first as plantation slaves, then as freedmen owning small subsistence operations. It's now one of the last farming communities on the East Coast that hasn't been swallowed up by development. But the Gullah/Geechee traditions here are in danger. Can the residents of St. Helena pass their heritage on to another generation? Or will the pristine nature of the land and water be lost forever? Filmmakers explore issues like conservation and attitudes from the community. They capture witty characters and stunning scenery to transport viewers to one of America's hidden treasures. James Bradley owns one of the last local shrimp boat operations. Sará Green cares for 10 acres that have been in her family since Reconstruction. Ben Johnson retired from a blue-collar job up north. He farms his ancestors' land and sells the produce to his neighbors. In the end, the main characters hold fast to tenuous optimism that the next generation will find ways to keep the Dzold waysdz alive by blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques.—Denise McGill