2013 Kiawah Conservancy Annual Report 2013 | Page 11

stew’ardship’ (n.) 1: the conducting, supervising or managing of something; especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care Land Stewardship and Property Monitoring Throughout the year the Kiawah Conservancy conducts its land stewardship and property monitoring duties. In 2013, we visited 23 properties, totaling almost 330 acres. In addition to monitoring, baseline documentation was developed for our newest preserved property at 83 Blue Heron Pond Road. The stewardship team covers an array of habitat types, from expanses of tidal salt marsh to isolated hammock islands to thickets of maritime forest. Property visits not only involve monitoring, but also include litter clean-up and looking for land management opportunities to further improve habitat. Wildlife sightings are also a common occurrence during stewardship visits. The Kiawah Conservancy continues to work with the Kiawah Island Community Association to remove invasive plant species from preserved lots and conservation easement areas. Since 2011, efforts have focused on treating Chinese tallow trees, a species that will invade and disrupt freshwater wetlands. Continuing to manage these invasive exotic plants will protect Kiawah’s unique natural areas and the wildlife they sustain. We are pleased to report that all of the Conervancy’s preserved properties remain in habitat-rich, natural states and that all conservation easements are in compliance. If you are interested in participating in the Kiawah Conservancy’s land stewardship program, which may involve some hiking, marsh trekking and/or kayaking, please contact our office. Properties Owned: • Properties Under Conservation Easement: Wassén Preserve 9 Airy Hall • 41 Marsh Edge Lane • Beck Island • 107 Marsh Elder Court • Briar’s Creek Marsh & Hummocks Maritime Forest Reserve & Nature Trail 133 Conifer Lane • 227 Sea Marsh Drive • Little Bear Island • 523 Ruddy Turnstone Drive • Salt Cedar Lane/Falcon Point Road Nature Area • 77 New Settlement Road • 38 Berkshire Hall • Rhett’s Bluff Nature Area • Plenty’s Island • 765 Curlew Court • Indigo Park Nature Areas • 168 Bluebill Court • 66 Blue Heron Pond Road • Otter Island Nature Area • 25 Arrowhead Hall • 579 Oyster Rake • 141 Red Cedar Lane • 83x Blue Heron Pond Road • 7