2013 Kiawah Conservancy Annual Report 2013 | Page 7

Who Is the Kiawah Conservancy and What Does It Do? 2013 Wildlife Data (continued) The Kiawah Conservancy is a grassroots organization established by Kiawah Island • Bobcat population: 30-35; six bobcats tracked via GPS collars in 2013 residents in 1997 to preserve the natural habitat of Kiawah Island. The Kiawah Conservancy is • Fall Migration Bird Banding: 4,529 birds banded (82 species), committed to: including 1,144 recaptures. • preserving natural habitat in perpetuity by acquiring undeveloped property; • Marsh Sparrow Banding: 323 birds banded during the 2012-13 season • accepting conservation easements on undeveloped land in perpetuity; (9 species), including 149 recaptures. • stewarding properties that it owns and properties on which it has accepted easements; More wildlife information can be found at: www.wildlifeatkiawah.com. • providing the incentive, guidelines and support for property owners to restore or Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program enhance their landscaping in a habitat friendly manner; • 54% of developed single-family home sites exhibit landscapes that meet • conducting and supporting research that helps maintain healthy habitats and wildlife the Naturally Kiawah criteria for providing important wildlife habitat. species, both resident and migratory, of Kiawah Island; • This is equal to approximately 300 acres of managed habitat for • identifying and closely monitoring threats to Kiawah Island’s flora and fauna and wildlife. engaging with other Island entities to address these threats; Tallow Tree Management Efforts • providing educational opportunities for property owners, service providers and visitors • Left unmanaged, tallow trees can outcompete and eventually displace on a variety of topics including the benefits of habitat preservation and improvement native plant communities - in effect causing the loss of unique habitats, and how to protect and sustain the wildlife and critical plant species found on Kiawah primarily freshwater wetlands, and impacting wildlife that rely on these Island; areas. • providing extensive communications and information channels that keep property • The Town of Kiawah Island completed its Phase I treatment of tallow owners and visitors aware of environmentally-focused events; and trees in the fall of 2013, concentrating efforts on areas of tallow trees • partnering closely with Island organizations and businesses to foster common directly impacting freshwater wetlands. environmental values and a shared vision for Kiawah’s unique balance of nature and • In conjunction with Phase II efforts, the Kiawah Island Community development. Association (KICA) Land Management Department also completed its first year of management on all KICA buffer properties. coexist. The Kiawah Conservancy is committeed to maintaining this balance through preservation, • The Kiawah Conservancy works with KICA to manage and treat tallow trees on its preserved properties across the Island. References: “A Vegetation Survey of Kiawah Island” Dr. Joel Gramling (2012) Kiawah Island is a unique community where residents, visitors and wildlife successfully management and community education. Partner with the Kiawah Conservancy and protect Kiawah’s legacy for future generations. Reach us at 843-768-2029. Visit us online at www.kiawahconservancy.org. “Like” the Kiawah Conservancy on Facebook and follow @KiawahConserv on Twitter. 3