With examples of each of the Island ’ s diverse habitat types now protected by the Kiawah Conservancy and a robust Naturally Kiawah Recognition Program in place , we are increasingly positioned to ensure the ongoing health of the Island ’ s ecosystems as our community grows .
We offer our deepest appreciation for these gifts of land . Natural habitat , where it exists across the Island , is extremely important to wildlife . Even small pockets are frequently used as resting cover or in conjunction with movement corridors by a variety of species .
If you own undeveloped land on Kiawah and are interested in learning more about making a donation of property to the Kiawah Conservancy , please contact our Land Preservation Coordinator , Justin Core , at justin @ kiawahconservancy . org or ( 843 ) 768- 2029 . A gift of land in perpetuity greatly supports the Kiawah Conservancy ’ s mission . To learn more about the Conservancy and its conservation lands , visit www . kiawahconservancy . org .
Photo by jack Kotz
2016 Land Stewardship Report
Throughout the year the Kiawah Conservancy conducts its land stewardship and property monitoring duties . In 2016 , Conservancy staff members and volunteers visited 31 properties , encompassing 345 acres . We are happy to report that all of the Conservancy ’ s properties remain in habitat-rich , natural states and all conservation easements are in compliance . In addition to monitoring , we developed baseline documentation for the Conservancy ’ s newest preserved properties at 112 Halona Lane , 134 Halona Lane , 74 Blue Heron Pond Road , and 269 Doral Open .
Property visits not only involve monitoring , but also include invasive plant documentation , primarily of Chinese tallow trees ( Triadica sebifera ). In the fall of 2016 , the Conservancy partnered with the Town of Kiawah Island to establish tallow tree control practices on its preserved properties . Tallow trees were treated or removed on 45 acres of conservation land . Left unmanaged , tallow trees can
Properties Owned
•
• Wassén Preserve – located at 9 Airy Hall
••
Maritime Forest Reserve & Nature Trail – located at 133 Conifer Lane
••
77 New Settlement Road
••
168 Bluebill Court
••
25 Arrowhead Hall
••
141 Red Cedar Lane
••
41 Marsh Edge Lane
••
107 Marsh Elder Court
••
227 Sea Marsh Drive
••
523 Ruddy Turnstone Drive
••
38 Berkshire Hall
••
765 Curlew Court
••
66 Blue Heron Pond Road
••
74 Blue Heron Pond Road
•
••
579 Oyster Rake
••
112 Halona Lane
••
128 Halona Lane
••
130 Halona Lane
••
132 Halona Lane
••
134 Halona Lane
••
1 & 2 Little Rabbit Lane
••
60 Salthouse Lane
••
269 Doral Open
••
Plenty ’ s Island
••
Osprey Point Nature Area
•
• 83x Blue Heron Pond Road
• Ocean Course Drive Nature Area outcompete and eventually displace native plant communities — in effect causing the loss of unique habitats , primarily freshwater wetlands , and impacting wildlife that rely on those areas .
Additional tasks associated with monitoring visits include litter cleanup and looking for land management opportunities to further improve habitat such as restoring native vegetation . Wildlife sightings are also a common occurrence during stewardship visits .
Taking care of our preserved properties and implementing a robust land stewardship program is an important responsibility for the Kiawah Conservancy . During its Land Trust Accreditation review , the Conservancy received special recognition from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for its stewardship program .
If you are interested in participating in the Conservancy ’ s land stewardship efforts , which may involve some hiking , marsh trekking or kayaking , please contact our office .
Properties Under Conservation Easement
••
Beck Island
••
Briar ’ s Creek Marsh & Hummocks
••
Little Bear Island
••
Salt Cedar Lane / Falcon Point Road Nature Area
••
Rhett ’ s Bluff Nature Area
••
Indigo Park Nature Areas
••
Otter Island Nature Area
••
Marsh Island Park
9