For almost 10 years , Sue Corcoran has been involved in the Kiawah Island Conservancy . She has served on many committees and was a dedicated Board chair . As Sue reflects on her years of service , she is most gratified by seeing the Conservancy ’ s Strategic Plan developed . She stresses that the plan evolved from the residents of Kiawah through a series of meetings to ascertain what people valued about the natural resources and how they might like to see the resources preserved .
Not only was Sue influential in developing the plan , she has been rewarded by seeing it become the guiding principle behind every Conservancy program and decision . She insists that once the vision was set , the Trustees have NOT lost sight of it . Research based knowledge and informed appreciation are at the heart of this nonprofit grassroots organization .
Sue Corcoran is very much responsible . Sue and her husband have a selfish reason for conserving Kiawah ’ s natural resources . Their grandchildren , ranging from young adult to little kids , have fallen in love with the place , much as their parents did over 30 years ago when on a family vacation . There could be no greater legacy , in Sue ’ s opinion , than to leave this place for generations to come as an incredible place where the natural world and the human world meet and coexist so that both can thrive .
Did you know that you can download an app to your smartphone and take seven different self-guided tours of Kiawah Island ? It is true , thanks to Dick Fishburn and the Conservancy ’ s Habitat Committee . These tours cover all sections of the island . Just start on a pathway , follow the directions and visit 10 “ points of interest ” on each tour . An audio explanation will automatically begin at every point of interest .
Residents have been pleasantly surprised to learn new things about this place they have been calling home for years , and visitors delight in taking a bike ride with a purpose . Dick and his wife Kathy find their work with the Conservancy to be very enjoyable and extremely rewarding . Seeing the focus of habitat preservation extend from property acquisition to property enhancement is a move that Dick applauds . He is quick to cite research that shows that the wildlife on Kiawah can adapt to development as long as they have the proper cover to move , hunt , and reproduce .
When starting a new home on Kiawah , an owner can landscape with native plants , trees , and flowers that provide the various canopy layers conducive to supporting wildlife . Owners of existing homes can gradually add to the grasses and bushes on either side of their property . While biking or walking around the many neighborhoods on Kiawah , Dick remarks that he is encouraged to see more and more Conservancy signs on the mailboxes of those who have done their part to preserve wildlife habitat by creating and maintaining natural areas within their homes ’ landscapes .
11