Looking Forward
2017is a very special
year for the Kiawah Conservancy as we celebrate 20 years since the time of our organization . We are proud of what we have already accomplished , and as we look forward , we are confident that the Conservancy ’ s mission of preserving and enhancing Kiawah Island ’ s unique balance of nature and development remains relevant today and into the future as buildout of the Island approaches .
Everything that the Kiawah Conservancy does is directly related to supporting our mission , and thanks to our contributors , partners , volunteers , dedicated staff , and board , we are well positioned to achieve our goals in 2017 and beyond . As we look forward into our anniversary year , we are excited about our new and continuing programs .
In the area of land preservation , we will continue with our previously successful efforts to secure donations of undeveloped land to be preserved in perpetuity . A key goal during our 20th anniversary year is to add significantly to the 350 acres are already held under conservation easements . The Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program , which encourages owners of developed lots to restore and maintain understory , is critical for preserving Kiawah ’ s thriving wildlife .
We will continue these efforts and we will provide support and maintenance of the Naturally Kiawah Garden . The garden is a living resource where Island residents can observe various types of native species that thrive in our coastal climate . We will continue to support active bird banding and alligator research programs together with our Town of Kiawah Island and Kiawah Island Community Association partners . Our Naturally Kiawah Pathways Project now has seven self-guided island tours in operation that provide information on wildlife and the Island ’ s natural beauty to residents and visitors alike . We will be adding more tours during 2017 , and we encourage you to try them .
Communicating the importance of nature preservation and enhancement as well as educating our constituents is a vital goal of the Conservancy , and in this area we will be striving to capture your attention with each issue of our Naturally Kiawah magazine and through our Conservation Matters programs . We will also be holding our fourth symposium in October , this time on the topic of shore birds , and we hope you will be able to join us for this special event .
The Kiawah Conservancy could not be successful without the active participation and support of our partners . We will work closely with the Town of Kiawah Island , the Kiawah Island Community Association , the Kiawah Golf Resort , and Kiawah Development Partners .
Achieving our mission is completely dependent on the generosity of our donors and volunteers , and we will strive to produce a return on investment for your help and support as we work together to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the very special place that we are fortunate to call home .
Richard Ames , Chairman Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
Photo by Larry Corio
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