Reflections on 2016
Thanks to the generous support of the Kiawah community , 2016 was a very good year for your Kiawah Conservancy . As we complete our second decade of conservation , we are on a very solid foundation . We added four new properties in 2016 and now have stewardship of more than 348 acres of property to be preserved in its natural state in perpetuity .
We have a very talented and experienced staff , and with many volunteers from the community , we have been able to expand and enhance our educational programming . Participation in the Naturally Kiawah Recognition Program continues to grow as we work with property owners to restore and enhance wildlife habitat .
The Demonstration Garden in Night Heron Park continues to provide important examples of landscaping to support wildlife . We have expanded our Naturally Kiawah Pathways program , developing applications for smartphones and tablets that guide residents and guests through the very best of Kiawah ’ s natural habitats .
We continue to work with our partners in the community to support wildlife and habitat research . With support from the Town of Kiawah Island , we were able to produce a new documentary on the
alligators that roam our Island as we continue to study the health of the Island ’ s alligator population .
In 2016 , we continued to improve our financial position . Our balance sheet strength and liquidity are the best they have ever been . Contributions , grants and events benefitting the Conservancy increased again last year . We fully funded the Stewardship Endowment that we created at the end of 2015 .
In keeping with our desire to live up to the highest standards of the conservation world , we decided to apply for accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance . We are happy to report that after a concerted effort by our staff and board , we were notified in February of 2017 that we were approved for accreditation . This designation confirms that we operate at a standard set by the very best land trusts in the country .
Finally , I am again pleased to report that the Conservancy uses over 75 % of all donations in support of our mission . We thank you for your help in fulfilling our mission and look forward to your continued support in 2017 and beyond .
Kevin Cox , Chairman Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
Photo by Renee Levow
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