The Habitat Health of Kiawah Island
Kiawah ’ s rich ecology is demonstrated by the various habitats found across the Island and the numerous wildlife species those habitats support . Collectively , the variety of flora found in the maritime forests , tidal salt marshes , and shrub thickets provides support for a great diversity of resident and migratory wildlife . This makes Kiawah Island unique among developed resort communities .
Gaining a complete understanding of the Island ’ s different habitats allows the Kiawah Conservancy to make important decisions regarding land conservation and habitat improvement . The following information is a review of the current state of the Island ’ s habitat health :
Kiawah Island Habitats
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Intertidal Beach : Nesting and foraging space for a variety of shorebirds .
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Dunes : Nesting place for our sea turtles and a vital storm buffer for the Island .
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Maritime Shrub Thicket : The most important daytime resting cover for bobcats .
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Maritime Forest : The most diverse habitat on Kiawah , supporting a host of wildlife .
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Salt Shrub Thicket : An essential space for painted buntings and other migratory songbirds .
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Tidal Salt Marsh : One of the most productive habitat types on Earth , the marsh also provides space for wading birds and nursery areas for fish .
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Ponds : Heavily utilized by alligators , wading birds , and migratory waterfowl .
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Freshwater Wetlands : Critical habitat for amphibian populations .
The remaining portions of the Island are composed primarily of developed land , golf courses , streets , and parks .
Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program The Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program was developed to encourage property owners to partner with the Kiawah Conservancy in its mission by restoring and maintaining wildlife habitat in residential landscapes . As development continues on the Island , enhancement , and recognition of the importance of these areas is essential to the continued success of many of our wildlife species .
For an owner ’ s landscape to receive the Naturally Kiawah designation , it must provide wildlife habitat by
including the following features :
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Dense side buffers that contain a variety of understory and ground cover plantings adjacent to neighboring properties . Buffer strips provide a means for privacy from adjacent lots or roads , and they also ensure that wildlife has ample cover to nest or rest . These strips of habitat also serve as important travel corridors that connect natural areas .
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The majority of the main yard is comprised of understory shrubs and ground cover plants . Open spaces , such as turf or laid pine straw are
Photo by Paul Roberts
4 Kiawah Conservancy 2017 Annual Report