From an Acorn to an Oak Tree
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Story and photograph by David Elliott, founding Board of Trustees member
ver since its founding, the Kiawah Conservancy has maintained a consistent focus
on preserving the health and natural beauty of Kiawah. Through maintenance of our
diverse habitat we believe it is possible to protect our unique fauna and flora. The
means by which we, along with our many partners, have implemented this strategy has
continuously evolved over time.
To implement this objective, the Conservancy has always recognized the importance of the
acquisition of properties and conservation easements. Initially we studied every undeveloped lot
on the Island to identify properties that might be suitable for protection. Today that list is based on
accumulated data indicating wildlife patterns of feeding, nesting, and denning. The list is prioritized
and acknowledges strategic targets. It allows us to move quickly and with certainty when unexpected
opportunities arrive. The recent acquisition of Little Rabbit North and all the unprotected marsh around
the Island, including the hummock islands that are so important to wildlife, is a perfect example.
From our early days, we encouraged property owners, be they residents, nonresidents, the Kiawah
Island Community Association (KICA), the Town of Kiawah Island (TOKI), the Kiawah Island Golf
Resort (KIGR), or Kiawah Partners (KP), to landscape property in ways consistent with this vision.
More recently, as research showed the critical importance of habitat provided on the developed
properties of homeowners, we increased our emphasis in this area. Our Naturally Kiawah Habitat
Protection Program that recognizes property owners who have wildlife friendly properties has been
very successful. You can see our mailbox emblems all over the Island.
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