Basing our work on sound science has always been
a fundamental principle that has also been refined and
improved over the past 22 years. Much of this work
has been done in cooperation with TOKI and its two
wildlife biologists, but we have also relied on outside
consultants many of whom are affiliated with academic
and government institutions. All of this is coordinated
by our Environmental Science Committee which has
always been led by qualified scientists. We now know
much more about deer, alligators, bobcats, painted
buntings, loggerhead turtles, red knots, and many
migratory bird species. Did you know that, while rarely
seen, there are mink in the outer reaches of the marsh?
Or that Kiawah is the northern limit of naturally
grown slash pines that are the dominant pine on the
island, and not loblollies? None of us did until the
Conservancy sponsored the necessary studies.
The Conservancy itself has also continued to evolve
over the years. Initially our Board of Trustees included
representatives of every organization on the Island
along with property owners who displayed an interest.
Currently we have a smaller but enthusiastic Board
with effective continuity and transition plans. We have
also developed key professional liaisons with many
other organizations, working in tandem to protect our
island. Finally, the Conservancy is also represented on
the Town’s Environmental Committee.
In our very early days, the Conservancy struggled to
meet payroll for one part-time administrator. Trustees
appeared on my front doorstep with plastic Easter
eggs, each containing a check for $1,000. Fortunately,
financial support has increased, and we were able to
withstand the recession ten years ago without laying
off any of our highly capable staff. A year ago, we were
successful in a $1,000,000 capital drive which would
Kiawah Conservancy 2018 Annual Report
have been impossible in the early days.
Initially we recognized major donors with
artwork, including a beautiful painting by the late
Charley Harper, internationally famous for his
“minimum realism” style of portraying fauna and
flora. Charley came to Kiawah from Cincinnati
at his own expense to produce the painting pro
bono. He lives on with us in the prints some of us
are privileged to have hanging on our walls, in our
Painted Bunting logo, and in the Painted Bunting
Society which recognizes major supporters at an
annual event.
As the Conservancy evolved, we quickly realized
the importance of cooperative relationships with the
“Maze of Ks”—KICA, TOKI, KIGR, and KP. Often
times we have been able to provide technical advice
on plans and strategies that benefit us all.
Also essential to the Conservancy’s success has been
our increased focus on communication with property
owners. We started with the Legacy of Kiawah video
documentary that was mailed to every property owner,
resident or non-resident. We have made periodic updates
and had new documentaries produced on sea turtles,
alligators, shorebirds and bobcats. These documentaries,
which have been successful presentations at the Legacy
Ball and our Conservation Matters programs, have
won several awards. The Conservancy website has been
continuously improved, as has our Naturally Kiawah
magazine. The Naturally Kiawah Garden and our self-
guided Naturally Kiawah Pathways tours add effectively
to our communications program. Just as importantly,
these efforts serve to educate our property owners and
guests about what goes into preserving Kiawah’s delicate
balance of nature and development and the important
roles individuals can play.
David Elliott.
A Strategic Plan, developed in 2012, was a major
step forward for the Conservancy. While maintaining
our fundamental objectives and principles, it further
refined how they are achieved and has been an
excellent guide to our operations.
The strategic plan is currently being updated in
our Vision 2030 efforts. We will review what can be
improved and what changes require consideration. For
example, rising ocean levels will almost certainly affect
the Island’s habitat and wildlife. What do we need to
do to address the consequent impacts? Do we need
to develop stronger relationships with organizations
external to Kiawah in order to address these
challenges? Along with these efforts and continued
cooperation with our partners and our residents, we
can be assured that what was initially an acorn with
limited opportunity to survive will continue its growth
into a magnificent live oak.
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