Reflections on 2020
I imagine most of you were as anxious as I am to see 2020 come to an end . It has been a year of firsts , postponements , cancellations , and overall anxiety . We mourn those we have lost to COVID and encourage everyone to continue to use common sense and stay safe .
Yet , in the midst of hardship many have experienced , we realize that the Conservancy has learned - and indeed accomplished – quite a bit ! We have learned how to master the world of ZOOM ! We have confirmed the talent and commitment of our professional staff . With the uncertainty we all have faced , Donna , Jennifer , Lee , and Beverly displayed the work ethic and creativity to not only maintain our operations but to thrive in this challenging environment .
We learned that , with patience and the skill of our Board of Trustees , we were able to craft what we believe our role for the next ten years will be . Our just completed 2030 Strategic Plan calls on us to accomplish many tasks . We will become an even stronger and more vocal advocate for all aspects of the ecological health of the island . We will endeavor to protect and preserve the natural habitat on and around Kiawah , extending our environmental concern to property within the Kiawah River watershed approaching the island .
The Conservancy will take a more proactive role in restoring and enhancing island habitat , offering unique regenerative programs to residents . We will also continue to recognize the critical role education plays in encouraging our different audiences , visitors , residents and entities , to respect and protect the unique , natural properties that make Kiawah so special to all of us . Our organization will work hard to become better listeners as we initiate programs and cooperate with all island groups .
Finally , we have once again confirmed how special our supporters are . Like most non-profit organizations , it was not at all clear to us how 2020 would progress and what kind of financial condition we would find ourselves in at its conclusion . I am happy to report that we are in a strong financial position . We thank you for and celebrate your generosity and the endorsement you have given our mission and activities .
It has been an honor to serve as the Chair of the Conservancy Board of Trustees for the last two years . We have accomplished much . We look forward to accomplishing even more in the future .
Thank You !
Rich Warner , Chair Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
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