The Habitat Health of Kiawah Island
Kiawah ’ s rich ecology is demonstrated by the numerous wildlife species which are supported by the various habitats found across the island . The island ’ s maritime forest , tidal salt marsh , and shrub thicket habitats support a great diversity of resident wildlife , who live on the island yearround , and the seasonal migratory wildlife . Protection and enhancement of these habitats makes Kiawah Island unique among developed resort communities . Gaining a complete understanding of the Island ’ s distinct habitats and the wildlife interactions within them 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
• Intertidal Beach & Dunes : Nesting and foraging space for a variety of shorebirds and sea turtles . These areas also serve as an important storm buffer for the Island .
• Shrub Thicket : Shrub thickets found behind beach dunes and marsh edges are the most important daytime resting cover for bobcats . They also serve as critical habitat for painted buntings and other migratory songbirds .
• Maritime Forest : Upland forest habitats on the island are the most diverse habitat on Kiawah and support a host of wildlife .
• Tidal Salt Marsh : One of the most productive habitat types on Earth , providing space for wading birds and nursery areas for fish .
• Ponds & Freshwater Wetlands : Heavily utilized by alligators , wading birds , migratory waterfowl , and amphibians .
• The remaining portions of the Island are composed primarily of developed land , golf courses , streets , and parks .
Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program As development continues on the Island , enhancement of the natural habitat in these areas is essential to the continued success of the various wildlife found on Kiawah . The Conservancy developed the Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program to encourage property owners to have habitat friendly landscapes in an effort to enhance the natural habitat . Residential properties on Kiawah are assessed continually and those with habitat friendly landscapes receive the Naturally Kiawah Emblem , which is placed on their mailbox .
For a property owner ’ s landscape to receive the Naturally Kiawah designation , it must provide wildlife habitat by including the following features :
• Dense side buffers that include 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 .
• The majority of the main yard is comprised of
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