2021 Highlights
For a year that began in uncertainty , 2021 turned out to be resoundingly successful and fun ! In 2021 , the Kiawah Conservancy introduced our new Strategic Plan , increased our land preservation footprint , got back to in-person programs and events , fulfilled our stewardship responsibilities , and had the honor of working with a variety of volunteers and conservationists .
Strategic Plan for 2030 In early 2021 , the Conservancy rolled out our newly completed Strategic Plan and began working immediatley toward the goals and strategies outlined within in the plan .
Preserved Properties The Conservancy preserved nine new properties .
• 29 Lemoyne Lane
• 137 Blue Heron Pond
• 1 Members Lane
• 2 Members Lane
• 3 Members Lane
• 4 Members Lane
• 5 Members Lane
• 6 Members Lane
• 7 Members Lane
These properties , totaling 8.83 acres , provide travel corridors and resting areas for wildlife .
New Staff , Interns , and Trustees Collie Farah joined the Conservancy staff as our Land Preservation Specialist in early 2021 and immediately got to work overseeing the stewardship of our preserved lands , acquisition of new lands , and the upkeep of our Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden and Maritime Forest Reserve and Nature Trail . Joining Collie in his efforts were Brandon Johnson , Horticulture Intern , and Charlie Smith , Land Preservation Intern . The three worked together harmoniously and the Conservancy ’ s land preservation and steward efforts excelled in response .
Lexi Watson returned to us in 2021 as a Land Stewardship Intern and worked diligently along side Sr . Ecological Health and Conservation Coordinator , Lee Bundrick , in the areas of research and grant writing .
Brice Motes , a graduate student at the College of Charleston , joined our team as a Land Conservation Intern , also working with Lee to layout the Conservancy ’ s revised Conservation Plan and map key areas .
Andrew Baumann , joined the Conservancy staff as our Digital Content Specialist and was tasked with overseeing the Conservancy ’ s social media accounts , email communications , and the design and implementation of our new website . If you haven ’ t seen our new website yet , make sure to check it out at www . kiawahconservancy . org . Andrew did an excellent job and he ’ s always looking for tips on how to make it better .
Taylor Franklin , joined the Conservancy staff as our Educational Outreach Specialist and spent the year working on a variety of community outreach programs . She provided educational programs to local schools and started a Kiawah Island Litter Cleanup program in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium . Taylor coordinated community events at the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden , Earth Week programs , and worked with other local conservation groups to educate guests and residents on the needs of our local wildlife and habitats . Unfortunately , Taylor left us in early 2022 , but we were lucky to find an equally qualified and enthusiastic replacement in Katie Warner .
The communications team also welcomed two interns in 2021 . Adam Wolfe , a student at Loyola University , and Alexander Arquette , a Majors Program Intern from Charleston Colligate Day School put their passion and skill in photography and videography to use . They created beautiful , educational pieces for the Conservancy ’ s social media , website , and educational programs .
In 2021 , the Conservancy Board welcomed six new Trustees .
• Denise Baker
• Larry Corio
• Jack Kotz
• Tom Lindstrom
• Tobi Rozen
• Ed Wile
Unfortunately , we had to say goodbye , for now , to five Trustees as they rolled off of our Board in 2021 .
• Richard Ames
• Frank Cassidy
• Bob Fetch
• Cindy Perry
• Mike Shalosky
We ’ re excited to see what our new Trustees bring to the table and hope to work with the Trustees that rolled off our Board this year in other ways .
Programs and Events The year started off with quarantine and cancelled programs , but with vaccines soon to become available we grew hopeful for the opportunity to hold in-person activities again and were excited to do so in April with our Earth Week walks and talks featuring Jane Ellis and Lee Bundrick and our kayak paddle with the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Naturalists . Later in May , we were thrilled to host our first largescale in-person program in over a year . This Garden Party event at the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden in Night Heron Park featured walks and talks about native plants and insects , food trucks , music , educational booths , a native plant sale , and free seed bomb giveaways . It was a resounding success and everyone enjoyed finally being able to gather together again . We enjoyed it so much we repeated it in September with a Shaggin ’ the Summer Away Garden Party .
We can ’ t wrap up our 2021 Highlights without discussing the Legacy Gala ! The theme for this year ’ s gala , Better Together , was perfectly fitting as we gathered at the West Beach Conference Center in record numbers to celebrate and raise funds for conservation . Scenes of our volunteers , staff , and supporters were projected onto the building for all to see and enjoy as they arrived at the event . The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol was recognized as the 2021 Legacy Award Recipient and received a standing ovation for their efforts . And , we were honored and overwhelmed by your generosity .
Thank you for an amazing 2021 , despite the challenges . We look forward to another successful year 2022 . The best is yet to come !
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