2021 Habitat Health
Kiawah ’ s rich ecology is demonstrated by the numerous resident and migratory wildlife species , which are supported by the various habitats found across the island . This includes 18 species of mammals , 30 species of reptiles and amphibians , 300 species of birds , and over 67 endangered and threatened species . Protection and enhancement of these habitats are essential to the overall ecological health of Kiawah Island .
In 2021 , the Conservancy began implementation of our newly established 2030 Strategic Plan , which provides guidance for our activities over the next decade . This strategic plan identifies our goals for ecological health through our new mission statement :
“ We measure , manage , improve , and advocate for the ecological health of Kiawah Island and its environs .”
Kiawah Island Habitats 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 . Beginning in 2021 , the Conservancy produced a comprehensive report on the ecological health of each habitat titled “ The Ecological Health of Kiawah Island 2021 : First Annual Report .” This document provides a description of the various natural habitat types , as well as on-island research highlighting their conditions . These include five different natural habitat types found throughout Kiawah Island :
• Beaches and dunes provide nesting and foraging spaces for a variety of shorebirds , nesting areas for sea turtles , and an important storm buffer for the Island .
• Shrub thickets are found behind beach dunes and along the edges of saltmarshes . They provide an excellent habitat for bobcats and are critical habitats for painted buntings and other migratory songbirds .
• Maritime forests are the most diverse habitat on Kiawah Island and support a host of wildlife species .
• Tidal salt marshes are one of the most productive habitat types on Earth . They provide space for wading birds and nursery areas for fish .
• Ponds are heavily utilized by alligators , wading birds , and migratory waterfowl . They are critical habitat for amphibian populations .
Each of these habitats contribute to the overall ecological health of Kiawah Island by supporting natural processes and local wildlife . Understanding the health of these areas is important for their protection and management to maximize the benefits provided to wildlife . As part of the new Ecological Health Initiative , the Conservancy identified indicators for each habitat type . These indicators will provide a framework for research and monitoring efforts to better understand habitat health throughout Kiawah Island , as well as guide future efforts to restore and enhance habitats for wildlife .
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 in 2011 to encourage property owners to have habitat friendly landscapes in an effort to enhance natural habitats available for wildlife . 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 which 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 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 consists of understory shrubs and ground cover plants . Open areas , such as turf or laid pine straw are minimized . The understory not only provides cover , but also offers food sources , which are very important to birds . Lightly maintained shrubs that exhibit a more natural look are more beneficial to wildlife . Additionally , using native species helps maintain the ecological integrity of the Island .
• There are no exotic invasive plant species ( tallow trees , non-clumping bamboo ) observed . These invasive plants are difficult to control and over time can have negative impacts on Kiawah ’ s ecology by outcompeting native species . Additionally , tallow trees can have harmful effects on unique habitats , especially the Island ’ s limited freshwater wetlands .
4 Photo by Jack Kotz