Looking Forward
As we move forward into 2022 , there are many exciting things going on at the Conservancy . Not only has the size of our staff expanded , but the number of our programs has increased , and our work on Kiawah and neighboring islands has grown .
Earlier this year , the Conservancy issued our first annual Ecological Health of Kiawah Island Report . The Ecological Health Committee compiled information from the database of numerous studies that have been funded on Kiawah related to the status of the beach , animal habitats , maritime forests , salt marshes , ponds , and shrub thickets . This first report uses the numerous studies and databases , dating back to the 1975 Environmental Report of Kiawah Island . Utilizing this information , we have established a base line with which to measure the health of each of the areas mentioned above on a year-to-year basis .
We are continuing our work with the Town of Kiawah ( TOKI ) and the College of Charleston studying the environmental conditions such as ground water , marshes and ponds . This will be partially funded by grants that will enable us to obtain a holistic understanding of the groundwater , the Kiawah watershed , and the potential effects on wildlife habitat . This will be performed in the below studies :
• Integrated Watershed Study conducted with the Town of Kiawah to gain a better understanding of what activities affect the Kiawah watershed and how we can best work to preserve the Kiawah watershed .
• Emergency Coastal Resiliency Fund used to identify nature based practices that would improve overall quality and resiliency for wildlife . This will be in conjunction with local governments and other entities in the Lowcountry .
Our work in restoration enhancement is in full swing . We have been working with local nurseries , along with TOKI and the Kiawah Island Community Association ( KICA ), to provide a list of native plants that are suited for planting on Kiawah . This will provide better habitat for the Kiawah wildlife . A list can be found online or we will be glad to provide you with one .
The Conservancy staff is continuing to develop educational programs for elementary school children and present them to local schools . These programs broaden awareness of the environment and will include potential gardening methods such as rain gardens .
As you can see , 2022 looks to be a busy but very rewarding year . With your continued support , we look forward to completing this work and expanding the Conservancy ’ s reach and involvement in the community .
Thank You !
Roland Hoffman , Chair Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
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