Over the summer , we launched Junior Explorers , the Kiawah Conservancy ’ s newest educational program for kids . An astounding 52 Junior Explorers joined us on July 22 for the first event , Tailgating with Turtles . During the event , Junior Explorers and their families learned all about the sea turtles that nest on Kiawah ’ s beach , how the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol helps protect them , and how we can all pitch in to help sea turtles !
September officially marked the Kiawah Conservancy ’ s 25 th anniversary and we held a very special event at the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden at Night Heron Park to celebrate our wonderful community . Along with food trucks and live music , we invited local artists and artisans to showcase their nature-based art and enjoyed an afternoon with art in the park .
We had a busy October , starting with Kiawah Island Bobcat Week . We kicked off the week with a panel discussion about bobcat research on the island and ended with an outdoor walk led by Clemson Researcher , Meaghan Keating . Following Bobcat Week , we were excited to sow the seeds of South Carolina Native Plant Week by having renowned entomologist , Doug Tallamy , present and discuss effective landscape designs that enhance local ecosystems and the importance of native plant communities . Throughout Native Plant Week , we held several walks and talks , a watercolor workshop , and concluded with a Native Plant Pop-Up Shop .
The Kiawah Conservancy worked with Charleston Promise Neighborhood in November to complete a beautification project at James Simons Elementary School . It was a fun morning with our volunteers and those from other organizations as well as students from James Simons to clean up the front and side areas of the school .
We have continued to spread the word about the importance of rain gardens throughout the area , including Johns Island . This year we worked with elementary students at both Charleston Collegiate and Frierson Elementary to install rain gardens in flood-prone areas on school grounds . The students were very excited to discuss the benefits of rain gardens and were not afraid to get their hands dirty while planting many kinds of native plants !
We ’ ve continued our efforts to keep the habitats of Kiawah litter-free by hosting monthly island litter sweeps in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium . Every third Saturday , our group of volunteers met at Mingo Point to sweep along the Kiawah Island Parkway and a few select bike path and beach boardwalk locations . We then cataloged the types of trash collected and added that information to the South Carolina Aquarium ’ s Digital Journal . This data is used to help us get a better understanding of the most common types of litter . In 2022 , our wonderful volunteers collected and properly disposed of an astounding 15,000 + pieces of litter .
We can ’ t wrap up our 2022 Highlights without discussing our annual Gala ! We returned to the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island to celebrate and raise funds for conservation . Exciting announcements were made as we celebrated 25 years of conservation success . Guests enjoyed exceptional food , exciting raffles , and a lively silent auction . David Elliott was recognized as the 2022 Legacy Award recipient and received a standing ovation in recognition as a founder of the Kiawah Conservancy . And , we were honored and overwhelmed by your generosity !
Thank you for an amazing 2022 . We look forward to another successful year 2023 .
The best is yet to come !
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