Reflections on 2022
The Kiawah Conservancy celebrated a milestone year in 2022 – our 25th anniversary ! As many of us can relate , celebrating a silver anniversary is a significant accomplishment . Key to the success and longevity of the Conservancy is the vision and guidance of our one and only Executive Director , Donna Windham . Thanks to Donna ’ s leadership and wisdom , the Conservancy has remained steadfast and dedicated to the organization ’ s mission and goals .
The year started with the completion of the rigorous review process to renew our accreditation with the national Land Trust Alliance ( LTA ). This renewed accreditation continues our partnership with a national network of organizations united by strong ethical practices in land conservation . This status within the LTA underlines and validates the work and accomplishments of our excellent staff . Kudos to all our staff and interns who worked diligently to meet these demands .
Many successful program and initiatives were completed in 2022 . Highlights include :
• Ecological Health Report – We published our first annual “ state of the island ” report ( The Ecological Health of Kiawah Island - 2021 ). This report is based on our continued studies of the island ’ s wildlife habitats and environment .
• Educational Outreach – The Conservancy continued its many educational programs both on and off the island , including working with local schools . Many of these programs were highlighted during our very successful week-long Earth Day celebration .
• Bobcat Research – We raised $ 26,250 to support ongoing bobcat research on Kiawah Island . Kiawah ’ s research represents one of the longest continual bobcat research projects nationwide .
• Sea Turtle Research – The Conservancy raised funds to support the University of Georgia ’ s ongoing research of the sea turtles that nest along the South Carolina and Georgia coastlines . The study uses DNA from nesting sea turtle eggs to assess several things , including which mothers have returned to our shores to nest , and how many times they have returned .
• Land Preservation – The Conservancy ’ s main goal is to preserve in perpetuity land crucial to wildlife habitat and ecological health . We do this by fee-simple purchases , acceptance of land donations , and implementation of conservation easements . This ensures the land will not be developed and remain wildlife habitat forever . In 2022 , the Conservancy accepted seven new land donations and two new conservation easements . See page 5 to learn more about these properties .
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the Conservancy staff that made all of this possible . Many thanks to Donna , Beverly , Jennifer , Lee , Collie , Katie , and Adam . It is through their continued hard work that we are able to achieve many of the Conservancy ’ s lofty goals .
Thank You !
Roland Hoffman Chair , Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
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