Restoration and Enhancement
Native Planting Initiatives In 2023 , the Kiawah Conservancy took significant strides in promoting native plant use and enhancing the health of the Kiawah River Watershed . Over 3,500 native plants were planted , and an additional 4,500 plants were initiated through the inaugural native plant sale , co-sponsored with Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy . These efforts reflect our commitment to conserving the unique environment of the Kiawah River Watershed .
Community Partnerships for Native Planting Collaborating with Indigo Park HOA and Windswept II HOA , the Conservancy enhanced common areas with native plants , creating habitats for pollinators and enhancing aesthetics . Additionally , a partnership with Kiawah Island Golf Resort led to the creation of a native plant learning garden in Night Heron Park , promoting education and awareness about the benefits of native plants .
Sweetgrass Preservation Project The Conservancy embarked on a journey to preserve sweetgrass , a culturally significant plant for basket weaving artisans . By collecting seeds from native sweetgrass plants on Kiawah Island and establishing a sweetgrass farm with 1,400 plants , the Conservancy aims to provide a sustainable source of soft , pliable sweetgrass . This project reflects our dedication to preserving both natural habitats and cultural heritage .
Native Plant Guide for Kiawah , Seabrook , and Johns Island The Native Plant Guide serves as a valuable resource for homeowners interested in incorporating native plants into their landscapes . Developed in collaboration with Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy , the guide features plant recommendations , landscape templates , and expert advice to empower homeowners in creating sustainable , resilient landscapes . The Guide can be accessed using the QR code .
Invasive Species Mapping and Removal In an ongoing effort to remove non-native invasive species , the Conservancy has utilized a web based Geospatial Information System application to map the location and species of invasive plants . Mapping invasive species on our preserved properties will not only make it easier for us to remove these species , but it will allow us to analyze if invasive species are spreading throughout our natural environments . In the future , this mapping system may be adopted and expanded into a format that residents and visitors can use to identify and map invasive species throughout the Kiawah River Watershed .
Looking Ahead to 2024 The Kiawah Conservancy remains committed to expanding native plant outreach initiatives , fostering community partnerships , and preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of the Kiawah River watershed . With ongoing efforts , we aim to promote stewardship of our natural resources and enhance the resilience of our coastal communities .
8 Photo by Adam Wolf