Looking Forward
We continue to confidently move forward to achieve our goals and fulfill our mission as set forth in our 2030 Strategic Plan . The work and our future get more and more exciting !
Below is a peek at what we are working on in 2024 :
• We continue to work with local organizations and universities , as well as with state and local governments , on land conservation efforts . We expanded our conservation footprint onto Johns Island in 2023 with the protection of two new properties and look toward the protection of additional properties currently under contract in 2024 .
• Educational outreach through programs and volunteer opportunities is key to the mission of the Conservancy . In 2024 we are expanding our Junior Explorers outreach to include new programs on Kiawah , Seabrook , and Johns Island . The new Sweetgrass Steward volunteer program will foster growth and stewardship of our sweetgrass farm and assist with harvest and distribution of plant materials to local basket weavers . Volunteers are working with local and state organizations to create Manufactured Wire Reefs ( MWRs ) for an exciting marsh restoration project . And , native plant workshops and training sessions are planned throughout the year for residents of Kiawah , Seabrook and Johns Islands and for landscape contractors servicing our communities .
• Restoration and enhancement initiatives continue to be at the forefront of our work . In addition to promoting native plants through plant sales , workshops , and training sessions , our team is activly restoring and enhancing habitat value on our preserved lands through planting native plants and removing invasive species . We ’ re also working with local and state entities to restore oyster and marsh habitats through the production and installation of MWRs . And , plans are underway for our new public access area on Betsy Kerrison Parkway−educational signage , native plant demonstration gardens , nature trails , and much more !
• As always , we will continue to protect Kiawah Island and its watershed by preserving more land and natural habitats for wildlife , and by studying the salt marsh and groundwater levels .
The Kiawah Conservancy continues to partner with organizations and property owners to bring more and more land under conservation . We are currently working on several exciting projects and will have more information as the year and our efforts progress .
We encourage everyone to join our RSVP Initiative and to continue to do your part to R – Respect Wildlife S – Support Ecological Health V – Volunteer in Environmental Efforts P – Protect and Restore Native Habitats
Most importantly , THANK YOU to each of you , our donors and supporters . Without you , our work would not be possible !
With Gratitude ,
Peggy Barnes 2024 Chair , Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
Photo by Adam Wolf
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