2023 Habitat Health
Kiawah ’ s rich ecology is demonstrated by the numerous resident and migratory wildlife species , which are supported by the various habitats found within the island ’ s watershed . This includes 18 species of mammals , 30 species of reptiles and amphibians , 300 species of birds , 67 endangered and threatened species , and over 23 unique plant communities . Protection and enhancement of these habitats are essential to the overall ecological health of Kiawah Island .
In 2020 , the Conservancy began the implementation of our 2030 Strategic Plan , which provides guidance for our activities over the next decade . This strategic plan identifies our goals for ecological health through our mission statement :
“ We measure , manage , improve , and advocate for the ecological health of Kiawah Island and its environs .”
Kiawah Island Habitats Gaining a complete understanding of the Island ’ s distinct habitats and the wildlife interactions within them allows the Kiawah Conservancy to make important decisions regarding land conservation and habitat improvement . Following the Conservancy ’ s initial report in 2021 , a comprehensive report on the Ecological Health of Kiawah Island for 2022 was produced in early 2023 . The 2021 and 2022 reports can be accessed using the QR codes at the end of this article . Since then , the Conservancy has continued to monitor conditions on Kiawah Island and provide updates through public meetings and presentations . These documents and outreach events provide updates to the community on current conditions of the unique habitats found within the watershed . This includes five unique natural habitat types found throughout the Kiawah River Watershed :
• Beaches and dunes provide nesting and foraging spaces for a variety of shorebirds , nesting areas for sea turtles , and an important storm buffer for the Island .
• Maritime forests are the most diverse habitat on Kiawah Island and support a host of wildlife species .
• Tidal salt marshes are one of the most productive habitat types on Earth . They provide space for wading birds and nursery areas for fish .
• Ponds are heavily utilized by alligators , wading birds , migratory waterfowl , and saltwater and freshwater marine species . They are critical habitat for amphibian populations .
• Shrub thickets are found behind beach dunes and along the edges of salt marshes . They provide excellent habitat for bobcats and are a critical habitat for painted buntings and other migratory songbirds .
Each of these habitats contributes to the overall ecological health of Kiawah Island by supporting natural processes and local wildlife . Understanding the health of these areas is important for their protection and management to maximize the benefits provided to wildlife . As part of the new Ecological Health Initiative , the Conservancy identified indicators for each habitat type within the Kiawah River Watershed . These indicators provide a framework for research and monitoring efforts to better understand habitat health throughout Kiawah Island and the watershed , as well as guide future efforts to restore and enhance habitats for wildlife .
Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program As development continues on the Island , enhancement of the natural habitat in these areas is essential to the continued success of the various wildlife found on Kiawah . The Conservancy developed the Naturally Kiawah Habitat Recognition Program in 2011 to encourage property owners to have habitatfriendly landscapes in an effort to enhance natural habitats available for wildlife . Residential properties on Kiawah are assessed continually and those with habitatfriendly landscapes receive the Naturally Kiawah Emblem , which is placed on their mailbox .
For a property owner ’ s landscape to receive the Naturally Kiawah designation , it must provide wildlife habitat by including the following features :
• Dense side buffers which include a variety of understory and ground cover plantings adjacent to neighboring properties . Buffer strips provide a means for privacy from adjacent lots or roads and ensure that wildlife has ample cover to nest or rest . These strips of habitat also serve as important travel corridors that connect natural areas .
• The majority of the main yard consists of understory shrubs and ground cover plants . Open areas , such as turf or laid pine straw are minimized . The understory not only provides cover but also offers food sources , which are very important to birds . Lightly maintained shrubs that exhibit a more natural look are more beneficial to wildlife . Additionally , using native species helps maintain the ecological integrity of the Island .
• There are no exotic invasive plant species ( tallow trees , non-clumping bamboo , or other invasive plants ) observed . Invasive plants are difficult to control and over time can have negative impacts on Kiawah ’ s ecology by outcompeting native species . Additionally , tallow trees can have harmful effects on unique habitats , especially the Island ’ s limited freshwater wetlands .
Currently , over 71 % of developed single-family home sites incorporate landscapes that meet the Naturally Kiawah criteria for enhancing wildlife habitat . Due to improvements of existing landscapes and new installations within eligible residential areas that meet the criteria , this percentage has increased by 21 % since the program ’ s inception .
4 Photo by Pamela Cohen