Limiting and reducing human-induced disturbances are essential to enhancing the ecological integrity of habitats within the Kiawah River Watershed . This in turn will ensure these habitats are resilient to environmental changes by reducing stressors which impact their overall health . Natural spaces are important for sustaining wildlife and protecting our community against natural hazards . It is also important to give wildlife space by limiting close human interactions with shorebirds , alligators , deer , etc ., which helps with the long-term survival necessary for sustaining their populations .
Reducing the impact of stormwater runoff is also of particular concern . In many communities it has led to water quality impairment and declining wetland health , which are now being observed in the Kiawah River . Practices which reduce or limit impervious surface cover will aid in protecting the health of downstream habitats ( i . e ., ponds and tidal salt marshes ). Likewise , including practices which serve a dual purpose of recharging subsurface groundwater will greatly benefit hydrology within the watershed . In addition , the use of native plants indigenous to Kiawah River Watershed within these practices will provide quality habitat for birds , pollinators , and other wildlife . Native plants are ideal choices for the landscape because they are adapted to local conditions and many have seasonal interest throughout the year . The removal of invasive plants and planting of native plants greatly benefits the local ecosystem and enhances habitat health .
Impacts of stormwater runoff can be reduced by decreasing the volume of stormwater runoff into drainage infrastructure using nature-based solutions , such as rain gardens and bioswales , among other habitat restoration efforts . The Conservancy released the Nature-Based Solutions Manual for Kiawah Island in January 2023 which highlights various strategies that can be implemented to this end ( Bundrick et al ., 2023 ). This manual was created through a Kiawah Conservancy project supported by the Emergency Coastal Resilience Fund 2019 through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ( Award # 66869 ). The Conservancy recently received funding from the Town of Kiawah Island to install demonstration rain gardens on the island to promote these practices . A general design of a rain garden that serves a functional and aesthetic purpose within the landscape is included on the following page .
Ecological Health of Kiawah Island 2022 42