Event Programs and Photo Albums Legacy Gala 2019 | Page 47

Preserving Kiawah's Habitats
The Kiawah Conservancy and Land Conservation
A constant in the 22 years of the Kiawah Conservancy’s existence has
been a dedication to the protection of habitat that encourages a healthy
coexistence of wildlife and humans. This vision has three aspects.
The actions that receive the most visibility are acquisitions of land and
conservation easements. The Conservancy has now preserved 52 properties
on or near Kiawah, comprising over 2,273 acres. And we anticipate more will
be added by the end of 2019! We are very proud that the pace of property
acquisition has INCREASED in recent years.
A second critical facet of preservation has been a commitment of community
and development leaders to conservation of natural habitat surrounding
planned development. Two of the most visible examples of that shared
vision are the 2017 entranceway vote by the community that sets the tone
for healthy habitat throughout the Island and the natural corridor between
Kiawah Island Parkway and its adjacent bike path. Both are examples of how
humans and wildlife can share the opportunity to move through the Island.
Finally, we are blessed to enjoy an Island rich in marshes, ponds, and dunes
that will remain as they are today into perpetuity. With an island of over 8000
acres, almost 70 percent comprise these habitat types. Extensive wildlife
research on Kiawah has validated the importance of the nesting, resting,
and feeding opportunities presented to a variety of species, including deer,
bobcats, alligators, turtles, and over 300 species of birds.
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