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Preserving Kiawah’s Habitats
THE KIAWAH CONSERVANCY AND LAND CONSERVATION
A constant in the 21 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.
With the addition of 13 properties in 2017 and early 2018, the Conservancy has now preserved 48
properties on or near Kiawah, comprising over 2,270 acres. And we anticipate more will be added
by the end of 2018! 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. Our 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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