Event Programs and Photo Albums LG Program 2017 | Page 45

Rabbit North
PARTNER WITH THE KIAWAH CONSERVANCY TODAY
The Rabbit North property extends from the Kiawah Island Parkway into the tidal salt marsh
adjacent to the Kiawah River. It is located just to the north of Kiawah Island, directly across the
Kiawah Island Parkway from Little Rabbit Lane. The 6.2-acre property makes up the eastern half of a
hummock island that spans the Kiawah Island Parkway and is composed primarily of maritime forest
habitat. It is flanked by narrow bands of salt shrub thicket and is surrounded by tidal salt marsh.
Salt shrub thickets and maritime forests such as those found at Rabbit North provide habitat for
three US Fish and Wildlife Service “at risk species” (monarch butterfly, eastern diamondback
rattlesnake, tri-colored bat) and two additional South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
State Wildlife Action Plan “priority species” (island glass lizard, painted bunting). Undeveloped
hummock islands, such as Rabbit North provide critical resting space for migratory songbirds. These
habitats and their associated marsh edges are also heavily utilized by bobcats. A host of other
mammals, as well as reptiles, also rely on these habitats.
Conservancy ownership of Rabbit North will protect this unique habitat from development (up to
19 residential units and commercial allowances). This property provides a significant natural buffer
adjacent to the Kiawah Island Parkway, the adjacent bicycle path and development at Oyster
Rake. Through the conservation of this parcel in its natural state, an area of green space will forever
be protected in an area highly used by the Kiawah Island community, visitors, recreational cyclists,
joggers and walkers. This project also allows for the preservation of critical maritime strand habitats
in an area of localized development, providing a relatively natural wildlife habitat that will aid in
sustaining local bird, mammal and reptile populations. Providing such areas of habitat will allow
residents and visitors of Kiawah Island to continue their enjoyment of wildlife viewing. Additionally,
conservation of marsh buffers across a property that has significant development rights will protect
the water quality of the adjacent marsh and associated tidal creeks.