Naturally Kiawah Magazine Volume 32 | Page 48

Currents A Look to the Past, Present and Future How have 17 years passed so quickly for the Kiawah Conservancy? When I began serving as Executive Director, I had three grade school children. They seemed so young and always ready for adventure. So too, was the Kiawah Conservancy. We were a young organization, trying to find ways to make a difference for the Island. Initially, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort donated our office space. Located in the Night Heron Bike Shop, it was a single room serving as office, meeting space and storage facility. It had no running water and therefore no restroom. As an organization we were poised for greatness, ready for adventure, focused Night Heron Bike Shop on keeping Kiawah the beautiful island Site of the first Kiawah Conservancy office. it had been for centuries. The organization expanded rapidly. Properties came under our protection through bargain sale, donations in fee and conservation easement. Through our recent Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program for developed properties, hundreds of acres have been recognized for preserving or enhancing the environment that supports our wildlife. As we grew, we learned the key factors involved in preservation. The Kiawah Conservancy partners with other Island entities to expand opportunities for preservation. We continually study and research Island condit [ۜ