Currents
It’ s true. Everybody loves a party. We should know, we’ ve thrown a few of them ourselves! But at least in our case, the party is NOT about the party; it’ s about funding the research that has been so effectively covered in this issue. For 19 years, our supporters, our readers, and our partners have encouraged and enabled us to do the work so necessary to the current and future health of the flora and fauna of our beautiful island.
In addition to explaining some of our initiatives, this issue is also a sincere thank you to our partners who have encouraged and enabled us to continue our research. They have provided us with the resources to help educate and inform our constituents about the sensitive nature of our barrier island environment.
We also recognize the financial support that has provided and encouraged our understanding of everything from the mink in the Kiawah River to our current project— the“ dinosaurs” of our ponds and creeks, our ubiquitous alligators. Their support, along with your generosity, has moved us forward as we work to preserve the many aspects that make Kiawah unique.
You have contributed to everything from virtual land at $ 25 per square foot( the average cost of our purchases of land), to adopted bobcats, to dinner and cocktails at fundraising events— all in the name of habitat preservation, education, and research.
Speaking of events, anyone who has ever hosted one knows the tremendous effort required to make them happen. We have been extremely fortunate to have our right-hand, Jack-of-all-Trades, Queen of Hospitality, Laura VanDerwerker, working behind the curtain pulling all the strings. She gives an expert, personal touch to every celebration she oversees and has helped the Conservancy to raise the funds necessary to support our mission and our many research projects. And of course, we also owe a debt of gratitude to our supporters who have opened their homes, given their time, and attended these events throughout the years.
Finally and as always, it is important that we reflect on all that has been accomplished and all those who have helped us along the way. Our sincere thanks go out to the Town of Kiawah Island, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the Kiawah Island Community Association, and the Kiawah Partners. All of these entities have supported us in our efforts to ensure that our research is effectively targeted, thoroughly conducted, and well communicated. We are grateful to you all. Thank you! NK
Donna Windham Executive Director
6 Photo by Pamela Cohen