Currents
Leadership of the Kiawah Conservancy changes every two years. The leadership team, consisting of the chairman, vice-chairman, and immediate past chairman, along with the organization’ s staff meets every Tuesday for strategic planning purposes. This small group works together so closely that meetings often feel like a gathering around a family table.
At the Conservancy’ s annual meeting in March of this year, Richard Ames will succeed Kevin Cox as chairman, and Rich Warner will become vicechairman.
Reluctantly, we will say farewell to Sue Corcoran, our immediate past chairman. Sue has served the Conservancy as a trustee and as chairman and has guided the leadership team for the past six years. To say she will be missed is an understatement.
Kevin, who has established a strong organization for our 20th anniversary, will step into a new role as the immediate past chairman and will provide wisdom and support to Richard and Rich as they assume their new responsibilities. All are well prepared for the challenges ahead, and we are grateful their leadership will continue.
The Kiawah Conservancy’ s 20-year anniversary is an extraordinary milestone, and the years since 1997 have been marked by important accomplishments. We are grateful to have watched the Conservancy grow from a small, grassroots organization to a nationally-recognized land trust. We have so much to celebrate!
Strong leadership and a dedicated staff are only the beginning of translating our hopes and dreams for Kiawah Island into reality. The real forces behind our achievements are the army of volunteers and our generous donors who are the best part of the Kiawah Conservancy.
If you have yet to get involved, the time is now. Development and change will always be with us. Making responsible choices for land preservation is of primary importance if our Island is to continue to be a place where the habitat is natural and the wildlife flourishes.
Together with our partners and the support of our donors and constituents, the Kiawah Conservancy has accomplished so much over the
past 20 years. As a dynamic group we have:
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Preserved a total of 348 acres of natural habitat, including four new properties in 2016;
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Provided habitat for 295 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 18 species of mammals;
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Provided a renovated nature trail located at 133 Conifer Lane— a great place to learn about native plants;
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Constructed the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden— an example of planting for seasonal variety and wildlife enhancement;
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Developed the Naturally Kiawah Pathways tours— a fun new way to experience the Island;
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Recognized over 600 acres of wildlife-friendly space via the Naturally Kiawah homesite habitat program; and
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Delivered an award-winning biannual magazine recognizing all things natural to Kiawah.
We offer you, our partners and constituents, a sincere commitment to continue working to earn your support as together we move forward for the next 20 years. NK
Donna Windham Executive Director
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