the lack of rain during summer months usually allows saline
waters to reach even the most centrally located ponds
Quite a bit of time passes from when storm water enters
the ponds to when it exits the system at an outfall. The
passage of time is beneficial as it allows the ponds to filter and
settle any pollutants that may have flowed in from street and
terrestrial drainage. These pollutants could include oils from
the roadways, fertilizers, lawn debris, and litter. Storm water
detention ponds are designed to catch these pollutants so that
they do not flow directly into creeks and waterways. One way
to look at the structure is that Kiawah’s ponds create a giant
filter for the natural marsh, creeks, and river that surround
the Island.
In addition to serving as a giant filter, Kiawah’s ponds
support an abundance of living creatures. Tidal flux does more
than just affect the pond water levels. On large spring tides,
the planktonic larvae of many marine organisms wash into the
pond system along with juvenile and even adult sized fish and
crustaceans. The ponds act as a nursery for these organisms,
and many will reside in the ponds permanently. Numerous
species inhabit the ponds including red drum, black drum,
flounder, croaker, pinfish, mosquito fish, shrimp, mullet,
blue crabs, and menhaden. Bivalves like oysters, mussels, and
clams also are present in most of the ponds. In addition to
the more commonly known fish found in South Carolina’s
inshore waters, the employees from KICA’s Lakes Department
have found rarer species in Kiawah’s ponds such as sea robin,
highfin goby, spiny lobster, and mangrove snapper.
There is no shortage of wildlife above the waterline either.
Alligators can be found basking in the sun on any pond edge,
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particularly in the spring and fall. Summertime ambient
temperatures are generally too hot, and the alligators seek
relief by getting in the water in a shaded area of a pond. Cold
winter weather means it is time to burrow in and enter a
state of brumation, a hibernation-like state specific to cold-
blooded animals. Alligators normally will burrow into the
side of a pond or wetland. Interestingly, through the ongoing
alligator research and tracking on Kiawah, we have found that
many alligators use the drainage pipes as a burrow. This is a
fortuitous choice as the pipe and any water within it will be
insulated by the ground temperature and provide a warmer
refuge during the cold weather.
Shorebirds of all sizes can be found wading, diving, and
skimming the waters of Kiawah’s ponds. The plentiful supply
of small fish, crabs, and shrimp in the water nourishes
this hungry bunch. Autumn cold fronts bring many avian
species from the north to Kiawah Island. Waterfowl use the
ponds as a stopping point to rest and feed on aquatic plants
and invertebrates before continuing their journeys south.
Shoreline grasses, palms, and shrubs are great habitat for
small rodents, and nesting and roosting birds. Wily bobcats
use this vegetation as travel corridors and for hunting those
same rodents.
Kiawah’s ponds are manmade detention ponds, but
they provide so much more to the Island than drainage.
Covering more than 350 surface acres, they offer endless
opportunities for all of us to observe and enjoy their sights
and sounds. Kiawah’s ponds play a large role in the ecology
of the Island and certainly help to make Kiawah the special
place that it is. NK
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