New Eyes on Kiawah Island
Story and photograph by Chase Sanders,
Kiawah Conservancy Digital Content Intern
W
hen I was asked to contribute some
thoughts about Kiawah for Naturally
Kiawah, I was hoping to avoid using
words like “beauty” and “incredible
as much as possible. Talking about beauty seems like a
cliché when discussing Kiawah, although it is challenging
not to recognize that aspect of the Island’s remarkable
charm. Kiawah has a mellow disposition that is difficult
to articulate unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. People
of all ages form deep connections with its quiet woods,
whispering marshes, sleepy beaches, and pulsing tides.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have experienced
the Lowcountry landscape growing up. Beach days were
an everyday occurrence, and I remember tirelessly hurling
myself into the surf. We went kayaking, fought in pluff mud
wars, camped out on hammock islands, and fished in the
creeks. For a kid it was paradise, and as I got older, I began
to realize just how special the barrier islands really are.
How lucky I am to live in the Lowcountry! Kiawah Island is
unique in its commitment to the environment, and we are
all certainly richer for it. Preserving its natural beauty will
help to keep the feeling of “Kiawonder” alive forever.
The Island’s rich history includes Native Americans,
pirates, and postbellum plantations. However, its natural
beauty contributes more than anything else to the
inspiration of awe. “Kiawonder” is a feeling of discovery;
a connection to the Island that is felt by residents and
visitors alike. It enchants young people and captivates
adults. One’s initial surprise is typically followed by deep
appreciation and a feeling of “Kiawonder” that excites us
and causes us to share our experience with anyone who
will listen.
It is difficult not to appreciate a place like Kiawah
Island. It is impossible to describe everything that makes
this Island so special, but perhaps some things are best left
unsaid. “To define is to limit,” as Oscar Wilde wrote, and
I certainly could not begin to explain the charm of this
small barrier island in a few paragraphs. It might just be
something you need to go out and find for yourself. NK
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