Citizen Involvement in
Keeping Kiawah Natural
By Lee Bundrick,
Kiawah Conservancy Land Preservation Coordinator
T
he spirit of conservation is ingrained into the Kiawah community.
From the beginning, research spawned by the Kuwaitis sought to
preserve ecological integrity amid development. We have learned
that creating a set of rigorous standards can result in an effective
balance between nature and development. This legacy survives and distinguishes
Kiawah from other coastal communities. Sustaining this legacy has been pivotal.
Throughout a multitude of endeavors and initiatives, conservation has remained
a core facet within the community. At the heart of these actions are the citizens of
Kiawah Island.
Serving as a testament to continuing citizen involvement is the Naturally Kiawah
Habitat Recognition Program. Properties that meet the program’s criteria are
recognized by a circular emblem placed on the posts of mailboxes with “Naturally
Kiawah” emblazoned above a monochromatic bunting. The symbol indicates
that the homeowner has made a concerted effort to use plants in landscaping that
benefit wildlife. Ultimately, the raison d’être of this program is the enhancement of
natural habitat. Originating from the Kiawah Conservancy’s Habitat Committee,
the Habitat Recognition Program is maintained regularly by citizens who serve as
its members. This is especially true of the committee’s chairman, Dick Fishburn.
Using rigorous criteria developed by the committee, residential landscapes are
continuously monitored across the Island, and a record is kept of each of their
ratings. Overall the project has been a success, with 70 percent of the residential
properties on the Island recognized as being worthy of the special recognition.
Other projects have also bolstered the Habitat Recognition program. One such
project has promoted the use of layered plantings suggested by Naturally Kiawah
criteria. The Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden is located in Night Heron
Park. The garden contains both formal and shade gardens comprised of landscape
plants recommended for Kiawah’s residences. The Garden received support from
the time of its inception. Many benefactors contributed to the development of this
beautiful living laboratory. Landscape architect and Kiawah resident, Bill Maneri
created the formal design of the garden. The centerpiece of the Garden, a bronze
armillary sundial and Brazilian Ipe bench, commemorates his late father, Charles J.
Maneri Jr. (for more information, see page 67). The continued success of the garden
is also thanks to contributions by many individuals, including engraved bricks,
plaques, and commemorative items.
Volunteer support has also been essential to the garden’s success. With every
landscape comes the necessary maintenance and upkeep. The Kiawah Conservancy
Garden Keepers, a group of volunteer gardeners who live on Kiawah Island, have
answered the need for continued maintenance and upkeep of the garden. Over the
past few years, this group of citizens has helped keep the Garden a haven for human
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Naturally Kiawah