and wildlife visitors alike. Garden Keepers Edna Roberds
and Lowell Rousch have been particularly involved this year,
coordinating the group and assisting in projects to rejuvenate
specific portions of the garden and incorporate native plants.
Environmental conditions on Kiawah are always changing.
Sea-level rise, intense hurricanes, and saltwater intrusion,
among others, impact our coastal ecosystem and threaten
its health. These variations require us to understand these
conditions better and take action to ensure the ecosystem
is sustained. The Conservancy’s Ecological Health Initiative
seeks to take a proactive approach to studying and acting on
environmental changes, with Kiawah resident Rich McCann
serving at the helm. Over the past year, he has worked with
the Conservancy staff to meet with several coastal scientists
and experts to better understand how to approach these
topics. This group is learning as much as possible about
ongoing research. This knowledge will help them develop
a framework to monitor the ecological health of each
significant habitat on the Island.
One result of these continuing studies has prompted the
Conservancy to enter joint projects with the Town of Kiawah
Island to better understand the Island’s environmental
conditions and how they affect each habitat type. One such
project is a groundwater study, which will be undertaken
across the Island. This study will provide valuable information
about the current state of the saltwater intrusion that
threatens the vegetative communities on the Island. Another
benefit is learning what types of native vegetation to
incorporate in our landscapes. The results of these inquiries
will be helpful in the planning and implementation of green-
infrastructure projects for alleviating flood issues as well as
the promotion of vegetative marsh buffers.
Citizen volunteers have contributed towards efforts to
enhance natural habitat on Kiawah Island, from the boots-
on-the-ground monitoring to the upkeep of a demonstration
area to promote wildlife-friendly landscapes. Support from
dedicated volunteers helps make these efforts successful and
also encourages others to join. Future endeavors will need
the help of volunteers, as well. Research projects, notably
the groundwater table monitoring, will require land for the
placement of temporary monitoring wells and assistance in
gathering data. Continual upkeep of the Naturally Kiawah
Demonstration Garden and the Conservancy’s preserved
properties is also needed to drive further efforts to keep
Kiawah natural. If you are interested in volunteering to
support these efforts, please contact Lee Bundrick (lee@
kiawahconservancy.org or 843-998-0183).
Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who continue to
support efforts to preserve the natural habitat on Kiawah
Island. NK
WINTER/SPRING 2020 • VOLUME 42
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