Reflections : Looking Back
In the immortal words of Jerry
Garcia and the Grateful Dead , “ What a long strange trip it ’ s been .”
I imagine most of you were as anxious as I was to see 2020 come to an end . It was a year of firsts , postponements , cancellations , and overall anxiety . We mourn those we have lost to COVID and encourage everyone to take precautions and stay safe . But , at the same time , the Conservancy has learned and accomplished a lot !
We have learned how to master the world of Zoom ! We have confirmed the talent and commitment of our professional staff . With the uncertainty we all have faced , Donna , Jennifer , Lee , and Beverly displayed a work ethic and creativity that enabled us to maintain our operations and thrive in this challenging environment .
We learned that with patience and our board of trustees ’ skills , we were able to craft what we believe our role for the next ten years will be . As these magazine pages illustrate , our 2030 Strategic Plan calls on us to accomplish many tasks . We will become an even stronger and more vocal advocate for all aspects of the Island ’ s ecological health . We will endeavor to protect and preserve the natural habitat on and around Kiawah , extending our environmental concern to property within the Kiawah River watershed approaching the Island .
The Conservancy will take a more proactive role in restoring and enhancing island habitat , offering unique regenerative programs to residents . We will also continue to recognize the critical role education plays in encouraging our different audiences , visitors , residents , and entities , to respect and protect the unique natural properties that make Kiawah so special to all of us . As an organization , we will work hard to become better listeners as we initiate programs and cooperate with all Island groups .
Finally , we have once again confirmed how special our supporters are . Like most nonprofit organizations , it was not at all clear to us how 2020 would progress and what kind of financial condition we would find ourselves in at its conclusion . I am happy to report that we are in a strong financial position . We thank you for and celebrate your generosity and the endorsement you have given our mission and activities .
It has been an honor to serve as the chair of the Conservancy board of trustees for the last two years . We have accomplished much . We look forward to achieving even more in the future . As the Carpenters sang , if it ’ s not too corny , “ We ’ ve only just begun .” NK
Rich Warner . Immediate Past Chairman Kiawah Conservancy Board of Directors
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Photo by Linda Albus