Kiawah , Johns , Wadmalaw , Seabrook , and James Island are all connected through the local watershed by the Kiawah and Stono Rivers along with Bohicket Creek . Following the intricate system of water movement through the various channels , all of these sea islands share much in common , both environmentally and culturally . Ultimately , anything that happens on any of the surrounding islands has an impact on the others .
First and foremost , we , the Kiawah Conservancy , are a wildlife-centered organization — since our inception , our primary goal has been the protection of wildlife habitat . With our knowledge and understanding of the connecting watershed , we recognize that Kiawah shares the same wildlife as our surrounding barrier islands . While humans may know boundaries , wildlife does not . From the white-tailed deer and bobcats to the migrating painted buntings and monarch butterflies , all of the Lowcountry local and migratory wildlife species depend on the resources found in our sea islands . For our mission of protecting wildlife habitat to truly be effective , we have a vision for the broader environment , much of which lies beyond Kiawah ’ s gates .
Taking on this new strategic plan has tremendously increased the Conservancy ' s landpreservation scope . To be effective in our mission , we ’ ll need to be both strategic and methodical . With the larger plan in mind , our initial area of focus within this broadened scope is centered along
Kiawah Island Parkway , Betsy Kerrison Parkway , and the southern end of River Road and Bohicket Road . This new mission is exciting , but the heart of the Conservancy is still rooted in Kiawah Island . Though our spectrum of conservation efforts has widened , we still actively pursue and focus on land and wildlife preservation projects on Kiawah Island . In the years following the adoption of our new strategic plan in 2020 , we ’ ve preserved seven properties on Kiawah Island in perpetuity for wildlife habitat .
It ’ s important for those who visit and reside on Kiawah Island to remember that the natural beauty and allure of the Lowcountry isn ’ t just tucked behind the island ’ s gates . To reach Kiawah , you have to travel through Johns Island , one of the last rural areas in Charleston . The road to Kiawah is unique , with scenic highways that lead through acres of rural farmland , pristine maritime forests , and picturesque marsh views , not to mention all of its history and cultural significance , which is sometimes hidden within those landscapes . The majestic beauty of the Lowcountry that draws Kiawah Island visitors and residents extends well beyond the roughly 10,000- acre island of Kiawah , and Johns Island is a shining example of that indescribable mystery and wonder that exists in the Carolina sea islands .
In the short time since the expansion of the Conservancy ’ s scope of work , we ’ ve been fortunate to have some tremendous successes , not just in preserving land for wildlife habitat but also in our
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