Sweetgrass basket weaving is a vital part of the Gullah Geechee tradition . This cultural heritage , passed down through generations , is more than an art form ; it is a symbol of identity and history for the Gullah Geechee people . However , due to extensive development along the coast , access to naturally occurring sweetgrass has diminished , making it difficult for artisans to find the quality materials needed for their craft .
In 2022 , the Kiawah Conservancy initiated a project to grow , harvest , and distribute native sweetgrass to local artisans . In early 2023 , the Conservancy staff planted over 1,400 sweetgrass plugs grown from native sweetgrass seeds harvested on Kiawah Island . These plants , cultivated on Johns Island , underwent their first harvest in June 2024 . Following the harvest , more than one hundred bundles of sweetgrass and an additional hundred sweetgrass plants were distributed to local basket makers . Six additional harvests took place in August and September of 2024 .