The Kiawah Conservancy values the passionate volunteers who dedicate their time to help with ongoing projects . From monthly litter sweeps to native plant sales , and the many opportunities in between , the support makes a meaningful difference .
Buddy Franklin is one of those steadfast volunteers . Buddy ’ s interest in conservation of natural areas dates back to his graduate school research . He used emerging imaging technology to design with nature rather than force it . And with the help of a current Conservancy trustee — who happens to be his next-door neighbor — Buddy learned about the Conservancy ’ s work and connected with a staff member .
Buddy and his wife , Beth , had visited Kiawah many times and planned to retire to an island community . As many people turned to the islands for an escape during that time of unknown , the Franklins spent much of the Covid lockdown period on the island . They decided to settle on Kiawah permanently when their daughter visited , bringing their newborn grandbaby .
Buddy ' s earliest involvement with the Conservancy was during the 2023 fall native plant sale when he purchased several native plant packages to enhance their property . In Buddy ' s words : " Native plants are the foundation of a successful ecosystem , and a healthy ecosystem is a heck of a lot more fun to experience .” After that , Buddy volunteered to help with distribution at the 2024 spring native plant sale . He then volunteered regularly at the manufactured wire reef building days for the marsh restoration project at Mingo Point . Like many volunteers , Buddy wanted to do his part in restoring and enhancing a local resource that “ happens to play a vital role in the health of the waters surrounding the island .” Buddy also helped with the Conservancy ’ s sweetgrass farm harvest days because “ it preserves the purity of the plant species while benefiting traditional artists in the area .”
Buddy looks forward to assisting with the evolution of the Conservancy ’ s newest project along Betsy Kerrison Parkway . “ Volunteering opens the door to understanding more about our island , so I am open to anything . Each project allows me to learn a little more than I knew before . That is time well spent ,” he says .
Buddy sees the Conservancy as the lifeline to the Kiawah ecosystem he and Beth enjoy . Being “ new ” to the community , he is learning which entities work together for the islands ’ well-being .
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