Some trees were protected using tree tubes or wire cages , while others were planted using landscape fabric to suppress competing weeds . The location , tree species , and planting technique were all documented using a Geospatial Information System ( GIS ) application , which allows the organization to make notes in the field , monitor success rates , and analyze the results . The team chose bare root trees for their cost-effectiveness and ease of planting compared to containerized trees . More importantly , bare root trees often adapt better to local conditions , requiring little to no supplemental watering , making them ideal for large-scale restoration projects .
In addition to trees , the Conservancy planted sweetgrass — a native plant used by the Gullah Geechee people to make traditional baskets — along the marsh edges . A salt-tolerant plant , sweetgrass stabilizes shorelines and prevents erosion , while also supporting the region ’ s cultural heritage .
But the Conservancy ’ s work goes beyond merely planting trees and grasses . The longterm goal is to create resilient forests that will weather both the changing climate and increased development pressures . Diversifying species populations and stabilizing shorelines through a
60 • KIAWAH CONSERVANCY