will be protected forever, ensuring the natural habitats, wildlife, and beauty of these special places remain for the enjoyment of generations to come.
In 2018, the Conservancy reached one of its most important milestones, more than doubling the land protected to date by adding over 1,155 acres of marsh and upland habitat. This landmark achievement included a generous 1,150-acre donation from Kiawah Partners— the Kiawah River Marsh East tract— and the conservation purchase of the five-acre Little Rabbit North property. Together with earlier efforts, these additions protected all lowlands leading onto the island and secured vital habitat for many at-risk species.
In 2020, the Conservancy implemented a new 2030 Strategic Plan that brought important shifts in focus and approach. While protecting and stewarding preserved lands remained central to our mission, our work expanded to include broader efforts that support the overall health of the environment. We took a more active role in habitat restoration through native plant initiatives and coastal resilience projects, and we moved from working independently to building stronger partnerships with organizations that share our goals. We also decided to advocate more boldly for a healthy, resilient Sea Islands community. Our conservation reach grew to include the entire Kiawah and Stono River watershed— Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands— and we began pursuing new funding opportunities, including grants, to support this expanded work.
Since 2020, the Conservancy reached many new milestones, including the addition of more staff to support its expanding conservation efforts and operational needs. Today, the Conservancy employs nine full-time and three part-time staff, including long-serving team members Donna Windham, Jennifer Wilson, Laura VanDerwerker, Beverly Kline, and Lee Bundrick. The Conservancy continues to offer meaningful internship opportunities, providing students with hands-on experience in land conservation and stewardship, coastal resilience, restoration and enhancement practices, and community engagement— while fostering partnerships with local universities that help educate and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
In 2022, the Conservancy launched its Junior Explorers program, a hands-on educational initiative designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Through interactive activities, guided nature experiences, and ageappropriate lessons about wildlife and habitat, the program helps young people connect with the natural world and understand the importance of protecting the Sea Islands’ unique ecosystems. Junior Explorers has quickly become a beloved offering, engaging local youth and visitors alike in the Conservancy’ s mission.
20 • CONSERVANCY OF THE SEA ISLANDS