INTRODUCTION
The Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy (“ Conservancy ”) is a 501 ( c )( 3 ) non-profit organization which primarily operates as an accredited land trust to preserve natural habitat within the community . Established in 1997 , the Conservancy has since protected 2,282 acres of natural habitat within the environs of Kiawah Island .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................. 1
Habitats ............................................................. 5-18 Beach .................................................................. 5 Maritime Forest .................................................. 7 Salt Marsh ......................................................... 11 Ponds ................................................................. 15 Shrub Thickets ................................................... 17 Synthesis ............................................................... 19 Looking Forward .................................................... 21 Cited Sources ......................................................... 23
The natural habitats of Kiawah support a variety of wildlife and plant communities . This includes 18 species of mammals ( Jordan ), 30 species of reptiles and amphibians ( McElroy , 2015 ), and 300 species of resident and migratory birds ( Given , 2020 ) within open waters . In addition , 23 unique plant communities ( Gramling , 2013 ) have been identified . Over 67 endangered and threatened species have been observed within the environs of Kiawah Island ( S . C . Heritage Trust Program ).
The Conservancy ’ s 2030 Strategic Plan provides guidance for our activities over the next decade to meet the goals set forth in the new mission statement : “ We measure , manage , improve , and advocate for the ecological health of Kiawah Island and its environs .” Critical components outlined within the 2030 Strategic Plan are :
Kimball Kraus