ECOLOGICAL HEALTH
The Kiawah Conservancy ’ s goal is to understand the inter-relationships of the living and non-living components of our ecosystems , as well as to define and measure these components using best scientific practices . We will work with scientists and others to prioritize future research in order to anticipate and respond to ecological issues , while collaborating with community entities to secure the most desirable ecological health of the island . This will serve to keep our Island lush and natural , support a thriving native wildlife population and benefit our human community far into the future .
RESEARCH
Research and monitoring of wildlife and natural resources on Kiawah Island are critical for our preservation efforts . Since its inception , the Conservancy has been diligent in initiating and promoting scientific research . By measurement and monitoring of Kiawah ’ s natural resources , we have advanced our understanding of Kiawah ’ s environment : from the Island ’ s water table levels to the range of its alligators , from the vulnerability of its marshes to the health of its bobcats , from the evaluation of its native vegetation to the variety of insects living in the dunes , from the hundreds of birds who call Kiawah home and those who only visit as they migrate , to the loggerhead turtles hatching by the thousands on the beach !
There is much to study on Kiawah , and we have been doing so since 1997 . Numerous research projects have been funded by the Conservancy with additional sponsorship from the Town of Kiawah Island , colleges and universities , governmental agencies , and foundations . The Conservancy alone has invested over $ 1,000,000 in research projects over its 25-year tenure . We have compiled a database of peer-reviewed research on our website with access to 118 articles detailing research on Kiawah Island . This research database can be accessed by visiting www . kiawahconservancy . org / research-database .
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