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Be Part of the Challenge!
As we navigate through these unforeseen circumstances, our first priority is to keep our supporters, volunteers, and donors safe. We hope to have our Legacy Gala again in 2021. In the meantime, we are excited for a new and creative ONLINE fundraiser this fall to help support our organization during this difficult time.
We invite you to Be Part of the Challenge this year! The upside of having an online event, is that we will have no direct expense. Therefore, 100% of your gifts will support the Kiawah Conservancy and it's conservation programs.
Explore Books on Nature and Conservation with Us
Reading Around Kiawah is an online book club founded by Kiawah's own Frances Boyd in May of 2020. The club is open to all and encourages active participation through commenting, contests, and more. Frances refers to it as a 'work in progress' and as part of that progression, she recently announced a new category to the club in collaboration with the Kiawah Conservancy!
This new Books About Nature category features a short list of well-known books themes from the natural world. The list will be expanded upon each month with a new book reviewed by the Kiawah Conservancy. Subscribe to the blog to receive new book reviews and blog entries as they are added.
Kiawah's Bobcats Need Your Help Now!
Bobcats are one of the most unique species on Kiawah Island and catching a glimpse of one is on the bucket list of almost every Kiawah resident and visitor alike. Unfortunately, in recent years, the use of second-generation anticoagulant (SGA) rodenticides has caused an increase in bobcat deaths. Biologist estimate we now have less than 10 bobcats remaining on Kiawah Island.
What are we doing to help save our bobcats? The Town of Kiawah Isalnd and the Kiawah Conservancy have requested a temporary, one-year prohibition on SGA use on Kiawah Island. This request is currently being evaluated and decision is anticipated sometime between August 6-10, 2020.
How can you help in this effort? We need your help now to ensure this prohibition request is approved. Click learn more below to see how you can help support this effort. We also need all Kiawah property owners to take the pledge to stop using SGAs on their property and become a Bobcat Guardian today. Visit www.savekiawahbobcats.com to learn more and take the pledge today.
The Half-Earth Project: Connecting People, Places, and Biodiversity
Join us online for the first Conservation Matters program of the season! This program features a presentation by Dennis Liu, Vice President of Education at the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. Learn about the Half-Earth Project and how protecting half the land and sea can provide sufficient habitat to reverse the species extinction crisis and ensure the long-term health of our planet. See how science and education are being used to explore possibilities and meet the Half-Earth goal. Hear how Kiawah Island fits into this conservation effort.
Bobcat Research with Jim Jordan
Join Lee for an interview with Town of Kiawah Island Wildife Biologist Jim Jordan to learn about the threats Kiawah's bobcats face as their numbers continue to decline and what you can do to help preserve and protect this iconic creature. Visit savekiawahbobcats.com how you can help save Kiawah's bobcats!
Naturally Kiawah Pathways Tours
Take a virtual tour of Kiawah Island through our Naturally Kiawah Pathways on the TravelStorys app. Explore and learn about the habitats, wildlife, and history of Kiawah Island from the comfort of your home!
Mimi's Adventures on Kiawah Island
Are you ready for a story? Today we’ll hear a special reading of Mimi’s Adventures on Kiawah Island by the book’s author, Catherine Goodman Farley. Let’s listen in and learn more as Mimi explores Kiawah Island and meets new friends.
WATCH OUR VIRTUAL STORYTIME HERE
You too can explore Kiawah Island like Mimi and her friends. Being aware of your surroundings and respecting nature are lessons that Mimi learned throughout her adventures. Remember, you can observe animals in nature, but you should not interact with them. Never feed them and be sure to keep your distance.
Naturally Kiawah Volume 41
Our newest issue of Naturally Kiawah magazine is available for online viewing now! This issue, themed Kiawah, Naturally, is dedicated the army of dedicated people who help to keep Kiawah the special place it is and has always been. Much of the life that pulses under Kiawah’s beautiful exterior has been there for centuries, and thanks to so many Kiawah keepers, continues to thrive.
If you're on our mailing list you should have received your printed copy of Naturally Kiawah Volume 41 by now. If you're not on our list, you can sign up here to receive the next published issue.
March 2020
The Kiawah Conservancy is excited to be one of three South Carolina organizations to receive a Coastal Resilience Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This grant will support community collaboration efforts on the use of nature-based solutions to address and mitigate barriers to coastal flooding and sea-level rise.
Funds from this grant are restricted to use for the purposes of this grant and cannot be used for general operations or other purposes.
Join us for a new episode of Learning with Lee today! Join Lee as he explores Kiawah's maritime forests and the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden to find vibrant scarlet sage plants. Learn about this beautiful native perennial and it's benefits to Kiawah's pollinators and wildlife. Visit our Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden located in Night Heron Park to see this vibrant native's showy berries during the late summer and fall.
Join us for a new episode of Learning with Lee today! Join Lee as he explores Kiawah's maritime forests and the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden to find vibrant American beautyberry plants. Learn about this native plant and them many benefits it provides to local habitats and wildlife. Visit our Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden located in Night Heron Park to see this vibrant native's showy berries during the late summer and fall.
The Mystery and Magic of Bobcats
Have you seen our documentary on Kiawah's bobcats?
If not, CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT NOW
Learn about Kiawah's bobcat population, their importance to our unique ecosystem, and research currently underway to preserve and protect these elusive creatures.
This documentary is sponsored by the Kiawah Conservancy with a grant from the Town of Kiawah Island.
Have you seen our newest documentary on the shorebirds of Kiawah? If not, CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT NOW
Learn about Kiawah's shorebirds and Island efforts to preserve and protect these amazing and threatened species.
Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network
Join us as we learn about Kiawah's dolphins, their unique feeding technique, and more from Lauren Rust, Director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. The Lowcountry is home to approximately 350 year-round “resident” dolphins. These mammals rely on clean, safe and quiet water to hunt, socialize and rear young. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is working to increase awareness about marine mammals in coastal South Carolina, educate the general public on federal regulations and foster young stewards in ways to protect both marine mammals and their environment. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Have you seen our documentary on the American alligator?
If not, CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT NOW
Learn about Kiawah's thriving alligator population, their importance to our unique ecosystem, and research currently underway to preserve and protect this modern day dinosaur.
Thank you to our sponsors: Taylor Agency Insurance and Town of Kiawah Island for their generous support.
Have you seen our documentary on the the loggerhead sea turtle? If not, CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT NOW
Watch as the mother turtle emerges from the ocean and makes her way to the dunes to dig her nest and lay her clutch of eggs. Learn about Kiawah's thriving Turtle Patrol and their efforts to preserve this amazing species. See the hatchlings emerge from the nest and make their way to the ocean. Loggerhead sea turtles are one of Kiawah Island’s most iconic and noble species.
Bass Creek Hummock Island
Join Lee for an exploration of Bass Creek Hummock Island. Undeveloped hummock islands, like this one, provide critical resting space for migratory songbirds. This island is also utilized by a variety of mammals and reptiles. South Carolina Department of Natural Resource studies have documented painted bunting use on this hummock island. Diamondback terrapin use in this area has been documented as well. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Rhett's Bluff Nature Area
PREMIERING AT 3PM TODAY!
Join Lee as he explores the Rhett's Bluff Nature Area. This 2.78-acre conservation easement area in the Rhett's Bluff neighborhood contains one of the few freshwater wetlands that can be found on Kiawah Island. Freshwater wetlands provide key habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Plenty's Island
Join Lee for an exploration of Plenty's Island. This property, preserved by the Kiawah Conservancy since 2002, is located within Horseshoe Creek Marsh near Landfall Way off Seabrook Beach Road. This hummock island is used by a variety of wildlife species as a sanctuary where they can live undisturbed by humankind. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Maritime Forest Reserve and Nature Trail
Join Lee for a tour of the Maritime Forest Reserve and Nature Trail located at 133 Conifer Lane. This is a property, preserved by the Conservancy since 2002, is located adjacent to the main bike path, close to the Kiawah Island Parkway and the cougar point golf course. It contains one of the best examples of mature maritime forest on the island. It is used as a demonstration forest for conservation education and is open for the enjoyment of the Kiawah community. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Groundwater Study
In this episode, Lee discusses the groundwater table study, a collaborative effort between the Kiawah Conservancy, Town of Kiawah Island, and the College of Charleston. The goal of this project is to create a network of wells throughout Kiawah to better understand seasonal fluctuations in the groundwater table and monitor for saltwater intrusion, both of which have a tremendous impact on the survival of the maritime forest. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden Tour
Join Lee for a virtual tour of the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden! Learn about the different garden styles represented and some of our favorite native plants. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
74 Blue Heron Pond Road
This program premiers on YouTube at 2:00pm on Thursday, June 18, 2020.
Take a virtual tour of 74 Blue Heron Pond Road and learn about the plants, wildlife, and habitats found on this special place preserved by the Kiawah Conservancy. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Osprey Point Nature Area
This program premiers on YouTube at 2:00pm on Thursday, June 11, 2020.
Take a virtual tour of the Osprey Point Nature Area and learn about the plants, wildlife, and habitats found on this special place preserved by the Kiawah Conservancy. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Marsh Island Park
This program premiers on YouTube at 2:30pm on Thursday, June 4, 2020.
Take a virtual tour of Marsh Island Park with Lee and learn about the plants, wildlife, and habitats found on this special place preserved by the Kiawah Conservancy. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Bird Research with Aaron Given
This program premiers on YouTube at 2:30pm on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Join Lee for an interview with Town of Kiawah Island Wildlife Biologist and ornithologist Aaron Given. Learn about the variety of avian research studies that Aaron is conducting, what we're learning from this research, and how you can help Kiawah's resident and migratory birds. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Photography for Conservation
Join Lee for an interview with Emily Horn, Charleston Collegiate student and Kiawah Conservancy intern. Learn about Emily's Major's Program internship with the Conservancy and her work through this program featuring photography for conservation. . Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Little Rabbit North
Join Lee for a virtual tour of Little Rabbit North. Learn about the plants and habitats found on this hummock island preserved by the Kiawah Conservancy. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden
Learn about the history, current state, and future plans for the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden in Night Heron Park in this episode of Learning with Lee. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
WATCH LEARNING WITH LEE: EPISODE V HERE
This Learning with Lee episode features an interview with Edna Roberds, Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden Host and volunteer coordinator for the Kiawah Conservancy Garden Keepers.
Coastal Resilience
Learn with Lee about the steps the Kiawah Community is taking towards coastal resilience. Special thanks to Luca Hernandez, resilience specialist for the Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA), for participating in this Zoom interview.
WATCH LEARNING WITH LEE: EPISODE IV HERE
Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Earth Week
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and much has changed since that time. What will the future look like? It depends on the choices we make today. Learn with Lee about the history of Earth Day, the history of the Kiawah Conservancy's Earth Day Celebrations, and how you can celebrate Earth Day while staying at home.Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
WATCH LEARNING WITH LEE: EPISODE III HERE
Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
Sea Turtles
Let's talk turtles, sea turtles that is! Learn about Kiawah Island's Turtle Patrol, what they're doing to help endangered sea turtles and how you can help in episode of Learning with Lee. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
WATCH LEARNING WITH LEE: EPISODE II HERE
Learn how disturbances affect sea turtle survival and what the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol volunteer program is doing to help Kiawah's sea turtles. This second Learning with Lee episode features and interview with Lynne Sager, Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol permit holder and program coordinator.
Shorebirds
Shorebirds need space too! Learn how you can help in our very first episode of Learning with Lee. Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to the Learning with Lee playlist so you'll receive notification as soon as a new episode is posted.
WATCH LEARNING WITH LEE: EPISODE I HERE
Learn how disturbances affect shorebird survival and what the Kiawah Island Shorebird Stewardship volunteer program is doing to help Kiawah's shorebirds. This first Learning with Lee episode features and interview with Bette Popillo, Kiawah Island Shorebird Stewardship program coordinator.
