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April 19-24
Celebrate Earth Day with a week of nature and conservation-focused events, including webinars, nature walks, virtual storytimes, livestreams and more! Check out our full Earth Week schedule to learn how you can join in and help us celebrate our planet.
Anhingas
We’re going bird watching! If you’ve spent much time around Kiawah’s ponds and lagoons, you’ve probably seen anhingas diving for fish or sunning their wings on nearby branches. Now, spot them in this week’s episode of Learning with Lee!
Whether you know them as "snakebirds," "water turkeys," or "darters," learn all about these high-flying water birds.
A bobcat den on one of our properties containing two kittens was recently disturbed by vegetative removal happening without the Conservancy’s permission, causing the bobcat to abandon her den.
Read our letter to learn how the Conservancy is responding.
Pine Trees
Plants in nature and in the residential landscape provide many benefits for humans and wildlife. Of all the types of plants available, native plants found naturally in the region are more suited for local conditions, tolerating several environmental extremes found on barrier islands. They also provide the most ecological benefits to wildlife.
Pine trees play a surprisingly big role in Kiawah's ecosystem. They are adept at living in a range of environments and can live hundreds of years. Learn more about the species of pine trees found on Kiawah Island and the important role they play in our environment in this episode of Learning with Lee.
2030 Strategic Plan
The Conservancy was founded 1997 to maintaining the natural beauty and habitat of Kiawah Island. Since that time the Conservancy has focused on preserving properties, educating the public on the importance of preservation, fundraising, protecting natural habitats, and sharing with the world what a remarkable place Kiawah Island is.
Now, with more than 23 years of knowledge and experience under our belts, it’s the ideal time to chart a path forward and build on our momentum. Through our new 2030 Strategic Plan we are laying a foundation that will guide our growth as we strive to dramatically extend our reach and broaden our impact.
Join us in ensuring the natural beauty and ecological health of Kiawah Island is preserved for generations to come.
Sharks and Rays: Not a mean bone in their body
Dive into our newest Conservation Matters program, Sharks and Rays: Not a mean bone in their body, presented by Dr. David Plourd. You'll not only learn about whale sharks and manta rays, but you might just swim away with a new perspective and appreciation for these seemingly frightening creatures!
Wax Myrtle
Plants in nature and in the residential landscape provide many benefits for humans and wildlife. Of all the types of plants available, native plants found naturally in the region are more suited for local conditions, tolerating several environmental extremes found on barrier islands. They also provide the most ecological benefits to wildlife.
One of the most common, yet exceptional native plants found on Kiawah Island is the southern wax myrtle. Learn more about the wax myrtle and its importance in this issue of Learning with Lee.
Kiawah's Wildlife Species 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 anticoagulant rodenticides has caused an increase in bobcat deaths. In recent testing additional willdife species (five raccoons and one opossum) also tested positive for anticoagulant rodenticides in their system. This new eidence confirms the dangers and impacts to Kiawah's wildlife.
How can you help save Kiawah's bobcats? All Kiawah property owners are encouraged to take the pledge to stop using antigoagulant rodenticides on their property and become a Bobcat Guardian today. Visit www.savekiawahbobcats.com to learn more and take the pledge today.
See the lists of pest control providers that have and have NOT signed the Bobcat Guardian Provider Pledge on our Wildlife Perservation Efforts page.
September 15, 2020
The Kiawah Conservancy (Conservancy) has been working in concert with the Town of Kiawah Island (TOKI) concerning the use of anticoagulant rodenticides and their deleterious effects on our bobcat population here on Kiawah Island. Not only do these anticoagulants poison our bobcats, but they also poison additional rodent predators such as eagles, owls, hawks, snakes, raccoons, alligators, and other animals. Use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides on Kiawah Island. Click the link below to read the Kiawah Conservancy's Position Statement on the Use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides on Kiawah Island.
Yaupon Holly
Check out our latest episode of Learning with Lee and learn all about Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria). Did you know yaupon hollies can be found growing naturally in the maritime forest and salt shrub thicket? Tune in at 3pm today and learn all about this Kiawah native.
Willdlife-Friendly Landscapes
Check out our latest episode of Learning with Lee and learn about Kiawah Island's native plants and how they encourage wildlife within our island landscapes.
Terrestrial Invertebrates and Plants on the Dune System of Kiawah Island
Watch and learn as Dr Eric McElroy from the College of Charleston shares his fascinating research results from his 2019 study of Terrestrial Invertebrates and Plants on the Dune System of Kiawah Island. Plants provide stability, protection, and biodiversity on the dunes and are important for the ecological health of Kiawah Island. It is interesting that although the dunes may appear similar when viewing from the beach, there are significant differences in the specific survey areas.
Naturally Kiawah Pathways Tours
Discover stories unique to Kiawah as you enjoy our Naturally Kiawah Pathways tours through the free TravelStorys app. 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!
Kiawah's Butterflies
Check out our latest episode of Learning with Lee and learn all about some of Kiawah's most colorful creatures... Butterflies!
Meet Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) Executive Director Lauren Rust and learn how the LMMN is working to protect marine mammals around the Lowcountry through science, education, and conservation. The LMMN provides a variety of educational programs throughout the Charleston area including the Kiawah Island Dolphin Education Program.
