Naturally Kiawah Magazine Volume 32 | Page 61

stew’ardship’ (n.) 1: the conducting, supervising or managing of something; especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care Join Us For a Volunteer Experience Like No Other! Many would agree that fall is the best part of the year to spend some time outdoors on Kiawah, exploring the Island’s unique natural landscapes. The temperatures begin to dip, the marshes begin their golden fade and our many migratory bird species begin arriving. It is truly a wonderful time to experience Kiawah. The fall also marks the time of year when the Kiawah Conservancy conducts its land stewardship and property monitoring duties. Stewardship staff and volunteers will trek through everything, from the thick understory of maritime forest, to salt flats in the marsh and observe various flora and fauna on the way – everything from prickly pear cactus and devil’s joint (ouch!) to songbirds, shorebirds and the occasional bottlenose dolphin. Property visits not only involve monitoring, but also include litter clean-up and looking for land management opportunities to further improve habitat. Stewardship visits involve light hiking and, in some cases, marsh trekking and kayaking. Monitoring will be conducted October through December 2014. If you are interested in participating in the Conservancy’s land stewardship program please contact the Kiawah Conservancy’s Land Preservation Coordinator, Justin Core, at 843-768-2029 or [email protected]. Kiawah Conservancy’s Preserved Properties Properties Under Conservation Easement: Properties Owned: • Wassén Preserve 9 Airy Hall • Maritime Forest Reserve & Nature Trail 133 Conifer Lane • 77 New Settlement Road • Plenty’s Island • 168 Bluebill Court • 25 Arrowhead Hall • 141 Red Cedar Lane • 41 Marsh Edge Lane • 107 Marsh Elder Court • Beck Island • 227 Sea Marsh Drive • Briar’s Creek Marsh & Hummocks • 523 Ruddy Turnstone Drive • Little Bear Island • 38 Berkshire Hall • Salt Cedar Lane/Falcon Point Road Nature Area • 765 Curlew Court • Rhett’s Bluff Nature Area • 66 Blue Heron Pond Road • Indigo Park Nature Areas • 579 Oyster Rake • Otter Island Nature Area • 83x Blue Heron Pond Road • 128 Halona Lane 58