Reflections from the Chair
I
n January of this year, my husband and I welcomed visitors from Singapore.
Circumstances drew us together halfway around the world and we’ve stayed close friends
for 20 years. Though our lives and families are widely scattered, we get together regularly
to reconnect, so we were startled to realize that 15 years had passed since our last reunion
on Kiawah.
It was a wonderful visit and they were appropriately impressed with our still abundant wildlife.
We saw flocks of migrating sanderlings chasing waves on the beach, kingfishers and elegant hooded
mergansers fishing in the ponds, and brown pelicans, great blue herons and a variety of egrets
dining together all over the island. We even spotted an occasional sleepy alligator warming in the
winter sun. Unfortunately, they did not get to see our iconic bobcats on this visit. The subjects of so
many National Geographic pieces were not out and about when we were.
As we traveled around the island, I pointed out several of the Conservancy’s 28 preserved
properties. These properties, including the three spectacular pieces acquired this year which total
nearly 15 acres (highlighted on the opposite page), will be preserved in perpetuity, legalspeak
meaning forever.
This triggered a lively discussion. What is the motivation for preservation? Do we have a
responsibility to preserve biodiversity for posterity? What is its value to the greater community? To
the individual? Is i t because natural beauty is a balm for the spirit?
Interesting questions, all. Surveys continue to point to Kiawah’s special blend of nature and
development as a principal reason that people visit, buy, and live here.
The bottom line is if that is what drew you here, you already appreciate our natural setting.
You may be interested in the Island’s amazing biodiversity and what it means to our resident and
migrating wildlife. You may feel an obligation to preserve an increasingly rare ecosystem. Or you
may simply appreciate the value it adds to your quality of life. In each case, you play an important
part in assuring the Kiawah we know and love survives.
We relived old times, shared good food, and a lot of laughs with our visitors. As we headed to the
airport each of them spoke again of what a remarkable place Kiawah is. Of course, you and I know
that. Kiawah’s future is bright because of the passion and commitment that so many of you have for
our Island.
Keep up the good work!
Happily, we all benefit. NK
Sue Corcoran, Chairman, Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
WINTER/SPRING 2015 • VOLUME 33
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