Currents
Leadership of the Kiawah Conservancy changes every two years . The leadership team , consisting of the chairman , vice-chairman , and immediate past chairman , along with the organization ’ s staff meets every Tuesday for strategic planning purposes . This small group works together so closely that meetings often feel like a gathering around a family table .
At the Conservancy ’ s annual meeting in March of this year , Richard Ames will succeed Kevin Cox as chairman , and Rich Warner will become vicechairman .
Reluctantly , we will say farewell to Sue Corcoran , our immediate past chairman . Sue has served the Conservancy as a trustee and as chairman and has guided the leadership team for the past six years . To say she will be missed is an understatement .
Kevin , who has established a strong organization for our 20th anniversary , will step into a new role as the immediate past chairman and will provide wisdom and support to Richard and Rich as they assume their new responsibilities . All are well prepared for the challenges ahead , and we are grateful their leadership will continue .
The Kiawah Conservancy ’ s 20-year anniversary is an extraordinary milestone , and the years since 1997 have been marked by important accomplishments . We are grateful to have watched the Conservancy grow from a small , grassroots organization to a nationally-recognized land trust . We have so much to celebrate !
Strong leadership and a dedicated staff are only the beginning of translating our hopes and dreams for Kiawah Island into reality . The real forces behind our achievements are the army of volunteers and our generous donors who are the best part of the Kiawah Conservancy .
If you have yet to get involved , the time is now . Development and change will always be with us . Making responsible choices for land preservation is of primary importance if our Island is to continue to be a place where the habitat is natural and the wildlife flourishes .
Together with our partners and the support of our donors and constituents , the Kiawah Conservancy has accomplished so much over the
past 20 years . As a dynamic group we have :
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Preserved a total of 348 acres of natural habitat , including four new properties in 2016 ;
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Provided habitat for 295 species of birds , 30 species of reptiles and amphibians , and more than 18 species of mammals ;
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Provided a renovated nature trail located at 133 Conifer Lane — a great place to learn about native plants ;
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Constructed the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden — an example of planting for seasonal variety and wildlife enhancement ;
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Developed the Naturally Kiawah Pathways tours — a fun new way to experience the Island ;
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Recognized over 600 acres of wildlife-friendly space via the Naturally Kiawah homesite habitat program ; and
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Delivered an award-winning biannual magazine recognizing all things natural to Kiawah .
We offer you , our partners and constituents , a sincere commitment to continue working to earn your support as together we move forward for the next 20 years . NK
Donna Windham Executive Director
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