Currents
T
he maritime forest is one of Kiawah’s most
precious resources. Much of the Island’s
appeal comes from the lush canopies of the
forests that blanket the Island, acting as a
barrier between the mainland and the sea. The plant life
within the forest has adapted to withstand the salty soil,
ever-changing tides, and high winds. A variety of unique
wildlife species have found a perfect home in our rich, dense
maritime forests.
One such creature is the iconic bobcat. In February of this
year, the award-winning Neal Communications film crew
visited Kiawah in search of this elusive creature. They spent a
week on the Island filming bobcats, and their habitats, while
becoming familiar with the long-standing bobcat research
being conducted locally. It was a thrilling experience for both
the team and their director, Cindy Neal. Town of Kiawah
Island Wildlife Biologist, Jim Jordan took the crew to remote
locations across the Island to see first-hand the dense habitat
needed to maintain these animals. The maritime forest,
with its rich understory, and the marshland habitats, with
their plentiful prey, are equally important in sustaining our
beautiful bobcats.
A new documentary film on bobcats, sponsored by the
Kiawah Conservancy and the Town of Kiawah Island, will
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be premiered next year at our fifth annual community
symposium. We are excited to share the story of Kiawah’s
bobcats, and what we are learning from Kiawah’s ongoing
bobcat research—the longest-running study of its type in
the world.
We hope as the year progresses you will find time to attend
some of our many educational programs: Conservation
Matters, Earth Day Celebration, and Mornings in the
Garden. Enjoy a stroll in our Maritime Forest Reserve and
Nature Trail at 133 Conifer Lane or the Naturally Kiawah
Demonstration Garden at Night Heron Park. Spend a
morning volunteering as a Conservancy Garden Keeper.
Don’t forget to enjoy our Naturally Kiawah Pathways tours
using the “TravelStorysGPS” app. Try out the new Kiawah
Conservancy Explores Bobcat Trail Mission using the “Agents
of Discovery” app on your smart device. These self-guided
tours and augmented reality games are among the many great
opportunities for people of all ages to get outside and explore
the natural wonders of Kiawah. NK
Donna Windham
Executive Director
Photo by Rivers Rudloff