Island Life

Within Nature

Kiawah Conservancy: Beauty & The Beasts

Due to the southwestern trajectory of its dominant longshore current, Kiawah is continually gaining sand from Folly Beach and the Stono River. As a result, while most barrier islands must contend with perpetual erosion, Kiawah is actually growing in land mass and boasts some of the healthiest beaches and dunes along the South Carolina coast. It is little wonder, then, that the Island’s natural habitats play home to such a vast wildlife population. Blue herons, long-legged egrets, white ibis, and hooded mergansers claim Kiawah’s marshlands. The Island’s tidal creeks are brimming with red drum, spotted sea trout, and flounder. Dolphins splash along our Atlantic shoreline and, outside of wildlife refuges, Kiawah is the region’s most prolific nesting area for loggerhead turtles. In all, Kiawah is home to:

18 species of mammals
30+ species of reptiles
300 bird species

Island Life: A Walk on the Wild Side

The Kiawah Island Nature Center is a celebration of Kiawah wildlife. Here, a learned team of nature lovers and naturalists introduce guests to creatures great and small through demonstrations, hands-on exhibits and guided tours. From gator walks to bird watches, from cycling to paddling tours to dolphin-spotting boat excursions, each Island adventure offers a richer perspective on the remarkable natural habitats that flourish across the Island.

Nurturing Nature: The Conservancy of the Sea Islands

Kiawah Island is widely recognized for executing an environmentally sensitive master plan centered around the Designing with Nature concept. Equally dedicated to merging mindful development with the natural environment, the Conservancy of the Sea Islands was established by Island residents in 1997. The chartered non-profit, grassroots organization has since preserved more than 86 properties that total over 3,887 acres of pristine barrier island. Our combined efforts ensure that the natural habitats, wildlife, and beauty of these special places remain for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Explore Island Life

Designing with Nature

Learn more about Kiawah Partners’ multi-disciplinary approach toward Designing with Nature, created to enhance the lives of the Island’s residents and guests while protecting Kiawah’s wildlife, species and shoreline estuaries.

On the Water

H2OMG! With ten miles of gorgeous Atlantic shoreline, the shimmering Kiawah River, ribboning waterways, and tranquil lagoons, the Island is an everyday celebration of life in flow motion.

Island Insights

Travel back to 1600’s South Carolina with our Kiawah Island timeline and get a sense of who we are, how we govern, and why we love our year-round weather.