2025 was a dynamic year filled with inspiring programs, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and a variety of activities. From immersive nature walks to engaging educational talks, there was something for everyone who cares deeply about preserving and celebrating our local ecosystems. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the year’s highlights—and look ahead to the exciting opportunities still to come.
Educational Programs to Inspire and Inform
This year, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting 20 educational programs, designed to inspire, teach, and engage the community in environmental conservation. Highlights included:
-
Marsh Madness: A deep dive into the fascinating world of marsh ecosystems and their vital role in maintaining our coastal environments.
-
Sea Islands Shorebird Festival: Among other offered walks during this special week, Cami Duquet of the SCDNR’s Coastal Bird Program guided participants to observe shorebirds as they foraged, flew, and interacted with the coastal landscape, while learning about their behaviors, migration patterns, and ecological importance.
-
Earth Week & Earth Day Celebration at Night Heron Park: These events offered fun, educational activities that raised awareness about sustainability and environmental protection. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, for their generous support.
-
Balancing Growth: Johns Island resident, John Zlogar, shared insights on major pending projects and how sustainable growth and environmental protection can work together to preserve the Sea Islands for future generations.
-
Native Plant Week: A week-long celebration dedicated to promoting the beauty and importance of native plants in our local environment.
-
Beneath the Oaks Symposium: A gathering of environmental experts and enthusiasts to discuss critical issues affecting our natural world, focusing on ways to protect our ecosystems for future generations. A cooperative partnership with many local environmental organizations.
-
Various Nature Walks: Guided walks throughout the year with our dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Participants visited conservation areas, enjoyed seeing native landscapes, and learned about local flora and fauna firsthand.
New Ways to Gather and Give
In 2025, we introduced two new fundraising events that brought our community together in support of conservation.
-
Island Treasures Tag Sale turned shopping into stewardship, with all proceeds supporting the Conservancy’s mission in a lively, community-driven setting.
-
Bobcat Bash was an unforgettable evening celebrating the wildlife and natural beauty of Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands—featuring local flavors, live entertainment, and a shared commitment to protecting the places we cherish.
Community in Action: Making an Impact
In addition to our educational programs, we offered 17 unique volunteer opportunities, where individuals and groups could get involved in hands-on conservation efforts. These opportunities not only contributed to the protection of our environment but also helped create a stronger sense of community. Some of the highlights included:
- Garden Maintenance: This hands-on workshop helped prepare the pollinator garden at Heron Park Nature Center for spring, while sharing practical tips on sustainable gardening, native plants, and creating wildlife-friendly spaces.
-
Oyster Reef Builds/Installation: Volunteers played a vital role in building and installing oyster reefs, which help to filter water and provide habitat for marine life.
-
Spartina Planting: This volunteer effort marked an important step in restoring the Kiawah River Watershed at Mingo Point. Volunteers planted locally grown Spartina alterniflora alongside existing manufactured wire reefs. This hands-on effort helped strengthen the marsh and support a healthier coastal ecosystem.
-
Sweetgrass Harvest/Distribution: Through the harvest and distribution of sweetgrass, volunteers contributed to preserving this important cultural and ecological resource.
-
Monthly Litter Sweeps: In partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium, volunteers conducted monthly litter sweeps that combined hands-on cleanup with citizen science, collecting data to help track pollution and protect coastal ecosystems
Discover and Learn: Junior Explorers in Action
Our Junior Explorer program provided two in-person events, designed to engage young learners with hands-on experiences. These events were a big hit, both on and off the island, and included:
- Outstanding Oysters: Guided by visiting watercolor artist and children’s book author Abby Nurre, young explorers learned about the important role oysters play in our coastal ecosystem while studying shells up close and transforming their observations into beautiful watercolor artwork.
- Tailgating with Turtles: This program, in partnership with the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol, was an engaging event where families could learn about the region’s turtle species, their conservation, and how to get involved in protecting them.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the year’s achievements, we’re excited to continue offering educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and family-friendly events that engage and inspire our community. Visit our Programs and Activities page to explore ways to get involved, make a difference, and learn about the incredible environment we share. Together, we can protect and preserve our natural spaces for generations to come!