The Kiawah Conservancy’s Junior Explorers program began in July 2022 with a mission to reach the next generation of nature lovers. Through an online newsletter and organized in-person events, our hope is for kids to learn lifelong lessons that will instil a desire to protect and support the wildlife and habitats of Kiawah and beyond!
Our monthly Junior Explorers newsletter is filled with pictures, videos, fun activities, and information related to nature and wildlife. Much of the content focuses on specific wildlife species and habitats found on Kiawah and the surrounding environs, but also includes interactive ways for readers to participate no matter where they live.
Be the first to know! The newsletter is a great place to learn about upcoming Junior Explorer events. So far, there have been three Junior Explorers events. The first, “Tailgating with Turtles,” took place on the beach in front of The Sandcastle and involved the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol volunteers. Nearly 80 Junior Explorers participated in this hands-on discovery of what the turtle patrol is all about and why the work that they do is important to loggerhead turtles. The second event, “Gator Gathering,” focused on alligator education with a naturalist from Charleston’s
Tiedemann Park Nature Center and Junior Explorers got to meet Sparky, Tiedemann Park Nature Center’s educational outreach alligator. This program also included an alligator-themed storytime with John’s Island Children’s Librarian, Amy Fordham.
The third Junior Explorers event, “Birds at the Beach,” began with a read-aloud by local children’s author, Lisa Donovan. Then the explorers enjoyed a lesson in shorebirds by SC Audubon’s Nolan Schillerstrom. The event concluded with an illustration craft inspired by Lisa’s book, Birds at the Beach and Beyond.
We look forward to coordinating future Junior Explorer newsletters and events in 2024 to inspire kids of all ages to respect, support, and protect wildlife, habitats, and plant communities for years to come!
Join the Junior Explorers Newsletter