Did you know research reveals that 18% of Kiawah Island is covered by impervious surfaces? These are surfaces, like roads, driveways, and buildings, that don’t allow water to seep into the ground. With this much hard surface, storms and flood tides can lead to water pooling and flooding in certain areas.
But there’s good news! The best way to combat this issue is by implementing nature-based solutions. In 2022, our senior ecological health and conservation coordinator introduced the Nature-Based Solutions Manual for Kiawah Island, a comprehensive guide for the Southeast region. This manual outlines practices designed to limit erosion and help nature adapt to changing conditions, all without relying on hardened structures like seawalls that can actually worsen long-term flooding.
If your property is prone to flooding, this manual is a fantastic resource. You might even discover that a rain garden is the perfect solution for reducing water buildup and improving drainage.