Turtle Tally Continues Growing
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
It was mid-July when Kiawah Island’s first sea turtle hatchlings made their debut. A hatchling nest emergence means that the baby sea turtles left their nest and headed toward the ocean. Turtle patrollers know a nest hatched by seeing the tracks in the sand coming from the nest area.
It was also mid-July when Turtle Patrollers discovered the 300th turtle nest of the season on Kiawah Island.
Sea turtle monitoring activities have taken place on Kiawah Island since the early 1970s, and the island now boasts one of the largest turtle patrol volunteer programs in South Carolina. It has been funded by the Town of Kiawah Island since 1990.
The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol keeps detailed records of all the activities, and a report is prepared annually for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. As of August 7, SCDNR reported that in 2024 Kiawah Island has had 349 nests on the island total, with 241 incubating, 11 lost, and 150 relocated.
Nests which are located too low on the beach are moved landward in order to protect them from being washed over by the high tides. SCDNR numbers also show that Kiawah Island has had 9,693 hatched eggs with 8,935 emerged hatchlings. Egg losses were at 3,869,
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Learn more about Deveaux Bank with SINHG
BY NORM POWERS For The Island Connection
The fragile ecology of Deveaux Bank, the protected bird sanctuary at the mouth of the North Edisto River, will be the subject of the first evening program of the fall offered by the Seabrook Island Natural History Group on Thursday evening, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
Presented by Dana Beach of the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, the program at the Lake House will use 2023’s Hurricane Idalia as an example of the Bank’s tenuous existence at the hands of natural forces. Idalia was a Category 4 storm that pummeled the Southeastern coast in late August of last year and severely damaged the Bank.
Dana Beach is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Coastal Conservation League, which works with citizens and government to develop policies promoting sustainable development patterns for the Carolina coastline. He is the author of numerous articles and academic papers on coastal wetlands, land use planning and beachfront management.
Seabrook Island Natural History
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LLowcountry Land Trust permanently protects Mallard Tract
BY VICTORIA BOCK For The Island Connection
owcountry Land Trust announced the transfer of the 206-acre, permanently protected Mallard Tract to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). This property is directly across the river from SCDNR’s 1,375-acre Edisto River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and will soon become open to the public for fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The Edisto River, the longest free-flowing black-water river in North America, will benefit from this expansion of protected lands to approximately 10.7 miles of linear river frontage.
Lowcountry Land Trust purchased the Mallard Tract in 2015 to protect it from imminent threat. Recognizing the importance of landscape-scale mitigation, Waste Management Inc. contributed funds that enabled the Land Trust to safeguard this critical area. The Mallard Tract was placed under a conservation easement in 2017, ensuring permanent protection of the property’s 206 acres.
During its nearly decade of ownership, Lowcountry Land Trust oversaw significant restoration efforts on the Mallard Tract as part of a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan. This plan was agreed upon with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to issue
a wetlands impact permit for Waste Management.
The restoration efforts included restoring the natural hydrologic flow and reestablishing native tree species, thereby enhancing the property’s ecological integrity and abundant wildlife habitat.
The Mallard Tract’s location is particularly noteworthy, adjacent to the Edisto River’s Good Hope Boat Landing and Open Space Institute’s 148-acre tract, which was protected and transferred to SCDNR in 2022. Additionally, it is surrounded by 50,187 acres of conserved properties within a 10-mile radius. The transfer of Lowcountry Land Trust’s Mallard Tract to SCDNR’s Edisto River WMA will enhance a contiguous, protected landscape in the heart of the world-renowned ACE Basin.
“We are thrilled to contribute to the expansion of the Edisto River Wildlife Management Area,” said Ashley Demosthenes, President and CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. “Both sides of the river are now designated game lands, providing enhanced public recreation opportunities. This collaboration with SCDNR exemplifies our dedication to protecting and conserving the Lowcountry’s natural resources.”
SCDNR shares this enthusiasm for the project.
Robert Boyles, director, said,
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PUBLISHERS OF
The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine
Kiawah Island Arts Council Kicks Off the 2024-2025 Season
BY KRISTIN B. THOMPSON For The Island Connection
Join the Kiawah Island Arts Council and kick off our 2024-2025 Arts Council season with some bluegrass, bites and beverages. Enjoy a lazy end of the summer Sunday afternoon on September 15 at the Kiawah island Town Hall’s backyard. Starting at 4 p.m., this free outdoor event will feature music from the Bluestone Ramblers, a traditional bluegrass ensemble with a
relaxed yet energetic stage presence.
Arrive hungry because Crystal Coast food truck and a cash bar with beer and wine will both be onsite, offering delicious food and beverages for purchase. Lawn chairs or picnic blankets are encouraged. There is a low stone wall which provides natural seating and creates a pastoral amphitheater. Three days later, on Wednesday
September 18, Joan Collar and the Arts Council will present the first piano bar of the season. This is a free event located at the Sandcastle from 5 – 7 p.m. Glassware is provided, and music lovers are encouraged to bring their choice of beverage and snacks. Our first performer will be Hunter Feick.
For a complete calendar of the upcoming season, visit kiawahisland.org/events.
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Ways and Means Committee
Monday, August 26, 3 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, September 5, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Ways & Means Committee
Tuesday, September 10, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Monday, September 10, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, September 11, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK Accommodations Tax Advisory
Monday, August 26, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, August 27, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, September 11, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment and Wildlife Committee
Thursday, September 12, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 17, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Bluestone Ramblers.
Turtle Tally (continued from page 1)
with 92% of that being attributed to coyotes.
Kiawah Island’s Town Biologist Jim Jordan said, “Inventories are scheduled three days after signs of emergence are seen at the nest. Once the inventory is completed, the nest is taken off the Turtle Patrol’s list of inventory.”
Since 1973, hundreds of residents of Kiawah Island have participated in the Turtle Patrol program, which runs from May 1 to October 31 every year.
Trained by SCDNR, Kiawah Island sees about 200 to 400 turtle nests each season. In fact, since 2017, Kiawah Island has had the densest nesting beach of all the developed beaches in South Carolina. According to the Turtle Patrol, nests without a protection program have a low hatch rate, typically under 10%. Hatch rates on Kiawah, with help from the Turtle Patrol, are over 70%.
Nests normally contain between 100 and 150 eggs. The eggs will hatch in
approximately two months after being laid, and the hatchlings will make their way down the beach and into the surf.
The loggerhead sea turtle is one of only seven species of marine turtles still in existence today. Adult loggerheads can be up to three feet in length and weigh as much as 350 pounds. These turtles are believed to have a life span of 50 to 65 years. The loggerhead’s name refers to the size of its head, which is larger in proportion to its body than other marine turtles. The loggerhead turtle was listed as a threatened species in 1978 under the Endangered Species Act and the State Nongame Act.
For more information on the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol, visit kiawahisland. org/wildlife/support_us/turtle_patrol. php.
For information on the loggerhead sea turtle, visit kiawahisland.org/wildlife/ wildlife/reptiles/loggerhead_sea_turtles. php.
Deveaux Bank (continued from page 1)
Programs are offered free of charge to members, with a $5 charge for non-members. Pre-registration is available at sinhg.org/events-page.
Group’s evening programs will continue in October with a presentation on Mepkin Abbey and in November with an examination of South Carolina’s Revolutionary War history.
Dana Beach, founder of the Coastal Conservation League.
Deveaux Bank.
(continued from page 1)
“The addition of 206 acres to the Edisto River WMA is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to conserve South Carolina’s wildlife habitats and provide public access to treasured lands. We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with Lowcountry Land Trust and their commitment to conservation."
The transfer of the Mallard Tract expands the Edisto River WMA and preserves the cultural and recreational heritage of the Lowcountry. The hunting opportunities on this property add to SCDNR’s over 350,000 acres of game
land and continue a tradition deeply rooted in the region’s history.
Lowcountry Land Trust—a nonprofit organization— permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having conserved over 162,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the largest local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at lowcountrylandtrust.org.
KIAWAH ISLAND GARDEN CLUB STARTS AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER
BY KRISTIN B. THOMPSON
For The Island Connection
The Kiawah Island Garden Club will be ending its summer vacation and starting anew on September 24. We will be welcoming new members and greeting friends at the Sandcastle on Tuesday, September 24 at 9:30 a.m. While having a chance to catch up and enjoy refreshments and coffee, we will enjoy a talk by Samantha Siegel, Angel Oak Preserve Director.
The Garden Club is also happy to receive new members – no green thumbs required! To join or renew your dues for the 2024-2025 program year, mail your check payable to: Kiawah Island Garden Club c/o Lisa Milo, 70 LeMoyne Lane, Kiawah Island, SC 29455.
We are able to keep the dues for the program year – August 1, 2024 until July 31, 2025 – at a low cost of $15.
The first half of our program year is shaping up nicely. We will have the casual get together at the Sandcastle on September 24 and then a tour, lunch and visit to the Charleston Tea Garden on October 9. We will enjoy a brief walking tour of the Wraggborough district of Charleston and a tour of the Aiken Rhett House in historic Charleston on October 24. In November, there will be a hands-on holiday decor workshop.
Questions? Please email kristin@rhettsbluff. com. We hope to see you in September.
KI Garden Club members.
Feeding Local Children
BACKPACK BUDDIES SEABROOK ISLAND CHALLENGE 2024
BY LYNN BAKER For The Island Connection
The need to feed hungry children on the weekend remains and is ever pressing. This year, we are back with many of last year’s Seabrook Island Backpack Buddies Friends to support the aggressive 2024 fundraising goal of $100k. The Seabrook Island Backpack Buddies fundraising challenge runs through Sept. 27. Backpack Buddies of Seabrook Island is a nonprofit with a mission to feed hungry local school children on the weekends. The children receive breakfast and lunch at school, yet are often food insecure on weekends and school holidays. Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island and its volunteers provided food to over 424 school children during the 2023-2024 school year. That’s an impressive 16,000 bags of food delivered to Mt. Zion and Lambs Elementary Schools, along with direct support of a food pantry at Johns Island High School.
We’re once again counting on the generosity and kindness of Sea Island residents, visitors and guests to help meet the goal in support of the coming 2024-2025 school year. It takes $235 dollars to support one child for an entire school year. Ninety-six cents of every dollar donated goes directly to buying food for these children. Making a donation is simple and fast. To make a donation, please visit the Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island website, at backpackbuddiesseabrookisland. com, and donate via credit card or check. The 2024 Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island Challenge runs through September 27. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
A Season of Support
FALL EVENTS TO SUPPORT THE CHARLESTON SYMPHONY AND MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League is staging two of its traditionally popular events in November: the Kiawah Island Tour of Homes will take place on November 2 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. behind the gates on Kiawah Island, and the Swing Fore the Symphony golf tournament will be held on Daniel Island on November 18. Both events are open to the public and will include musical performances.
The Kiawah Island Tour of Homes, which kicks off the fundraising season, will give participants the opportunity to visit some of Kiawah Island's most unique and elegant residences, featuring celebrated designers, builders, decorators and architects. Swing Fore the Symphony is a day-long tournament on the famed Rees Jones' Ralston Creek course, offering an array of prizes. The tournament is followed by cocktails, dinner and music at the exclusive Daniel Island Golf Club.
Those interested in these two events are encouraged to mark their calendars now. Details and ticketing are now available on the CSOL website, at csolinc.org.
About the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League
The CSOL is a multi-talented group of more than 350 dedicated volunteers whose purpose is to support the Charleston Symphony, encourage talented young musicians and inspire classical music lovers for generations to come. The CSOL has consistently been the largest institutional donor to the CSO, having donated nearly $5.5 million since 2000. The CSOL also provides scholarships for music students and CSO musicians, totaling more than $42,000 this last year. The CSOL has actively advocated for music education and funding for the arts in the Lowcountry for over half a century. Join the CSOL at csolinc.org.
A residence in the Kiawah Tour of Homes.
around the islands...
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
WHAT: Spirits Tasting
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Guests can savor complimentary tastings at Kiawah Spirits every Friday and Saturday from 1 to 5 pm, from a selection of fine spirits.
WHAT: US Open Honey Deuce Party
WHERE: Sweetgrass Inn, 5757 Palm Blvd.
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Wild Dunes will be hosting themed weekend pop-up events throughout the summer at The Nest, the rooftop bar on the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort. Each event is free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
WHAT: Sunrise Yoga
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Pier
WHEN: 7 a.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston County Parks’ yoga program is back at select park sites late this summer. Participants will stretch their bodies, awaken their minds, and fuel their spirits in this uplifting, intention-setting yoga class sure to enhance the day ahead. Sunrise Yoga is inclusive and open to all abilities and fitness levels.
WHAT: Charleston Summer Wine Festival
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal, 196 Concord Street, Charleston WHEN: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: This 21+ event will feature over 50 wine selections, mimosas, and beers. All beverage tastings are included in the ticket price, and food will be available for purchase. Guests can also enjoy live music from the Jacob Poole Band, Daniell Pollock and DJ Brent Folks.
WHAT: The Sanctuary Sounds of Summer
WHERE: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The public is invited to join Sounds of Summer on the Grand Lawn of The Sanctuary throughout August. The live-music event overlooking the beach and Atlantic Ocean is complimentary with a cash bar provided.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
WHAT: National Red Wine Day Celebration
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: On National Red Wine Day, Deep Water Vineyard invites guest to stop by and enjoy a glass from their selection.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
WHAT: Tipsy Tour
WHERE: Various WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: You’ll be picked up at the visitor’s center downtown on Fridays at 11:30 a.m., to Charleston’s only domestic winery and vineyard, Deep Water Vineyard. During a tasting you’ll enjoy a fruit and cheese tray and be gifted with a souvenir
Seabrook Island Artist Guild Arts and Crafts Show
Come out to beautiful Freshfields to view or purchase fine art and fine craft produced by the talented artists of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild. The show will be held on the green at Freshfields on Sunday, September 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open to all.
stemless wine glass. Next, you’ll travel over to Park Circle in North Charleston to enjoy a sampling of beer at Holy City Brewing before taking a short trip across the street to enjoy a tasting at Firefly Distillery. You return back downtown by 4 p.m.
WHAT: Spirits Tasting
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Guests can savor complimentary tastings at Kiawah Spirits every Friday and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., from a selection of fine spirits. Enjoy a timeless classic or discover a new favorite during this intimate experience.
WHAT: Margaritaville Jimmy Buffett Party
WHERE: Sweetgrass Inn, 5757 Palm Blvd.
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Wild Dunes will be hosting themed weekend pop-up events throughout the summer at The Nest, the rooftop bar on the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort. Each event is free and open to the public. This iteration includes three flavors of margarita, a frozen daiquiri, cheeseburgers, Jimmy Buffett music, and more.
WHAT: Lowcountry Jazz Festival
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St, Charleston
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston Gaillard Center is once again partnering with Closing the Gap in Health Care to present the annual Lowcountry Jazz Festival. Returning this year is the much-anticipated All White Party, the Festival’s opening-night event on Friday, August 30. Guests are invited to don their finest white attire and mingle with fellow jazz enthusiasts in a festive atmosphere featuring performances by Art Sherrod, Lin Rountree, and Ragan Whiteside.
WHAT: Lets Sing Taylor - A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift
WHERE: The Riviera Theater, 227 King St, Charleston
WHEN: 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylorinspired attire. This is an all ages show, but all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Any child who is 4 years of age or older requires a ticket for admittance into The Riviera. Those younger than 4 can enter for free as long as they sit on an adult’s lap.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
WHAT: The Sanctuary Sounds of Summer
WHERE: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The public is invited to join Sounds of Summer on the Grand Lawn of The Sanctuary throughout August. The live-music event overlooking the beach and Atlantic Ocean is complimentary with a cash bar provided.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
WHAT: Lululemon Walk Club
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: The Lululemon Walking Club meets at the store located within The Village every first and third Saturday of the month at 8:30 am for a scenic journey along Kiawah Island trails. Locals and visitors alike can start their morning with exercise and community for a complete wellness activity.
WHAT: Sunrise Yoga
WHERE: Kiawah Beachwalker Park
WHEN: 7 a.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston County Parks’ Sunrise Yoga program is back at select park sites late this summer. Participants will stretch their bodies, awaken their minds, and fuel their spirits in this uplifting, intention-setting yoga class sure to enhance the day ahead. Sunrise Yoga is inclusive and open to all abilities and fitness levels.
Celebrate Fall with MahJong
eabrook Island Village is planning a day of fun, lunch, prizes and, of course, mahjong. Players are encouraged to register as soon as possible. After the first 60 registrants, event organizers will form a wait list. In an effort to accommodate as many players as possible, another table will be added for every four people on the
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 8
Place: Seabrook Island Club (Atlantic Room)
Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $80 ($40 donation goes to Sea Island Village.)
Organizers will match players with other participants at their comfort level. Registration begins Sept. 1 and lasts until Sept. 24. Registration forms can be accessed on the website, at seabrookislandviiage.org. You can also contact Seabrook Island Village special events chair Susan Coomer: seabrksue@att.net.
Seabrook residents can obtain registration forms in person at the Lake House or inside the Seabrook Island Club locker room.
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12:12am/12:43pm 1:05am/1:41pm 2:03am/2:43pm 3:03am/3:45pm 4:05am/4:47pm 5:06am/5:45pm 6:04am/6:38pm 6:56am/7:24pm 7:43am/8:06pm 8:27am/8:44pm 9:08am/9:20pm 9:47am/9:54pm 10:24am/10:27pm 10:59am/11:00pm 6:14am/6:55pm 7:06am/7:57pm 8:02am/9:01pm 9:02am/10:05pm 10:03am/11:07pm 11:04am 12:02am/12:00pm 12:52am/12:51pm 1:37am/1:39pm 2:18am/2:22pm 2:55am/3:03pm 3:30am/3:43pm 4:01am/4:22pm 4:32am/5:00pm
Meet Seabrook Island Photographer Jeff Davis
Jeff Davis is a fine art, portrait and real estate photographer living full time on Seabrook Island. You might often see him around the island shooting pictures or videos, and you may have enjoyed some of his visual contributions to local online outlets.
When asked about his attraction to the art of photography, he says: “I really view photography as almost a form of bionic vision, which can convey beauty at a level of detail that the human eye cannot comprehend on its own. It amazes me that I can capture [a fraction] of a second, when a heron 100 yards away plunges its head underwater to catch a minnow, and then print that moment in fine detail to hang on my own or my client’s wall.”
He continues, “Not everyone has the time or ability to witness certain aspects of our natural environment
at this detail, and the ability to digitally share these frozen moments with my neighbors is extremely rewarding. I recently took the time to study diligently and obtain my
FAA Part 107 drone license, which is opening entirely new angles.”
To see more of Jeff’s work or hire him for a portrait session, visit JeffreyJDavis.com.
(above) "Great Egret Reflected in Flight." (left) "Aerial view of Horse Island and Privateer Creek."
