Kiawah Island is a unique natural sanctuary, continually shaped and enriched by the forces of nature. Thanks to the southwestern trajectory of its dominant longshore current, Kiawah consistently gains sand from Folly Beach and the Stono River. Unlike most barrier islands that face constant erosion, Kiawah is actually expanding in land mass, supporting some of the healthiest beaches and dunes along the South Carolina coast.
This ever-growing landscape fosters an extraordinary array of wildlife. Kiawah’s marshlands are home to elegant blue herons, long-legged egrets, white ibis, and hooded mergansers. The Island’s tidal creeks teem with red drum, spotted sea trout, and flounder, while dolphins are a common sight splashing along the Atlantic shoreline. Kiawah is also recognized as the region’s most prolific nesting ground for loggerhead turtles outside of designated wildlife refuges.
In all, Kiawah Island proudly supports:
The Kiawah Island Conservatory is dedicated to protecting and preserving this rich ecological heritage. Through conservation efforts, education, and sustainable practices, the Conservatory ensures that Kiawah’s pristine natural environments—and the remarkable wildlife they support—continue to thrive for generations to come.
1 Kiawah Island Pkwy Johns Island, SC 29455
1 Kiawah Island Pkwy Johns Island, SC 29455