Nature

The Benefits of Using Rain Barrels for Your Home Landscape

Living on the Charleston Sea Islands offers a unique landscape, with lush coastal environments, frequent rainfall, and mild temperatures. However, this can also mean unpredictable...

Nature

Meadow Mowing: A Seasonal Rhythm at Kiawah River

Our residents may have noticed that  we’ve mowed our meadows again this year—just as we do every fall. Mowing is a key part of meadow...

Nature

The Best Flowers for a Stunning Spring Garden in Charleston’s Sea Islands

Spring in Charleston’s Sea Islands brings warm breezes, sunny days, and the perfect opportunity to cultivate a colorful garden. Choosing heat-tolerant blooms ensures a stunning...

Nature

Winter Birds to Spot Near Kiawah River

Kiawah River is a haven for nature enthusiasts year-round. But during the winter months, the area transforms into a birdwatcher’s paradise, attracting migratory birds alongside...

Nature

Spotting Dunlins Near Kiawah River

The Kiawah River estuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and one of our favorite birds to spot is the Dunlin. This small shorebird is easily recognizable...

Nature

Living Outdoors: The Role of Pollinator Gardens in Kiawah River’s Sustainable Lifestyle

We are pleased to share that Kiawah River is making waves for its dedication to sustainable living, with inclusion in Jamie Gold’s recent Forbes article...

Nature

Kiawah River Flora: American Beautyberry

The South Carolina Lowcountry is renowned for its lush landscapes, rich history, and diverse flora. Among the many native plants that thrive in this region...

Nature

Kiawah River Field Guide: Botanical Checklist

Any day is better when you notice the flowers—and right now, Kiawah River’s wildflower meadows are in full splendor. There are also many native plants...

Nature

Nurturing Nature: Protecting Kiawah River’s Wildlife and Natural Resources 

With warmer weather and longer days on the horizon, now is the perfect time to venture out and discover the natural wonders of Kiawah River....

Nature

Birds of Kiawah River: Painted Buntings

At Kiawah River, we celebrate the beauty and wonder of our natural surroundings every day. We’re particularly passionate about our birds—from the distinctive Roseate Spoonbill...

Nature

DIY Bluebird Box: Build a Home for Feathered Friends

Bluebirds are one of the most valued residents at Kiawah River. Walk the trails that wind through the community, and you’re bound to see bluebird...

Nature

Getting Down to Earth: At-Home Composting Basics

Jeff Snyder, our Chief Environmental Officer, is always seeking out sustainability initiatives to introduce to Kiawah River. Jeff’s latest effort is a community composting program,...

Nature

Cultivating a Haven for Pollinators: Spring Planting in Kiawah River

Spring is (finally) on the horizon! That means we’re welcoming back pollinators – butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds – seeking nectar and pollen from blooming flowers....

Nature

Kiawah River Field Guide: Riverside Day

As the  pleasantly across the Sea Islands this winter, we find ourselves eager to get outside and truly enjoy life along the river. The itinerary...

Nature

Graceful Giants: Wood Storks of Kiawah River

Kiawah River is home to countless natural wonders. Among these, the elegant Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) stands out as a true symbol of grace and...

Nature

Notes from Nature: The Best Wildflowers for Floral Arrangements

While fall décor typically includes pumpkins, pinecones and gourds, there’s nothing like a bouquet of wildflowers to bring a sense of coziness and a touch...

Nature

Kiawah River Field Guide: Know Your Fish

In the creeks and in the Kiawah River, a bay boat, flats boat or jon boat are just right for getting around, and the inshore...

Nature

Strand Feeding on the Kiawah River

The Kiawah River is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers but also a stage for one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles:...

Nature

Kiawah River Flora: Spanish Moss

Garbed in elegant garlands of lacey Spanish moss, Lowcountry live oaks are a symbol of Charleston’s Southern charm. Their long, silver-gray swags swaying in the...

Nature

Notes from Nature: How to Catch Your Dinner at Kiawah River

Many Southerners are quick to share with you their deep affection for fishing – the serenity and ritual that are so often passed down from...

Nature

Early Summer Birdwatching at Kiawah River

Spring has returned to the Lowcountry, and now is the perfect time to walk the trails for a little birdwatching. You might spot some of...

Nature

Lowcountry Pastimes: History of Kiawah River’s Water Management and Rice Trunk Gates

While serving as fertile ecosystems for hundreds of local species and acting as an essential part of nature, water (whether tidal marshes, rivers or rainfall)...

Nature

Bee-Friendly Gardening Tips

At Kiawah River, we’re big fans of bees. They’re small but mighty creatures, pollinating 80% of all crops we eat. That means that bees are...

Nature

Kiawah River Flora: Spartina Grass in its Spring Splendor

A telltale sign that spring has arrived in the Lowcountry is the greening of the marsh grass throughout the sea islands. Spartina grass, the smooth...

Nature

Kiawah River Wildlife: Great Egrets

One of Kiawah River’s most recognizable birds is the Great Egret. They’re easy to spot, with their long, S-curved necks and bright white plumage. You’ll...

Nature

Get to Know Kiawah River’s Birds: Belted Kingfisher

You’ve probably heard the Belted Kingfisher before you’ve seen it.   Known for its loud, rattling call, the Belted Kingfisher will hover in the air over the...

Nature

Roseate Spoonbills: Kiawah River’s Colorful Residents

Roseate Spoonbills are one of Kiawah River’s most popular residents. They’re always exciting to spot—whether flying in formation overhead or feeding in the shallows of...

Nature

On the Water: Q&A and Fishing Tails with Caroline Irwin, Fly Right Charters

Fishing in the Kiawah River is one of our residents’ favorite pastimes and is an outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. With water...

Nature

KRWC Welcomes Charleston Horticultural Society

The Kiawah River Wildlife Conservancy recently hosted the Charleston Horticultural Society for a “walk and talk” covering pocket gardens and the management of Kiawah River’s...

Nature

Kiawah River Wildlife Conservancy: Foraging with Brian Wheat

In April, Kiawah River Wildlife Conservancy welcomed naturalist Brian Wheat to Kiawah River to lead residents on a foraging walk, in search of mushrooms and...

Nature

Notes from Nature: What’s in Bloom at Kiawah River?

Charleston is a botanical playground year-round. From window boxes on the peninsula to the area’s historic homes and parks, visitors can always find something in...

Nature

Boy Scout Troop 777 Installs Bat Boxes at Kiawah River

Recently, our Chief Environmental Officer Jeff Snyder welcomed Boy Scout Troop 777 to Kiawah River to install four bat boxes in the pasture. The Scouts...

Nature

Winter Bird Watching

As a preserved estuary, Kiawah River is vibrant with bird species such as Roseate Spoonbills, Great Blue Herons, Dunlins and more. Found nesting near our...

Nature

The Poinsettia’s Lowcountry Roots

Known as the December birth flower, poinsettias have long symbolized good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of merriment and celebration across...

Nature

Notes from Nature: Kiawah River’s Wildlife Conservancy Builds Homes for Owls and Bats

As the South Carolina Lowcountry’s only agrihood, Kiawah River prioritizes residents’ wellness and a strong connection to nature by offering endless opportunities to engage the community.   Founded by...

Nature

Notes from Nature: Incorporating Hydrangeas into Everyday Floral Décor

Representing gratitude, grace and beauty, hydrangeas begin to decorate front yards, gardens and dinner tables as they bloom in the spring and summer months. Ranging from bright...

Nature

Living Outdoors: Kiawah River Wildlife Conservancy

At Kiawah River, we encourage our residents to be “one with nature” and are eager to provide the opportunities for homeowners to get their hands...

Nature

Lowcountry Pastimes: Birding at Kiawah River

Did you know South Carolina’s abundant avian life includes more than 430 bird species, many of which are unique to the Southeastern region? As a...

Nature

Get to Know Your Local Waterways

Whether you are a recreational enthusiast or active water buff, the waters surrounding the Lowcountry offer endless opportunities to enjoy and celebrate this unparalleled natural environment.   Kiawah River’s commitment...

Nature

The Artistry of Nighttime Lighting

Nature

All About Bees: Inside the Hive

Once you understand how Kiawah River’s Golden Honey is made, every taste will be even sweeter.   Chuck Hudspeth, the Kiawah River beekeeper, is inviting us to learn...

Nature

Kiawah River’s Field Guide Comes to Life: How to Go Crabbing

Catching crabs, or crabbing, is an unofficial fundamental pastime of the Coastal South, especially along our South Carolina shores. The Lowcountry’s intercoastal waterways are stocked full of blue...

Nature

On the Water: Tide Guide

From the clusters of oyster beds and perennial spartina grass, or cordgrass as more locally known, along the sparkling saltwater riverside to the tailing redfish...

Nature

Notes from Nature: Spotting Migrating Monarch Butterflies at Kiawah River

When spring returns to the Lowcountry each year, it brings with it an abundance of sunshine, warm coastal breezes and the bright green hue of...

Nature

New Bird Sightings at Kiawah River

Appreciating Kiawah River’s indigenous bird population is one of our favorite pastimes, as many Johns Islanders locals will agree. The island is full of diversity...

Nature

Behind the Scenes: Transplanting Trees at Kiawah River

Photo by Jason Stemple For hundreds of years, Charleston’s sea islands have offered an abundance of natural scenery. From winding waterways brimming with speckled trout to...

Nature

Charleston’s First Agrihood: Kiawah River Cultivates Community with Nature

“Charleston is … a mighty force on the nation’s food scene … with creative chefs who redefine what we think of as farm-to-table cooking.” – Conde...

Nature

3 Benefits of Kiawah River’s Golden Honey

Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to store bought. Kiawah River’s honey is special to our community. It is sweet, pure and timeless in...

Nature

Farmer’s Almanac: Gardening Tips for August

Here on Johns Island, we have an abundance of local farmers who deliver bountiful, fresh produce to our local markets. But there’s nothing like harvesting...

Nature

Kiawah River Creates Community Focused on Responsible Living

Nestled on 2,000 acres of picturesque land with a rich farming history, Kiawah River is committed to carrying on the agricultural legacy of Johns Island...

Nature

Lowcountry Birding at Kiawah River

Kiawah River is nestled amidst the lushness of the Charleston sea islands and comprises 20 miles of shoreline, maritime forest, salt marshes and dune fields....

Nature

The Quintessential Plants of the Lowcountry

Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry is known for its warm weather and winding waterways, but its flowering plants and green and gold marsh grasses are...

Nature

Life Is Abundant in the Marsh Ecosystem

Earth tones of green, gold, and brown pepper the salt marshes throughout Kiawah River, while herons wait patiently for small fiddler crabs, shrimp, and red...