March is for the marsh! Celebrate the wonders of our salt marsh habitat with the Conservancy of the Sea Islands (formerly Kiawah Conservancy). Join us for walks, tours, and volunteer opportunites that bring this dynamic ecosystem to life.
Tuesday, March 3
Guided Trek @ The Gathering Ground 11:00am - 12:30pm OR 1:30pm-3:00pm, 4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend.
The same guided walk will be offered at two separate times. Each walk will follow the same route and cover the same information. Collie Farah, the Conservancy's land preservation specialist, will discuss land preservation along Betsy Kerrison Parkway, the significance of protecting natural habitat within the Kiawah River Watershed, and habitat restoration efforts at The Gathering Ground.
This tour will begin near the existing house on the property and will continue with a trek through the undeveloped forest and saltmarshes. Because the properties do not have cleared walking trails or boardwalks, it is highly recommended to wear hiking boots for this walk.
Friday, March 6
Woods & Creatures of the Marsh @ Camp St. Christopher 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 2810 Seabrook Island Road Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend. Program participants will first learn about the characteristics and ecology of a maritime forest and the flora and fauna that live there on a 2-mile round trip walk through the woods to our Crab Dock. Then, with a spectacular view of the tidal creek, participants will learn more about and hopefully witness much of the wildlife of the saltmarsh including blue crabs, stone crabs, oysters, barnacles, fish, dolphins, and wading birds. Discussion of communities, life cycles, ecosystem services, and conservation practices are included regarding the all-important salt marsh! Hiking boots recommended.
Wednesday, March 18
Manufactured Wire Reef Installation @ Mingo Point
1:00pm - 3:30pm, 876 Kiawah Island Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend. Help restore the marsh with this hands-on project. Volunteers will install 150 manufactured wire reefs—galvanized wire structures designed to mimic natural reefs—along the Kiawah River. These structures promote oyster growth, reduce shoreline erosion, and improve water quality. Volunteers will meet at Mingo Point (876 Betsy Kerrison Parkway) and be shuttled by boat to the installation site near the Kiawah River Bridge, where they will help transport, place, and anchor the MWRs along the shoreline.
This muddy and active process is a physically demanding activity that involves standing and walking in slippery, sinking pluff mud, lifting heavy materials, and following safety guidelines. Participants must be 14 years or older. Closed-toe shoes that stay securely on your feet are required (expect mud!).
Monday, March 23 Outstanding Oysters Watercolor Workshop @ The Gathering Ground 11:00am - 1:00pm (lunch provided), 4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public. $30 registration fee.
Calling all artists—beginners and pros alike! We’re excited to welcome back visiting watercolor artist Abby Nurre for a special hands-on watercolor workshop designed specifically for adults. This immersive experience blends the beauty of nature with the joy of creativity, as participants explore watercolor painting and drawing while learning about the important role oysters play in our coastal ecosystem.
A $30 non-refundable registration fee helps cover the cost of painting materials—just bring your creativity and curiosity!
Thursday, March 26
Guided Bike Tour and Nature Walk @ Marsh Island Park 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend. The Conservancy’s sr. ecological health and conservation coordinator, Lee Bundrick, will guide participants on a bike ride to Marsh Island Park and walk among the park's maritime forest, saltmarsh, and hummock island habitats. The group will meet at the bike pavilion in The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort parking lot (1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island). Bikes will be provided courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
From The Sanctuary, Lee will guide you on a 2.5-mile bike ride to Marsh Island Park. As you walk through the park, you will learn about land conservation efforts and the ecological significance of the natural habitats. Your walking tour will culminate at the lookout tower where you’ll have a chance to take pictures of the beautiful marsh and vast extent of the Conservancy’s protected lands in this area.
Monday, March 30 Sweetgrass Planting @ The Gathering Ground 10:00am-12:00pm, 4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend.
Sweetgrass plugs, grown from seeds carefully collected by Conservancy staff on Kiawah Island, are ready to be planted, and we need your help! Join the Conservancy’s horticultural specialist, Morgan Farah, to plant sweetgrass plugs along the marsh edge at The Gathering Ground.
These native plants play a critical role in stabilizing shorelines and preventing erosion thanks to their deep root systems and natural salt tolerance. By planting locally grown sweetgrass, we’re strengthening the resilience of our coastal ecosystems while also supporting a culturally significant plant that remains an important resource for sweetgrass artisans. Planting tools and materials will be provided, however, you’re also welcome to bring your own. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended.
About This Event
March is for the marsh! Celebrate the wonders of our salt marsh habitat with the Conservancy of the Sea Islands (formerly Kiawah Conservancy). Join us for walks, tours, and volunteer opportunites that bring this dynamic ecosystem to life.
Tuesday, March 3
Guided Trek @ The Gathering Ground 11:00am - 12:30pm OR 1:30pm-3:00pm, 4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend.
The same guided walk will be offered at two separate times. Each walk will follow the same route and cover the same information. Collie Farah, the Conservancy's land preservation specialist, will discuss land preservation along Betsy Kerrison Parkway, the significance of protecting natural habitat within the Kiawah River Watershed, and habitat restoration efforts at The Gathering Ground.
This tour will begin near the existing house on the property and will continue with a trek through the undeveloped forest and saltmarshes. Because the properties do not have cleared walking trails or boardwalks, it is highly recommended to wear hiking boots for this walk.
Friday, March 6
Woods & Creatures of the Marsh @ Camp St. Christopher 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 2810 Seabrook Island Road Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend. Program participants will first learn about the characteristics and ecology of a maritime forest and the flora and fauna that live there on a 2-mile round trip walk through the woods to our Crab Dock. Then, with a spectacular view of the tidal creek, participants will learn more about and hopefully witness much of the wildlife of the saltmarsh including blue crabs, stone crabs, oysters, barnacles, fish, dolphins, and wading birds. Discussion of communities, life cycles, ecosystem services, and conservation practices are included regarding the all-important salt marsh! Hiking boots recommended.
Wednesday, March 18
Manufactured Wire Reef Installation @ Mingo Point
1:00pm - 3:30pm, 876 Kiawah Island Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend. Help restore the marsh with this hands-on project. Volunteers will install 150 manufactured wire reefs—galvanized wire structures designed to mimic natural reefs—along the Kiawah River. These structures promote oyster growth, reduce shoreline erosion, and improve water quality. Volunteers will meet at Mingo Point (876 Betsy Kerrison Parkway) and be shuttled by boat to the installation site near the Kiawah River Bridge, where they will help transport, place, and anchor the MWRs along the shoreline.
This muddy and active process is a physically demanding activity that involves standing and walking in slippery, sinking pluff mud, lifting heavy materials, and following safety guidelines. Participants must be 14 years or older. Closed-toe shoes that stay securely on your feet are required (expect mud!).
Monday, March 23 Outstanding Oysters Watercolor Workshop @ The Gathering Ground 11:00am - 1:00pm (lunch provided), 4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public. $30 registration fee.
Calling all artists—beginners and pros alike! We’re excited to welcome back visiting watercolor artist Abby Nurre for a special hands-on watercolor workshop designed specifically for adults. This immersive experience blends the beauty of nature with the joy of creativity, as participants explore watercolor painting and drawing while learning about the important role oysters play in our coastal ecosystem.
A $30 non-refundable registration fee helps cover the cost of painting materials—just bring your creativity and curiosity!
Thursday, March 26
Guided Bike Tour and Nature Walk @ Marsh Island Park 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend. The Conservancy’s sr. ecological health and conservation coordinator, Lee Bundrick, will guide participants on a bike ride to Marsh Island Park and walk among the park's maritime forest, saltmarsh, and hummock island habitats. The group will meet at the bike pavilion in The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort parking lot (1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island). Bikes will be provided courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
From The Sanctuary, Lee will guide you on a 2.5-mile bike ride to Marsh Island Park. As you walk through the park, you will learn about land conservation efforts and the ecological significance of the natural habitats. Your walking tour will culminate at the lookout tower where you’ll have a chance to take pictures of the beautiful marsh and vast extent of the Conservancy’s protected lands in this area.
Monday, March 30 Sweetgrass Planting @ The Gathering Ground 10:00am-12:00pm, 4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Space is limited. Registration is required. Open to the public and free to attend.
Sweetgrass plugs, grown from seeds carefully collected by Conservancy staff on Kiawah Island, are ready to be planted, and we need your help! Join the Conservancy’s horticultural specialist, Morgan Farah, to plant sweetgrass plugs along the marsh edge at The Gathering Ground.
These native plants play a critical role in stabilizing shorelines and preventing erosion thanks to their deep root systems and natural salt tolerance. By planting locally grown sweetgrass, we’re strengthening the resilience of our coastal ecosystems while also supporting a culturally significant plant that remains an important resource for sweetgrass artisans. Planting tools and materials will be provided, however, you’re also welcome to bring your own. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended.
Conservancy of the Sea Islands is a land trust and leader in science-based education, environmental restoration, and conservation across Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands. Founded in 1997, we forever safeguard the lands, waters, and wildlife that define our distinct way of life. Working with property owners, community members, and a wide range of public and private partners, we forever protect vital assets and inspire residents and visitors alike to champion the land’s enduring legacy through meaningful, everyday actions.
Conservancy of the Sea Islands is an accredited land trust through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, meeting the highest standards for protecting land forever. To date, we have preserved 86 properties totaling more than 3,887 acres of ecologically significant land across Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands.
