Love It • Save It • Share It
Daufuskie’s majestic moss-draped live oaks, pristine beaches, lush marshes, and abundant wildlife are all
part of the island’s unique coastal ecosystem. In an effort to conserve and protect the island’s natural
environment, the Daufuskie Island Conservancy was formed in 2005 by a group of islanders focused on
conservation and stewardship. An all-volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the slogan “Love it,
Save it, Share it,” the Conservancy was founded with a mission to protect the island’s precious resources
and fragile ecosystem through education and leadership. Volunteers coordinate educational programming
and organize projects throughout the year to encourage islanders and visitors to learn and participate in
conservation efforts.
A bridgeless island has unique challenges as well as many benefits. The island’s beaches and wooded areas host a diverse array of wildlife, insects, marine life, and plants. Our precious water and other resources are vital to a healthy and sustainable existence on this island. As an island separated from the mainland, and with just a small number of residents, it is imperative that each of us do our part to ensure future generations will benefit from our conservation efforts today. As stewards of the land, the Conservancy strives to educate islanders and visitors through educational programming and other efforts to encourage environmentally responsible living.
The Conservancy hosts a Beach Sweep in Spring and Fall, along with an Adopt-A-Road Program to help keep litter under control along the roadsides. Volunteers “adopt” a stretch of road to maintain and monitor for litter. Each discarded item removed from our environment makes a big difference to the health of the land and marine animals. Wildlife is a key focus of the organization, and the Conservancy participates in a wildlife tracking program using automated radio telemetry to collect data about migratory animals, including birds, bats, and insects. This data is submitted to a collaborative network of researchers working to do impactful research and education on the ecology and conservation of migratory animals.
Throughout the year, free educational events are hosted by the Conservancy and are available to islanders and visitors of all ages. Some recent presentations include talks on Salt Marsh Habitats, Manatees, Sea Turtles, and Butterflies. Many of the speakers work for organizations such as the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and DNR. We also have wonderful, knowledgeable, and dedicated members of the community who volunteer for conservation and wildlife efforts. Many of these volunteers are willing to share their knowledge and expertise, such as the recent presentation on the beach led by the Daufuskie Island Turtle Team.
Events and programs are continuously announced throughout the year. On Tuesday, October 10, the Conservancy will co-host an exciting event with the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, “An Evening with West Fraser.” This night will provide a special opportunity to hear renowned artist, West Fraser, speak about his time on Daufuskie and his career as one of the south’s best landscape painters. His ability to capture the natural beauty of our sea islands through his artwork is remarkable and inspiring. In 2016, West Fraser published a beautiful book, “Painting the Southern Coast.” This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about both the Conservancy and the Historical Foundation and mingle with other islanders interested in preserving the history and land that makes Daufuskie so special.
To learn more about upcoming events, projects, and other ways to get involved, visit daufuskeislandconservacy.org, follow the Daufuskie Island Conservancy on Instagram, or contact [email protected]. There is an ongoing need for volunteers to keep this organization going for years to come, and most importantly, protect this beautiful island’s ecosystem.
- Kelly Easterling
DI Conservancy Board Member
