Donation to preserve natural corridors

KIAWAH ISLAND - A one-of-a-kind land preservation program just got a boost from an open house. The Kiawah Conservancy will be given $52,375 raised by tours of the Coastal Living magazine's Idea House at Cassique. The money goes to buy and set aside undeveloped building lots in developed neighborhoods that are habitat and natural corridors for everything from migratory birds to fox and bobcat, said Donna Windham, the conservancy's executive director. The effort, described as leading-edge by a land trust professional, was designed to suit the barrier island resort community, which places a premium on conserving its natural environment. It's also a model for neighborhoods across the country and part of a trend of taking a small-scale approach to dealing with green space, water quality and wildlife concerns. The check will be presented Tuesday. The money came from ticket sales to 6,000 people who toured the Cassique Garden Cottage in December, in an effort that took 141 volunteers and 15,000 volunteer hours. It was sponsored by Kiawah Development Partners.

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