Habitat
Habitat Management Plan Report
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of the island's habitats, identifies key areas for conservation, and sets forth actionable plans to manage and protect the natural resources. It includes recommendations for habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable land use practices, serving as a blueprint for ensuring that Dataw Island remains a thriving environment for both wildlife and the community.
Land Use Maps
The Land Use Maps section on the Dataw Island Conservancy website provides detailed visual representations of how the island’s land is utilized and managed. These maps illustrate various zones, including natural habitats, residential areas, conservation sites, and recreational spaces. They serve as an important resource for understanding the island’s landscape, guiding conservation efforts, and ensuring that land use practices align with the goal of preserving Dataw Island’s natural beauty and ecological health.
NWF Gardens for Wildlife Certificaiton Program
The NWF Gardens for Wildlife Certification Program at Dataw Conservancy encourages residents to create garden spaces that support local wildlife by providing food, water, cover, and places to raise young. By participating in this program, community members can contribute to the island’s biodiversity and earn certification from the National Wildlife Federation, recognizing their efforts to foster healthy habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. This is a collaborative project between the Dataw Conservancy and the Dataw Garden Club.
Monarchs in the Rough
The Monarchs in the Rough program at Dataw Island Conservancy focuses on creating and maintaining habitats specifically for the monarch butterfly, a species crucial for pollination but currently facing habitat loss. By planting milkweed and other native plants, the program provides essential resources for monarchs during their migration, contributing to their survival and the overall health of the ecosystem.
Monarchs in the Rough nationally is a partnership between Audubon International, the Environmental Defense Fund and the PGA of America. The Conservancy partnered with our golf course superintendent to implement the program behind the pump house on Cotton Dike 13 in 2020 and continue to support the effort. To learn more about this program visit here. https://monarchsintherough.org
Tallow Tree Removal
The Tallow Tree Removal initiative by Dataw Island Conservancy focuses on eradicating the invasive Chinese tallow trees, which pose a threat to local ecosystems by outcompeting native vegetation. This program involves systematic removal efforts and community education on the importance of maintaining native biodiversity to support a healthy and balanced environment on the island.
Oak Island
Oak Island was gifted to the Dataw Island Owners Association by the Moses family and placed under a conservation easement in 2021. The Dataw Conservancy is charged with the oversight and management of the Island. It has been designated as an Old Growth Forest and Approximately 80 plant species along the trail have been identified with arboretum-quality tags for educational purposes.
Land Conservation
Consistent with recommendation from the Habitat Management Plan the Conservancy took ownership of an exceptional lot that sits at the end of Gleasons Landing Drive and borders on Hill Field Lake. The land has a conservation easement in place and will provide natural habitat in perpetuity. The Conservancy will continue to look for opportunities to place Conservation Easements on additional properties.​
Lightning Protection and Fertilization Trees
The Lightning Protection and Fertilization Trees program aims to safeguard the island's valuable and mature trees from lightning damage through the installation of advanced lightning protection systems. Additionally, the program includes regular fertilization treatments to ensure the health and longevity of these trees, enhancing their growth and resistance to diseases and pests. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the natural aesthetics and ecological balance of the island.