River Island Stewardship
Learn more about the importance of River Island’s ecology and its preservation.
Central Savannah River Land Trust
In 2009 River Island developer Vic Mills donated a conservation easement, consisting of 3 miles of shoreline, to the Central Savannah River Land Trust. These 3 miles are permanently protected and stewarded by the Land Trust and the River Island Conservancy.
The importance of Riparian Zones
The River Island community is situated along a riparian zone (the interface between land and a river or stream). Riparian zones are different from the surrounding uplands because their soils and vegetation are shaped by the presence of water. Riparian zones have many important functions including providing habitat for diverse wildlife, maintaining water quality, stabilizing stream banks and reducing flood water velocity.
Stewardship and Citizen Science
The members of the River Island Community have a unique opportunity to be stewards of the environment in which they live. Taking part in the conservancy, learning about the community’s local ecology, and participating in citizen science are all great steps in preserving nature.
If you are interested in participating in citizen science consider downloading the iNaturalist app. iNaturalist is an easy way to identify the wildlife around you right at your fingertips. Data posted on iNaturalist is used by scientists around the world. Here is a TedTalk from the Executive Director of iNaturalist on the scientific discoveries made thanks to users of the app.
