KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – South Carolina’s coastal marshes are some of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. But they’re also disappearing. On Kiawah Island, a group of volunteers took on the muddy, heavy work of restoring oyster reefs—giving new life to the marsh and protecting the Lowcountry’s shoreline for generations to come.
It all starts at Mingo Point, where volunteers checked in and gathered to hear from the Kiawah Conservancy and state wildlife officials. The mission? Install manufactured oyster reefs along the Kiawah River Bridge.
We formed a line, carefully carrying reef structures—galvanized wire frames filled with recycled oyster shells and coconut husks—down to the boat ramp. Each structure was heavy, but every pair of hands made a difference…