Since May 2007 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 22 • Issue 13
FREE
July 10, 2026
The Secret Architect of The Lowcountry
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BY LILY ADDICOTT | For The Island Connection
hat beautiful pond surrounding your neighborhood is teeming with life under the surface. Freshwater is one of our most valuable natural resources, regardless of whether it occurs in urban, suburban or wild landscapes. Across the coastal ecosystems of our Sea Islands, freshwater habitats provide essential resources for a diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic species. Small freshwater ponds and the vegetated zones surrounding them are especially important, serving as critical habitat that supports a wide variety of plants and animals and connecting upland and aquatic ecosystems. Protecting these habitats is central to the Conservancy of the Sea Islands’ mission. By conserving the natural landscapes that define our Sea Islands, we help ensure that freshwater ecosystems continue to sustain wildlife, improve water quality, reduce flooding and preserve the ecological character that makes our islands unique. Every healthy pond, marsh and forest contributes to a resilient coastal environment for both wildlife and people. Popular critters you may spot on a day-today basis near neighborhood ponds include deer, bobcats, turtles, raccoons, frogs, salamanders, wading birds, invertebrates, and, perhaps the most famous of all, the American alligator. Far from being simply an iconic symbol of the Lowcountry, alligators demonstrate the remarkable resilience of coastal ecosystems as development further encroaches on wild spaces.
The alligator is the apex predator of the wetland ecosystem and, in many ways, stabilizes the food web and other ecosystem services that freshwater ecosystems provide. Think of the American alligator as the engineer of Lowcountry wetlands. These ancient reptiles live in freshwater, where they root around and excavate small areas to live in, creating refuge for other fish and aquatic neighbors, as well as digging deep spaces that help retain water in dry conditions. Their role as ecosystem engineers extends beyond the ponds they shape. Late June through early July is the time of the year that adult female alligators design their nests, which are made up of mud, sticks and other organic materials. Nests are typically three meters tall and located close to a body of freshwater. This luxurious home is suitable for approximately 40 eggs to incubate
until mid-August. Additionally, these nests serve as habitat for other small reptiles and wading birds that build their own nests close by. By nesting near alligators, wading birds gain protection from predators such as raccoons and opossums, while the birds’ chicks and fallen eggs occasionally provide a meal for the resident adult alligators. As July comes into focus, it is important to practice safe and respectful habits around alligators as nesting season begins. While alligators are often perceived as dangerous, they are typically shy and avoid humans at all costs. Maintain a 60-foot distance from any alligator you encounter and never feed alligators or any other wildlife in freshwater ponds or beyond. Feeding alligators can lead them to associate people with food, making them bolder and more likely to become a public nuisance. If you observe an alligator displaying problematic or aggressive behavior, please report it to the appropriate contact based on your location. Residents of Kiawah Island should contact the Town of Kiawah Island at 843-768-9166 or Kiawah Island Community Association Security at 843-768-5566. Residents of Seabrook Island who live within an HOA or are served by a property management group should report the alligator to their HOA or property manager first. Johns Island residents should report problematic or aggressive alligators directly to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at 843-953-9856.
Seabrook Island Chooses an Architect for New Town Hall BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
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t was a unanimous decision on June 23 to select Liollio Architecture to complete a facility assessment and space needs study for a new Seabrook Island Town Hall. Seabrook Island Town Council Member Thomas Hund, chair of the Community Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, presented the request to authorize the mayor, Bruce Kleinman, to enter into a professional services contract with the architecture firm. Hund said that the Town needed assistance with determining space needs and square footage assessments, which is why they sought consulting help. They issued a request for proposals (RFPs) from design firms. They received submittals on May 27 from three firms. They set up interviews on June 9. All three presented their proposals, which the committee graded based on qualifications, experience for the project approach, project timeline and understanding of the fee structure. The committee voted unanimously on Liollio. The mayor would negotiate the final arrangement, confirm programming, how much time it would take, the fees, etc.
Hund said that Liollio had a deep understanding of the project, and that was why they were chosen. According to the Liollio website: “Liollio provides sustainable architecture, interior design and historic preservation for public projects. With 70 years of experience and now in their third generation of leadership, they are a studio of civic-minded design professionals who value subtle, restrained design rooted in context, culture and collaboration.” Town Council Member Darryl May remarked that Liollio has a good reputation. “I can see that they certainly have a wealth of experience in South Carolina and in the area of government buildings,” he said. Increasing the size of Town Hall would make a positive impact, according to Hund, who also said that they need to be prepared for what is going to change with the town in the future. Seabrook’s current town hall structure is located at 2001 Seabrook Island Road. It was constructed in 2001 and measures a little over 4,400 square feet. The design includes space for public meetings and offices for administrative staff.