523 Ruddy Turnstone Drive
The property at 523 Ruddy Turnstone Dr is located in the eastern region of the Sea Marsh Enclave. It is bounded on two sides (east and west) by undeveloped home sites: 291 and 522 Ruddy Turnstone Dr. It is adjacent to a KICA buffer along its southern edge and Ruddy Turnstone Dr along its northern edge. The lot displays flora indicative of maritime forest habitat:
Forest Canopy
The forest canopy at 523 Ruddy Turnstone Dr is reasonably dense and is dominated by loblolly pines and magnificent live oaks (several of which have resurrection fern and/or Spanish moss). There are also a few mature cabbage palmettos and laurel oaks present.
Sub-canopy (Understory)
The sub-canopy at 523 Ruddy Turnstone Dr is dominated by wax myrtles. Other plants present in the sub-canopy include yaupon holly, red bay, sparkleberry and immature cabbage palmettos. The sub-canopy is quite dense in some areas, while less dense in others and appears to be an exceptional habitat for wildlife.
Vines (Understory)
Three main vines that are characteristic of maritime forests can be found on this property: cross vine, Virginia creeper and muscadine grape vine. Poison ivy is also present.
Forest Floor (Understory)
The forest floor is well covered – mostly by dune greenbrier, fringed greenbrier, young yaupon holly and very young palms. Elephant’s-foot, bracken fern and coral bean are also present. There is a lot of new growth occurring on the forest floor, especially in the areas where the sub-canopy is less dense. There are also a few stumps and dead trees on the property, as well as a fair amount of leaf litter.
The property has great potential for supporting wildlife populations. Neighbors have reported seeing deer in the property quite often, and it likely provides beneficial habitat for bobcats as well as birds. Evidence of the yellow-breasted flycatcher was noted during the visit. Many animals that cross the marsh to the east of Ruddy Turnstone Dr (in the direction of the River Course) likely use this area for foraging as well as for resting/cover. Since the property is adjacent to a large KICA buffer to the south, this increases its probability of being used as a wildlife corridor.
Bobcat data collected since 2000 (including the new GPS pilot study points) show bobcat activity in the area, with one location within the lot’s boundaries.
This property was preserved by the Conservancy in July 2007.
2005 Town of Kiawah Island Aerial Photography
Governors Dr
Sea Marsh Dr
