Todd and Peggy Watkins recently donated a conservation
easement on one of the key strategic wetland and waterfowl properties in the
ACE Basin. “Kirkfield” is 165 acres of rice fields and wetlands connected
by managed waterways to the expansive E.F. Hollings National Wildlife Refuge to
the west and the wildlife preserve of Nemours Wildlife Foundation to the
east. This special place serves as important habitat for a range of
species and provides a scenic backdrop of deep importance to the
Watkins. Their love of sporting, wildlife, and the scenic landscapes made
permanent protection a natural fit for their new ACE Basin home and Ducks
Unlimited is grateful for the opportunity to partner with them in the
stewardship and conservation of the land long-term.
Kirkfield is a scenic property with a long stretch of road
frontage on River Road, including quintessential Lowcountry views of rice
fields, wetlands, pine timber, forested wetlands and pasture land. Its
habitats are enhanced by four historic rice field impoundments that provide a
range of opportunity to manage soils, vegetation and water not typically seen
on a tract this size.
The property has been of great importance to the ACE Basin
Task Force as a conspicuous un-protected tract within a large complex of
conservation lands. The land grants on these properties go back to the
1730s and carry with them the rural heritage of the Lowcountry. Protection of
Kirkfield contributes significantly to the long-term success of the
conservation efforts in the ACE Basin by adding to and connecting the
permanently protected public lands around it and keeping it as it has been for
centuries.
The Watkins are especially excited about the conservation of
their property because they are both passionate about wildlife on a personal
level. Peggy is an acclaimed wildlife artist whose landscapes, sporting scenes
and animal paintings have been featured in wildlife and sporting magazines, as
well as art events and galleries for years. She was the featured artist at the
2008 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), held in Charleston, South
Carolina every February. Kirkfield will surely provide years of artistic
inspiration in addition to its excellent duck and turkey hunting and its
relaxing rural setting.