The Bird Island Research Directory (B.I.R.D.) is a collaborative project focused on highlighting the incredible research of diverse scientists and community members working to protect birds and their habitats in the Carolina Lowcountry.
The directory serves as a guide to new and existing research. On this site you will find a variety materials about coastal birds, marshes and near-shore islands, and about how people can reverse the decline of species and help protect our incredible ecosystems for future generations.
B.I.R.D. is about mobilizing research for action. As part of this, we support habitat restoration, oyster reef building, native planting, shoreline resilience projects, and hands-on opportunities for students and community members to participate directly in conservation work.The directory originates from a collaboration between the College of Charleston, Coastal Expeditions Foundation, the M.A.R.S.H. Project, and the SC Office of Resilience, thanks to a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.The work presented here transcends any one organization or entity.None of this would be possible without the foundational work of the SC Coastal Bird Program at SC DNR, the generations of work done by Audubon SC, the Coastal Conservation League, and countless individuals, in addition to dozens of organizations. The Bird Island Research Directory works to amplify their work, and create a new, useful combination of sources to mobilize collective action for conservation.
Whether you are a birder, student, scientist, artist, fisherman, educator, or simply someone who is curious about the coast — welcome. Explore the Bird Island Research Directory and join us in the cause of protecting the Lowcountry's natural beauty. What’s good for the birds is also good people.