Protect Your Property with Window and Siding Repair from Empire Roofing & Remodeling

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Best Window Repair in Seabrook Island, SC

Have you ever taken a moment to look at the exterior of your home or business? A quick glance reveals a number of different features with important functions. Your roof helps protect your family from falling branches and extreme temperatures. Your gutters help direct water off your roof and away from your home. But when was the last time you thought about your windows and your siding?

The siding on your house is an essential element that protects you and your home from outdoor elements and harsh weather conditions. One of its primary functions is to prevent leaks and water from seeping into your property, which can lead to mildew and mold growth. Siding also helps to insulate your house, which can save you money on energy bills.

Windows are equally important as the siding on your home or business. They allow natural light to brighten dull and dreary spaces, help regulate interior temperatures, and are key in turning a house into a home. Both features bring aesthetic appeal and functionality to your home or business - which is why keeping them well-maintained is of utmost importance.

That's where Empire Roofing & Remodeling steps in to provide professional window and siding repair in Seabrook Island, SC when you need it most.

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Revamp and Revitalize Your Home with Window Repair in Seabrook Island, SC

Windows play a significant role in enhancing the overall appeal of a home. They provide natural light, fresh air, mesmerizing views, and the convenience of peeking out from behind the curtains to observe the surroundings. There's no doubt that windows are essential for ensuring comfort and enjoyment in our homes and commercial properties. However, they can also cause plenty of headaches when they become damaged or deteriorated and need to be repaired.

In the Lowcountry and in other parts of South Carolina, dealing with damaged windows is more common than you might think. We live in a highly desirable region, but being close to the ocean means we have unique weather challenges to deal with, like tropical storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more. Our climate is also quite humid, which can lead to a number of window repairs over time. Whether your windows have been damaged by strong winds or have deteriorated gradually, Empire Roofing & Remodeling is here to help.

Our licensed, knowledgeable window repair experts work hard to handle difficult window issues for you with efficiency and effectiveness. That way, you can focus on enjoying your day rather than nursing a migraine.

With more than two decades of advanced window repair experience, we have the tools and training to repair a wide range of window styles and brands, including.

Empire Roofing & Remodeling Pro Tip:

If you have one or two windows that need to be fixed and the frame is still in good condition, repairing them can be a cost-effective option. Window repair in Seabrook Island, SC can be much more cost-effective vs. new window installation, especially if the problem is a simple mechanical one. That's why going the repair route is often the best choice for small-scale projects. Another advantage of window repair is that it's a relatively quick and easy process, especially when you're working with licensed experts, like you'll find at Empire Roofing.

Curious whether the windows on your home or business need to be repaired? Contact our office today to consult with a specialist and schedule a window repair inspection.

Your First Choice for New Window Installation in Seabrook Island, SC

Did you know that any type of gap or break in your siding presents an opportunity for long-term issues to manifest, like moisture incursion, air drafts, and unwanted heat transfer? Many times, these issues begin when windows deteriorate to the point that they need to be replaced. Hearing the news that you've got to replace your windows isn't exciting, but for many home and business owners in Seabrook Island, SC, it's necessary. That's where Empire Roofing & Remodeling swoops in to save the day.

Installing new windows is a significant task that requires careful consideration. Whether your windows have been damaged or are out of fashion, there are several aspects to consider, and only an expert can help you achieve the best results. At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, LLC, we are one of the most dependable window installation companies in South Carolina. At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, LLC, we are one of the most dependable window installation companies in South Carolina. We work with integrity and honesty and offer cost-effective solutions that focus on the wellbeing of our clients.

Common Signs You Need New Window Installation in Seabrook Island, SC

One of the most common questions we get from clients is whether or not they need new windows installed. That's a hard question to answer without an onsite inspection. However, there are a few telltale signs that you can keep an eye out for that will help you decide. If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to call Empire Roofing & Remodeling.

Protect Your Property's Exterior with Siding Repair in Seabrook Island, SC

Empire Roofing & Remodeling recognizes that your home is more than just a building: It's a sanctuary for your family, a source of relaxation, and a representation of your individual style. That's why we take great pride in providing exceptional siding repair services to homeowners in Seabrook Island, SC and nearby regions. The same goes for business owners, who work hard all year long to provide products and services that are essential in our communities.

Being a family-owned enterprise, we approach every project with a personal touch, treating your home or commercial property as if it were our own. We specialize in many siding repair services, including.

  • Siding Repair Inspections
  • Free Siding Repair Estimates
  • Vinyl Siding Repair
  • Fiber Cement Siding Repair
  • Natural Stone Siding Repair
  • Brick Veneer Siding Repair
  • Engineered Wood Siding Repair
  • Shingle or Cedar Siding Repair
 Vinyl Siding Repair Seabrook Island, SC

When inspecting your home or business to see if it needs siding repairs, we take many factors into account, such as:

The Kind of Siding Damage You Have

Siding damage can take on many different appearances and forms. For instance, you may notice cracks or warping in certain areas, while other sections may be suffering from rot or fading. Water damage can also wreak havoc on your siding, leading to further complications. No two types of siding damage are ever the same, which is why we approach every siding repair job with a fresh pair of eyes and an open mind. That way, we can better ensure that your siding is restored to its former glory..

The Causes of Your Siding Damage

Siding damage can be caused by various factors, and it's important to understand the root cause to address the issue effectively. One of the most common causes is severe weather conditions, such as hail, wind, or heavy rain, which can cause dents, cracks, or even completely dislodge the siding. Poor installation is another common cause, as it can lead to gaps or improper attachment that can leave the siding vulnerable to damage from weather or pests. Aging is also a factor, as older siding may become brittle or weakened over time, making it more susceptible to damage. Pests can also cause siding damage by burrowing into wood and compromising its structural integrity. By recognizing the root cause of your siding damage, we can address any issues promptly and take preventative steps to avoid future siding repairs.

Your Budget

As a local business, we know that money doesn't grow on trees. Whether you need siding repairs for your home or for your business, you can rest easy knowing our pricing is reasonable. Our goal isn't to drain your bank account - it's to provide you with high-quality siding repair, so you can live at home or go to work without worrying.

Achieve Substance and Style with New Siding Installation in Seabrook Island, SC

New siding can completely transform the appearance of your home or business. It can improve your curb appeal, boost your property value, and even enhance insulation and energy efficiency. There are several high-quality siding materials to choose from, giving you plenty of options to achieve the perfect design for your home. While vinyl siding is the most popular choice, we can install a range of other options, including hardy plank, fiber cement, and even real wood.

At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, our team will help you choose the best siding material for your desired look and purpose. Once your inspection is complete and you've selected the best siding for your home or business, our new siding installation experts will get to work using top-quality products and techniques.

 Single Pane Window Repair Seabrook Island, SC

Cracks, gaps, or holes in your cladding can be more than just an aesthetic issue. They can allow water to seep into the interior of your wall, where it can cause moisture-related problems such as rot, mold, and mildew. Repairing water damage can be frustrating and expensive - so much so that new siding installation in Seabrook Island, SC is often preferred. Such damage not only jeopardizes the structural soundness of your house but can also pose a threat to your health. Gaps in your cladding also provide entry points for pests like rats and termites, which can cause similar problems for your house and family's wellbeing.

It's important to inspect your cladding from different angles because sometimes there may not be any visible holes or gaps, but the cladding can still warp. This means that certain sections may bulge outward or cup inward, which is a warning sign that something is not right underneath. Usually, this indicates moisture damage and needs to be addressed immediately.

Have you noticed an increase in your heating and cooling costs even though you haven't changed your usage? If you feel cool drafts near walls, windows, light switches, or electrical sockets, it's possible that damage to your siding is causing a spike in energy consumption. Consulting with a professional window installation company can help you determine the exact problem. If it's related to your cladding, replacing it with energy-efficient, insulated vinyl siding can save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.

It's important to keep an eye out for any fungus, mold, or other types of growth that may appear on your siding, especially near the seams. These substances tend to grow in areas where there is moisture, which could indicate that water is seeping into your siding. Although not all cases of fungus are alarming, it's definitely worth investigating further.

If your business or house has wooden siding, it's essential to keep a close eye on it for any signs of wood rot. Wood rot is a type of decay caused by fungi that eats away at the wood and requires a high moisture content to thrive. Since wooden siding is exposed to the elements, it's especially vulnerable to rotting. Regular inspections can help prevent serious issues, but new siding installation is almost preferred when your wood has been rotting for an extended time.

When Your Windows or Siding Needs New Life, Trust Empire Roofing & Remodeling

There's a reason why so many homeowners and business professionals choose Empire Roofing & Remodeling, LLC. Whether you have one or two foggy windows or your siding has been suffering from years of disrepair, our experts can help. We're proud to provide efficient, long-lasting window and siding installations and repairs that you can count on, no matter the season. The best part? We work hard and do it at a fair price that you can brag to your friends about.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule an inspection or to get a personalized quote on our top-quality siding and window services in Seabrook Island, SC.

Latest News in Seabrook Island, SC

Editorial: We dodged a bullet on Seabrook. Make sure it doesn't happen again.

Everyone who cares about southern Johns Island should be pleased that a controversial annexation was pulled from the Seabrook Island Town Council's agenda last week in the face of mounting opposition over what the annexation would help create — a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages — and the likelihood that it would add more traffic and pollution to the rural side of Charleston County's urban growth boundary.But those same folks, particularly leaders on Kiawah and Seabrook islands...

Everyone who cares about southern Johns Island should be pleased that a controversial annexation was pulled from the Seabrook Island Town Council's agenda last week in the face of mounting opposition over what the annexation would help create — a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages — and the likelihood that it would add more traffic and pollution to the rural side of Charleston County's urban growth boundary.

But those same folks, particularly leaders on Kiawah and Seabrook islands and Charleston County Council, should not get complacent. Instead, they need to work together on better planning to guide development in and around where those two sea islands meet up with southern Johns Island.

It's unclear when, or if, the developer's annexation request might resurface. Even if it doesn't, there undoubtedly will be other development plans that will expose the tensions between those living on rural Johns Island and those living beyond the gates at Kiawah and Seabrook. This moment offers an important reset, one that should begin with getting all these local governments to recommit to the vision of an urban growth boundary — a line past which suburban development would not be supported through zoning, infrastructure or other local policies.

Such a recommitment wouldn't bind future councils any more than their respective comprehensive plans do, but it would send a unified message about their mutual commitment to respect the natural beauty and environmental sensitivity of the area.

It's clear that development pressures at Kiawah's and Seabrook's doorstep are increasing. A fresh series of new developments, including a senior living facility and an emergency medical facility, is cropping up. Elected officials, neighborhood leaders and county planners need to come up with a mutually agreed-upon zoning overlay for the area, one that would guide future development to ensure new uses and the size and scale of new buildings are appropriate. Such an overlay also would prevent developers from trying to play one jurisdiction against another to get the permits they seek, a tactic sometimes used in other parts of the tri-county area.

The mutual interests of everyone became clear during this recent annexation controversy, as the mayor of Kiawah Island took the unusual step of sending a letter to Seabrook's mayor and council urging them to reject the annexation and respect the urban growth boundary, which Mayor John Labriola noted "serves as a guide to direct appropriate urban and suburban development while preserving and cherishing the rural charm of the Sea Islands that we all hold dear."

Given what we've seen this summer, the existing urban growth boundary line may not continue to be enough on its own, and we believe a joint planning effort could help pin down the following: to what extent commercial development in the greater Freshfields area should be allowed to inch its way north on Betsy Kerrison; whether the towns should annex any more of Johns Island; whether any upzoning in the area might be appropriate; and how new building would affect the net traffic and drainage needs around Kiawah and Seabrook. While residents live only on Kiawah or Seabrook or in the unincorporated area, they have a stake in the answers to all those questions. This area deserves a new zoning overlay and conservation goals that offer a shared vision of how the southern part of Johns Island will — and will not — change.

Regional planning needs to take place on a large scale — such as our greater metro area from Seabrook to Awendaw to Summerville and Moncks Corner — but it's also necessary on a smaller scale, especially in those places such as southern Johns Island where multiple local governmental jurisdictions meet.

Decades ago, the city of Charleston and Charleston County came up with the urban growth boundary across Johns Island and other areas where the suburbs ended to ensure their zoning and other policies worked together to protect rural areas that residents wanted to remain rural. Kiawah and Seabrook were once seen as too distant to bring into the conversation about that line. That's not the case any more.

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Hicks: No smooth sailing in the forecast for Seabrook annexation plan

For its first annexation in more than 30 years, Seabrook Island’s Town Council picked a real doozy.Next week, council will likely vote to annex nearly 18 acres on Bohicket Creek — just across from neighboring Kiawah Island’s Town Hall — for a mixed-use development designed around a marina and private yacht club.The details are a tad fuzzy (well, as much as they can be with a 200-page proposal), but public sentiment is not.Nearly 600 residents have expressed concerns about the project’s poten...

For its first annexation in more than 30 years, Seabrook Island’s Town Council picked a real doozy.

Next week, council will likely vote to annex nearly 18 acres on Bohicket Creek — just across from neighboring Kiawah Island’s Town Hall — for a mixed-use development designed around a marina and private yacht club.

The details are a tad fuzzy (well, as much as they can be with a 200-page proposal), but public sentiment is not.

Nearly 600 residents have expressed concerns about the project’s potential environmental, traffic and flooding impact. That’s more than a quarter of the island’s full-time residents.

They've made it clear they don't want this, but feel like no one's listening.

“The vast majority of people have been opposed to this,” says island resident Paul McLaughlin. “They don’t have to listen to us, but don’t go and ask for our opinion if you don’t listen to the answers. It offers no benefit to us; it’s a private club.”

His frustration is understandable, because a lot of people have valid concerns.

The state already considers that stretch of Bohicket too contaminated for oyster harvesting; the feds say it’s not safe to eat fish caught there. The state turned down similar plans 30 years ago … which is about the last time Seabrook gave any thought to expanding its borders.

McLaughlin notes the developer's plan may address flooding on the property, but what does it do to the rest of the island?

Residents can't leverage their usual influence over local officials, several of whom publicly support the plan, because most of them aren’t running for reelection.

It’s sort of a perfect storm — and, on Seabrook, it’s definitely storm season.

Local government is usually the most responsive to local citizens. A couple dozen bicyclists can — and did — derail Charleston’s carefully negotiated plans to redesign downtown's King Street. But hundreds of well-heeled retirees can’t move the needle?

The island's planning commission recommended the annexation on a 4-1 vote in July over vocal opposition. Residents get one more chance next week at a public hearing prior to an initial annexation vote, but aren’t optimistic.

They’ll get 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker — to relay their concerns in a room that holds an audience of about 60. That's pretty standard operating procedure for local governments, but Seabrook residents are livid. The town, they say, has ignored repeated calls for a larger venue and more time.

Seabrook Mayor John Gregg says the developer has held informational meetings with residents for the past year, and when the island got the proposal in June, the town posted all documents online.

He says the alternative meeting venues suggested are all behind Seabrook’s private gate — and council meetings must be accessible to the public. Besides, he says, Town Hall is fitted with equipment to broadcast the meeting to the entire island.

If more people want to speak than time allows, the mayor says, speakers will be chosen by a random number algorithm generator.

That probably won’t make residents, or others, happy. Because this isn't just some not-in-my-backyard grousing. The Coastal Conservation League, the nonprofit Kiawah Conservancy and various Johns Island advocates have also objected. Even Kiawah has taken an unprecedented stand.

Earlier this month, Kiawah Mayor John D. Labriola and Town Council members sent a letter to Seabrook, publicly opposing the annexation.

“We strongly believe that maintaining the current [urban growth boundary] is critically important to protect the unique Sea Islands ecosystem and the rural character of the land outside the boundary for future generations,” Labriola wrote.

That's called foreshadowing.

Seabrook Councilwoman Jeri Finke wrote in the most recent issue of The Seabrooker that annexing the land gives the town control over it, which is better than allowing Charleston County or Kiawah to make the decisions. Her argument hasn't moved many.

That’s because Kiawah Mayor Labriola hit on a salient point. Since the land falls outside the urban growth boundary, its potential development would be fairly limited … if Seabrook just stayed out of this.

See, right now that land falls under county jurisdiction, and County Council would never ignore such a large and influential group of citizens.

But Seabrook’s annexation blocks county intervention because the town isn't party to the urban growth boundary agreement. That allows a few outgoing public officials to open the door to new development.

The Andell tract, as this land is called, sits at the end of Betsy Kerrison Parkway — an area just outside two wealthy communities under tremendous development pressure. Already, more businesses, a retirement community and an entire medical district are in the works.

But that land was never meant to be developed, at least not to this extent. That’s what the urban growth boundary dictates. The overdevelopment of Maybank Highway was meant as a trade-off to leave the rest of Johns Island largely rural.

Such plans often shrivel when there's money to be made — this is proof of that. But the marina development could also bring renewed scrutiny to the urban growth boundary and spark radical change ... because people are sick of overdevelopment.

But that's a story for another day.

At the hyper-local level, Seabrook officials should know their audience ... er, constituents. These are people who know how to get things done. They know how to file lawsuits. And they don’t give up.

So don’t expect next week’s vote to be the last word.

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Reach Brian Hicks at bhicks@postandcourier.com.

First-ever committee addresses Seabrook Island short-term rentals

SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A first-time special committee on short-term rentals is hearing Seabrook Island residents’ concerns and hopes for the island’s future.The Seabrook Island Town Council established a Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals on Jan. 4 with the members being appointed on Jan. 23.The committee’s purpose is to study short-term rental activities and trends within the town. This could involve limiting the number of short-term rentals, limiting the ownership of multiple short-term rentals,...

SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A first-time special committee on short-term rentals is hearing Seabrook Island residents’ concerns and hopes for the island’s future.

The Seabrook Island Town Council established a Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals on Jan. 4 with the members being appointed on Jan. 23.

The committee’s purpose is to study short-term rental activities and trends within the town. This could involve limiting the number of short-term rentals, limiting the ownership of multiple short-term rentals, what fees are reasonable, etc.

Seabrook Island is home to 2,345 family homes and villas and 588 of those are short-term rentals, according to the town.

With about 25% of the island being taken up by short-term rentals, some residents say there are issues that need to be addressed.

“Agitating alligators,” Seabrook Island resident John Lagna said during Wednesday’s first public forum. “Secondly, speeding. Thirdly, ignoring stop signs... Lastly, ignoring amenity rules.”

However, not everyone agrees.

“There are a number of factors that have entered into it, but short-term rentals seem to be an easy target,” resident Debra Hardick said.

The committee says they are referencing data from peak COVID-19 times from when the number of renters significantly increased.

Resident Paul McLaughlin says the growth of the island has impacted the overall sense of community.

“If you don’t know who your neighbors are, it’s just not a very good feeling,” McLaughlin said.

The committee is made up of a town councilman, homeowners and even short-term rental owners who have been on the island for around a decade or more. They say the town has previously had an Ad Hoc Committee to address this topic, which was allowed to be done privately, but they want this one to be public to increase transparency.

Darryl May is the only town councilman on the short-term rental committee while the other seven are residents.

“So, the goal of this committee is to develop a set of proposals for the town council to pass an ordinance,” May said.

During the public forum, some shared ideas for what that ordinance may or may not look like.

“I think we should allow renters,” resident Ann Laporte said. “I think we should allow a minimum of three nights. No more than that.”

Resident Bill Boissonalt has another idea, adding that the town shouldn’t still be referencing data from peak COVID in 2020.

“I just don’t believe that we need any new regulations regarding the overnight stay, the capped rentals, based on history,” Boissonalt said.

As far as what the committee thinks the ordinance could look like, May says he doesn’t want to jump the gun.

“I won’t hazard to guess because we’re just starting out this process and we want to have a very open mind,” May said. “But we do anticipate getting an ordinance by about June.”

There are still three more public hearings over the next two weeks and the committee encourages Seabrook Island residents and those who rent on the island to speak.

Click here to read more about past short-term rental data and sign up for public comment.

Read below for the details on the next three public forums:

Public Forum #2

Public Forum #3

Public Forum #4

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Planned yacht club advances after Seabrook Island board OKs annexation, land use change

SEABROOK ISLAND — Three decades after a plan to create a 400-slip marina through a canal and lock project on Johns Island was rejected, a scaled-down proposal calls for a private yacht club on nearly 18 acres in the same general area on Bohicket Creek.Conservationists and several area ...

SEABROOK ISLAND — Three decades after a plan to create a 400-slip marina through a canal and lock project on Johns Island was rejected, a scaled-down proposal calls for a private yacht club on nearly 18 acres in the same general area on Bohicket Creek.

Conservationists and several area residents oppose the development called Andell, but Seabook Island's Planning Commission voted 4-1 on July 12 to recommend annexing the site and zoning the property for a mixed-used development. Town council will have final say.

Bohicket Creek Investors LLC of Charleston wants to build a boat dock with a private clubhouse, boathouse and poolhouse along with outdoor amenities and 10 rental cottages for members and the public at 4484 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

"Annexing gives Seabrook future control of the site," said Mike Shuler, the property owner's principal and managing partner. "It will substantially limit future development of the site."

The property, currently zoned for agricultural and residential use in unincorporated Charleston County, would allow "a variety of agricultural and light industrial uses ... which could have significantly greater impact on the existing natural features than the proposed development," according to the town's planning staff, which recommended conditional project approval.

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Among those opposing the project is the Coastal Conservation League.

Robby Maynor, the Charleston-based environmental group's communities and transportation program director, said the project is outside the region's "urban growth boundary" and called the proposed development "a step in the opposite direction" of protecting rural acreage.

He also cited potentially adverse effects from pollution runoff into Bohicket Creek, increased boat traffic and encroachment into critical habitat areas.

A half dozen others cited similar concerns before the Planning Commission's vote. The board also noted it had received more than 500 comments about the proposal with the vast majority in opposition.

Proponents of the project said that the property's current zoning allows multiple uses than what's being proposed, that the town will have more control over the property if it is annexed and that the development will provide recreational opportunities.

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The project's name is similar to a proposed development from 30 years ago called Andell Harbor that called for a massive earth-moving operation with a man-made channel connecting to a large marina. State environmental regulators eventually nixed the idea in the mid-1990s.

The yacht club site is beside Bohicket Marina, which also is owned by Shuler's group, and the two would be connected by a boardwalk and road. The planned entrance to the new development is across from Kiawah Island Town Hall.

Cottages would flank both sides of the drive leading to the yacht club.

Plans show the development on about 4 acres of the site near the creek. The rest of the property would be set aside as open space, including a 75-foot wooded buffer next to the parkway and a 20-foot vegetated area next to the northwest parcel in the county.

The site also would include a public boardwalk, pathways and a community crabbing dock.

Bohicket Creek Investors bought the tract in 2021 for $5.6 million, according to Charleston County land records. Nearby properties include Freshfields Village Shopping Center.

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Bohicket Marina, which is in the town of Seabrook Island, is southwest of the proposed development.

If the property is annexed into the town, it would tie into the town's sewer system, with St. John's Water Co. proving water service

The yacht club would be separate from the community and recreational facilities provided by Seabrook Island Property Owners Association and Seabrook Island Club.

Town Council is scheduled to review the proposal on Aug. 22. The measure requires a public hearing and two majority votes in separate meetings to pass.

How Audubon South Carolina Protects Their Coastal Birds and the Places They Need

With their Shorebird Stewardship program, Audubon South Carolina protects Red Knots, American Oystercatchers, and other birds that find respite on their shores. Words by Gabrielle SalehSenior Coordinator of Social Media, National Audubon Society Published June 01, 2023 Maybe it’s seeing the first rays of sunlight peeki...

With their Shorebird Stewardship program, Audubon South Carolina protects Red Knots, American Oystercatchers, and other birds that find respite on their shores.

Words by Gabrielle Saleh

Senior Coordinator of Social Media, National Audubon Society

Published June 01, 2023

Maybe it’s seeing the first rays of sunlight peeking over the horizon while Sanderlings and Willets scamper on the sand sneaking bites to eat, or hearing the calls of Laughing Gulls overhead as Black Skimmers bark in the background—or the fact that I haven’t visited a beach in years—but sunrise at the beach is a magical experience.

This morning, I’m in Charleston, South Carolina exploring Seabrook Island’s coast with my Audubon colleagues. We’re searching for migrating Red Knots, a shorebird that stops over parts of the Atlantic Coast along its 9,000-mile journey to nest in the Arctic. (You can discover its full migration journey with the Bird Migration Explorer.)

Seabrook Island and its neighbor Kiawah Island are two key beaches that the species relies on for survival. Early May is horseshoe crab spawning season, which means the wet sand along islands nearby is filled with their eggs, and outside of spawning, Seabrook Island is rich with donax clams. Horseshoe crab eggs and donax clams are what sustain the knots as they prepare to fly the remainder of their journey to their breeding grounds.

"We get about 40% of the Red Knot Atlantic Coast population—that’s [over] 17,000 birds—that stop on Seabrook and Kiawah Islands in the springtime,” says Allyssa Zebrowski, Audubon South Carolina’s coastal stewardship coordinator.

Like Red Knots, endangered Piping Plovers use South Carolina beaches to rest and feed through the winter before making their way up north to breed. State-threatened Wilson’s Plovers raise their young here—so do state-threatened Least Terns—and 1/3 of the American Oystercatcher’s population find respite on these shores in the winter.

Human disturbance is one of the greatest threats these birds face along the nearly 3,000 miles of South Carolina’s tidal shorelines, whether that’s people walking through resting flocks or unleashed dogs getting too close to nesting birds. That’s why in 2016 Audubon South Carolina launched its Shorebird Stewardship program to conserve these five vulnerable focal species and other coastal birds by educating people about them.

“What started as a seasonal program led into a year-round need for stewardship,” says Nolan Schillerstrom, Audubon South Carolina’s coastal program associate. “We realized…that it really needed a year-round effort, not only to focus on the non-breeding birds but to continue the momentum from year to year.”

Now, depending on the year, Audubon South Carolina sends volunteers called Shorebird Stewards to 10 to 13 different coastal sites to prevent human disturbance. The stewards undergo training each year to learn more about coastal birds and their behaviors. They also are trained on how to talk to beachgoers to get them to care about the birds. Plus, they help post signs alerting people to birds nesting or resting nearby.

“It’s all about getting out there, watching out for the birds, and telling other people to [be mindful of] the birds,” says Zebrowski.

The Shorebird Stewardship program works with a variety of partners to reduce human disturbance, including Seabrook Island Birders, which runs the volunteer program at their beach site.

We’re joined by a couple of the birders today on our walk to find the Red Knots. Many of the beachgoers they encounter are their neighbors and visitors to the private island, so they have their own way of telling people to look out for the birds.

“I like to tell people a story about the birds to make them feel sympathetic towards them,” says Lesley Gore, one of the program coordinators. “I’ll tell them how many miles the Red Knots are going to fly and that it’s very important for them to gain their weight [undisturbed].”

It’s clear that stewardship plays a vital role in protecting beach birds across the country. A recent study led by Audubon’s science team found that four vulnerable coastal bird species’ populations grew 2 to 34 times faster at stewardship sites rather than birds in only protected areas.

Audubon South Carolina is already seeing positive results from the program. “We do see the improved nesting success of the American Oystercatcher, the Wilson’s Plover, and the Least Tern [at sites we help manage],” says Zebrowski. That nesting success is combined with the program’s growing number of volunteers and increased notoriety each year.

And it’s a good thing too, because shorebirds as a whole are at risk in North America. In fact, the continent’s shorebirds have declined by 70% since the 1970s.

“That’s the stat that we always think of when we’re on the ground,” says Schillerstrom. “We want to tern that around and give these birds a fighting chance here on the beach.”

After passing breeding American Oystercatcher pairs, diving Brown Pelicans, and soaring Osprey, we finally reach an inlet that gives us a view of the Red Knots, though they’re on Kiawah Island today. We watch them huddle en masse on the shoreline, preening and calling.

To be able to capture photos and footage, from a safe distance, we visit Kiawah Island the next day and make another trek in hopes of catching the knots at the right time. At first, we find them across the inlet on Seabrook Island, but suddenly, when the tide rises to the perfect height, the birds flock to the sky, flying back and forth over the water uniformly as they murmurate, creating mesmerizing patterns with their striking orange bellies and mottled gray backs.

They land on our side of the inlet, on Kiawah, and begin running along the shoreline, giving us the perfect opportunity to capture their essence. I watch their activity in awe, knowing that in just a few weeks, they will be making the last leg of their journey up north to breed. It reminds me of why we must all do our part to protect them so that they can exist for future generations.

I’m also reminded of a conversation we had with a shorebird steward volunteer, Nancy Chomel, who we met the day before at Seabrook Island. When asked what makes her passionate about protecting coastal birds, she replies, “In saving the birds, we save ourselves.”

Isn’t that what it’s all about?

To learn more about Audubon South Carolina’s coastal conservation efforts, including how to become a volunteer Shorebird Steward, visit their website.

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