Dear Friends,

Although winter has not completely left us, those first welcome signs of spring are bursting forth everywhere, like these red maple buds photographed a couple of weeks ago by our staff member Raleigh Kitchen. And although this year we are celebrating the Land Trust's 20th Anniversary by highlighting many of the properties this community has helped to preserve over the past two decades, and a few of the countless people who have made land conservation on St. Simons possible, this is not a year when we are only reflecting on the past. Rather, it's a season of renewal, optimism, and growth , a time to look ahead and plan for the next twenty years and beyond.

We look forward to bringing together people and organizations this year who will partner with us on developing priorities for the future. While it is certainly a year to show gratitude for those on whose shoulders we stand, it is also the perfect year to thoughtfully build on the past and ensure that the beauty of St. Simons is here for those who come after us. As spring always is, it's a thrilling time to be alive and well and to be part of something larger than ourselves. It's the perfect season to be joyful about this extraordinary coastal community that so many of us gratefully call home.

Emily Ellison

SSLT Executive Director

Living among coastal Georgia's ecosystems are a variety of native plant species that wildlife rely on for survival. Unfortunately, there are also a number of invasive plants that, if left unattended, can wreak havoc on those important areas. An invasive species is one that is not native to a location and that tends to spread and cause damage to the environment. National Invasive Species Awareness Week , which occurred between February 24-28, is celebrated each year to raise awareness about invasive plants in our area, educate about their removal processes, and share viable alternatives to enhance the landscape.

At Cannon's Point Preserve, our partners with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Coastal Georgia Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) have treated or removed invasive species like lantana, Chinese privet, and tree of heaven in keeping with the property's careful management plan. An equally important part of managing CPP is the continued maritime forest restoration research occurring in different areas of the Preserve. This includes planting native live oak seedlings in areas where loblolly pine trees were removed due to southern pine beetle infestations. According to a recent study , preserving and restoring forests can also help against storm surge and flooding. And when living on a barrier island, fighting floods is imperative!



Largeleaf Lantana by Jee & Rani Nature Photography

When shopping local, you have a chance to help save historically and ecologically valuable land. By supporting the 1% for St. Simons businesses, your voluntary 1% contribution goes directly to paying for 70 acres at Oatland North and to creating a wilderness corridor on the island's north end for all to enjoy and connect with nature. Forever.

A warm welcome to our newest partner ,

Gavin Sellers Creative .

Thank you to all participating businesses and their patrons.

And be sure to follow our #OnePercentWednesday posts on social media!