Dear Friends,
The writer and environmentalist Janisse Ray wrote that August in Coastal Georgia is misery. August 2023 certainly proved her right, with record high temperatures and humidity that worsened the pain. But August at the Land Trust came with fantastic moments of relief -- the finest of which was to host Janisse at a presentation, book signing, and reception earlier this month. This is one of a series of talks by conservationists and authors -- beginning with Jingle Davis and Ben Galland in the spring -- and that will continue through the fall and into next year.
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Long-tailed skipper on spanish needle,
Stollaway meadow along Frederica Road
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We also partnered with Coastal WildScapes and One Hundred Miles for a presentation at The Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick this month. At that event, author, photographer, and documentary filmmaker Catherine Zimmerman talked about her work in developing urban and suburban meadows in place of expanses of lawn and landscaping that does not benefit the environment. This could not come at a more perfect time since the Land Trust will be developing a pollinator garden this fall in the front yard of our offices on Frederica Road. Once the weather cools, we'll be removing turf and replacing it with native plants that will create habitat for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
But back to the misery. It appears that Idalia is heading our way and we will likely get a strong slapping tomorrow. One last mean shout from August. But autumn is just around the corner. Until we can pull the last day of August off the calendar, stay safe, batten down the hatches and the lawn furniture. Godspeed and Happy Labor Day to all.
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Emily Ellison
Executive Director
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LAND TRUST PROPERTY UPDATES |
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In partnership with the Sea Island Company and the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, we are pleased to share that St. Simons' Military Road historical marker has been moved from its original location to a highly visible area at the Land Trust's Harrington Preserve along Frederica Road.
"The Military Road connecting Fort Frederica with Fort Saint Simons crossed at this point. Built in 1738 by British forces under Oglethorpe and used during The Battle of Bloody Marsh."
We are grateful to have two historical markers found on Land Trust properties - this Military Road marker and the Igbo Landing historical marker found at Old Stables Corner.
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WHAT IF
Read our most recent WHAT IF social media post below.
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WHAT IF . . . in 2005 the Land Trust had not purchased the old Chevron gas station property at the intersection of Demere and Frederica Road?
Click below to read what could have happened IF the Golden Isles community had not raised $800,000 to preserve this iconic property, and IF the Sea Island Company had not transformed it into a landscaped oasis.
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SPOTTED
See below for interesting plants and wildlife found on Land Trust properties.
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Insects and pollinators dominated this month's property encounters! Land Trust staff found a yellow garden spider eating its prey at Guale Preserve. At Cannon's Point Preserve, staff witnessed a phaon crescent butterfly nectaring on tiny frog fruit flowers and love bugs nectaring on seaside goldenrod.
If you find interesting plants or wildlife while visiting Land Trust properties, share your photos with us! Photos can be emailed to Raleigh Kitchen at rkitchen@sslt.org. |
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NOTE: Cannon's Point Preserve is closed to the public for the Month of September (August 29 - October 6). During this time, Land Trust staff and volunteers will work on necessary maintenance at the Preserve including structural repairs and cleanup of roads and trails. Thank you for understanding!
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LAND TRUST OFFICE GARDEN CARE
Volunteer Jerry has made a significant impact on our Land Trust office garden. The plants have never looked greener and more vibrant. Thank you, Jerry!
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COASTAL WILDSCAPES FILM SCREENING
Thank you to Mary-Frances, Scott, Bob, and Betsy for speaking with attendees and sharing the mission of the Land Trust at the "Urban and Suburban Meadows" film screening at the Ritz Theater!
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CANNON'S POINT PRESERVE DOCENTS
We are grateful to docent volunteers Lynn, Dave, James, and Richard who always greet visitors to Cannon's Point Preserve with a warm smile!
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If you interested in becoming a Land Trust Volunteer, visit our website HERE
or email Volunteer Coordinator, Marty Moody, at mmoody@sslt.org. Thank you!
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AMBASSADOR COCKTAILS FOR CONSERVATION |
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Nearly 30 people gathered at V Pizza St. Simons on August 16 for the Ambassador's bi-monthly Cocktails for Conservation event. We were thrilled to see so many children in attendance! The future of land preservation never looked so bright. Thank you to all who attended and to the staff at V Pizza for welcoming us! |
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If you interested in becoming a Land Trust Ambassador, email Communications and Partner Outreach Manager, Raleigh Kitchen, at rkitchen@sslt.org. Thank you!
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FAMILY DAY AT GUALE PRESERVE |
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Join the Land Trust Ambassadors for a fun and educational Family Day at Guale Preserve on Saturday, October 14, from 9am-1pm!
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a scavenger hunt along Ancient Dune Trail, guided hikes, educational booths from Sea Island Nature, Coastal WildScapes, the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, and much more! Save the date and stay tuned for further details.
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On August 3, the Land Trust hosted the presentation and book signing with award-winning writer, naturalist, and environmental advocate Janise Ray. In addition to engaging the attendees in a thought-provoking discussion about the environment, Janisse read captivating excerpts from her books, including Wild Spectacle. Following the presentation, Janisse joined guests for a book signing and reception. Thank you to all who attended and to Janisse for being a wonderful Land Trust friend!
Photos by Sam Ghioto Studio
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We were humbled and thrilled by the nearly 100 new and renewed memberships received this month in conjunction with an exciting offer of a 2-Night Stay from our partners at The King and Prince.
The nearly $50,000 membership dollars YOU contributed are being put to work every day as we continue to preserve land and steward the more than 1,200 acres in our trust. We are forever grateful for your partnership in maintaining a culture of conservation on St. Simons. THANK YOU!
“Saint Simons Island is an enchanting place. The live oak trees draped in moss, the golden grasses of the marshes, the majesty and power of the ocean, and the beautiful wildlife contribute to the “enchanted” adjective. I want those qualities preserved as they are now for future generations to enjoy . . . . I want this special place to remain special and ENCHANTING!”
--Karen Huff, NEW Land Trust Member
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The 'A Penny for Your Thoughts' conversation series with our Pennies for Preservation partners continues! This Q&A initiative highlights each partner so the community can connect with and get to know the participating business and business owners a little better.
Please see below the Pennies for Preservation partners who were featured on social media in AUGUST.
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Let's Keep it Local!
Please remember to continue supporting our Golden Isles businesses
and the Land Trust's dedicated Pennies for Preservation partners.
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Participating businesses raise contributions by either:
1) Collecting a voluntary 1% or specific dollar amount donation from
their customers' receipts/invoices.
OR
2) Donating 1% of their companies' proceeds or services.
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Patrick Jones and Daughter
Yosemite National Park
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Chuck Morris
Idaho backcountry
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Steve Kendall
Grand Canyon National Park
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From National Parks to backcountry roads, Land Trust hats travelled all over the United States this month. We are grateful to our members and supporters who share their experiences with us. Keep the photos coming!
Don't have a hat? Let's fix that!
All four versions of SSLT hats can be purchased in-office or on our website below.
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October 14: SSLT Ambassador Family Day at Guale Preserve. More info to come!
November 2: "William Bartram and the Golden Isles" presentation with Bob Sattelmeyer. SSLT Office. More info to come!
January 20, 2024: St. Simons Land Trust's annual OYSTER ROAST, Gascoigne Bluff Park, SSI
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THANK YOU TO OUR
2023 12-MONTH SPONSORS
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