one of the most iconic properties on St. Simons Island,
holds special memories for generations of island residents and visitors who
took riding lessons, groomed beloved horses, and rode those horses
out to Sea Island for ocean rides on the beach.
Located at the intersection of Sea Island Road and Frederica Road,
the property is passed multiple times a day by most people
who live, work, and play on the island and is considered by many their
favorite Land Trust property.
The Campaign to Preserve the Old Stables Corner, launched on July 1, 2010, was one of the most successful land conservation efforts on the island up to that date. In less than 100 days, the community rallied together and raised more than $2.5 million to purchase, enhance, and maintain this property for the public to enjoy --forever. Today the corner is a cherished greenspace within a grove of nearly 50 live oak trees and is emblematic of the character and charm of St. Simons Island. Of course the practice rings, barns and old stables were removed years ago.

But now there's a NEW STABLES on that famous corner,
one that will be used by those who read more than they ride.
Thanks to a generous donor who provided funds for "Little Lending Libraries," seating, and landscaping on Land Trust properties, we are looking forward to adding "branches" of the SSLT LLL system across the island. The New Stables Library was designed, built, and installed by one of the Land Trust's wonderful Pennies for Preservation partners, Sam Portis at Poseidon Consulting & Renovations. Sam graciously provided his services and materials pro bono, including stocking the stables with a few thoroughbreds and riders. Thank you, Sam!

The wooden fencing that was installed around the Old Stables Corner more than a decade ago is now disintegrating from rot, from having weathered too many coastal storms, and from being the victim of too many fallen live oak limbs. Therefore, to ensure the safety of anyone visiting the corner, that fencing will soon be removed. And since the only horses on site now are the miniature ones inside the New Stables Library, we've decided not to replace the fencing. Instead, be on the look out for benches near the New Stables and find a place in the shade for a picnic with friends or the grandkids.

The Little Lending Library in front of the Land Trust's offices has become a daily destination for many who normally take their walks along Frederica Road. It has also been restocked weekly by those who have taken us up on the offer to "take a book, leave a book," or who come with boxes full of volumes taken from their own shelves. We hope the New Stables Corner Library will become just as popular. When you're dining or shopping in the Market Street area, please take an extra couple of minutes to "check-out" a book of your choice, and once you've finished reading, return the book or replace it with another you think people will enjoy. Be sure to take a "selfie" and tag us on social media @stsimonslandtrust when you visit. No library card is required! And no riding boots and stirrups are needed either. Just curiosity and community spirit. And if you want to donate more books to our SSLT LLL's, you can drop them off at our front door or add them to the "stalls" inside the new stables.

Thanks again to Sam Portis for providing St. Simons with an extra special Little Lending Library on a very special corner. Happy reading, everyone!

The Land Trust Team