PRESERVED LAND

Since 2000, the St. Simons Land Trust has permanently preserved 145 acres of land on St. Simons Island through donations, purchases, conservation easements and bargain sales.  Some recent notable accomplishments are described below.  For more complete information on these and other properties, please contact Russ Marane at (912) 638-9185 or rmarane@sslt.org.

Fort Frederica North Marsh Property
This important acquisition contains 10 acres of upland and 10 acres of marsh adjacent to the north side of Fort Frederica National Monument.  The Land Trust partnered with Glynn County to receive a grant and low-interest loan from the Georgia Land Conservation Program to fund the purchase of the property.  Our fast response to this opportunity enabled us to save the native forest and wetlands from becoming a new subdivision.  Preserving this property saves natural and historic resources, including a significant wildlife habitat.  It also protects the historic context of Fort Frederica for its visitors by keeping the surrounding land free from modern development.  The National Park Service plans to purchase the property from the Land Trust and add it to Fort Frederica.  This project is an example of using creative partnerships to act quickly to protect our natural and historic resources.

Harrington Schoolhouse Preserve
Our largest upland preserve, the 12.08-acre property on South Harrington Road was purchased in partnership with Glynn County.  This historic site includes the last remaining African-American schoolhouse on St. Simons, which was built circa 1925.  The St. Simons African-American Heritage Coalition and the Southeast Georgia Community Development Corporation are working to restore the schoolhouse and re-open its doors as a cultural heritage center and museum.  The preserve also contains ecologically sensitive wetlands and two ponds that provide habitat for federally endangered wood storks and other native wildlife.

John Gilbert Nature Trail
The first and one of the largest gifts of land to the Land Trust was a 36-acre marsh-front tract that includes four acres of high ground on Frederica Road across from the Devonwood subdivision.  A gift from the Gilbert family, the preserve contains maritime forest with many ancient live oaks, transitioning to a tidal marsh community.  It provides habitat for small mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.  With the help of volunteers and funding from the membership, the John Gilbert Nature Trail was built on the property in late 2006.  The first public nature trail on the island, it meanders through woods, crossing bridges and wooden boardwalks, and ends at an overlook across a tranquil marsh. (Click to enlarge photos below.)

Wildlife Drive
This prime mid-island property was acquired in late 2007 at a bargain price from the developer of the Wildlife Preserve residential subdivision.  The property, consisting of two acres and 500 feet of Frederica Road frontage, stretches from Wildlife Drive north to the John Gilbert Nature Trail and will become part of the trail property.

Conservation Easements
Conservation easements limit development and protect the historic and scenic character of property, without the owner’s giving up ownership of the land.  Recent conservation easements given to the Land Trust include:

• On the Frederica River north of Fort Frederica.  This 5.8-acre property includes remains of five tabby slave cabins and a stand of live oak trees that are more than 100 years old.
  
  

• Marsh and hammock on Postell Creek.  The upland portion of this 45-acre property, just behind Oglethorpe Park, is now protected from development.
  
  

• Gruber property on Lawrence Road.  This 1.85 acres of wooded land on the north end of St. Simons, owned by Renn and Sibby Gruber, is now permanently preserved.