Saint Simons Land Trust highlights conservation of 1,400 acres, seeks continued partnership with Glynn County

A representative of the Saint Simons Land Trust told the Glynn County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 11 that the nonprofit has protected about 1,400 acres on St. Simons Island and asked the county to remain a partner in conservation and education efforts.

The Land Trust speaker said the organization has conserved roughly 1,400 acres across about 30 properties on the island — about 14% of the island’s uplands — and highlighted Cannons Point Preserve, which she said is a large intact maritime‑forest property owned by the trust. The speaker described the trust’s role in helping preserve maritime forest habitat, maintain bike paths and support public parks that were subsequently turned over to the county.

The Land Trust representative cited long‑running partnerships with Glynn County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, colleges and local schools and said the trust’s work is funded largely by many small donors as well as larger supporters. She noted an upcoming Land Trust event and said trust staff are available to host student visits and other educational programming in partnership with the county.

Commissioners and a county staffer discussed previous joint projects, including the roundabout at Frederica Road and park transfers. The Land Trust offered to provide materials and a link to a short film the trust has produced for its 25th anniversary; the film and informational packet will be made available to commissioners, staff said.

No formal county action was taken during the presentation. Commissioners thanked the Land Trust representatives and raised no objections to continuing the partnership.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: Allison (identified in the meeting as "Miss Allison"), representative of Saint Simons Land Trust; Sarah Baker, director of development, Saint Simons Land Trust; Raleigh Kitchen, director of communications, Saint Simons Land Trust.