By Dion Davis
JIF Executive Director
As I write this, it is mid-August, and with the rain that made its way across the Golden Isles last week, the marshes of Glynn, normally beige and brown, are lush and green. They lie at the base of the Sidney Lanier Bridge as a portrait of beauty, teeming with nature and life. Continuing across the Jekyll Island causeway, multiple species of birds soar gently on the breeze. It’s a good day, and I am thankful.
Just as the colors of the marsh change with the seasons, so does the Jekyll Island Foundation. With wonderful leadership and a well-laid foundation comes growth—strong and steady. Some of our progress you can see publicly. But some is behind the scenes, quietly making your time on Jekyll, as a resident or as a seasonal guest, more relaxing and enjoyable.
Increase comes in many forms: in nature, wildlife, and historic research projects; through relationship building with friends who become family; and in organizational upgrades. There are thousands of guests enjoying the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, our new Mosaic Museum, and Jekyll’s multiple viewing platforms and nature trails. Practical maintenance—on historic cottages, wildlife transport vans, or ATV’s—is happening all around.
For those who may have just tuned in, let’s take a quick journey back at what we’ve accomplished together and a glance at what’s to come.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
- GSTC – preserved and repurposed power plant
- wildlife transport + utility terrain vehicles
- surgical + medical supplies
- laser, x-ray, endoscopy, ultrasound, + laparoscopic equipment
- rehabilitation tanks
- hospital pavilion upgrades
- Diamondback Terrapin – drone equipment + research projects
- UGA/GSTC graduate research assistantships
- GSTC education + veterinary staff interns
- gift store remodel
Conservation
- St. Andrews Beach + Guest Information wildlife viewing platforms
- Horton Pond basking + viewing platforms + nature trail
- Horton Pond-to-Horton House historic nature trail
- migratory nesting bird research
- bobcat reproduction study
- amphibians, alligator, + snake research
Historic Preservation
- Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum project
- cottage restoration + exhibits: Indian Mound Cottage, Villa Ospo + Hollybourne Cottage
- Skeet House relocation + revitalization project
What’s on the horizon for JIF?
Mosaic Museum Phase II—The Paddock Outdoor Education Space—will serve as a multi-purpose outdoor location for interactive and explorative learning on Jekyll.
Coming in the fall are a new corporate sponsor program, membership upgrades, new tribute gift options, and in time—a GSTC capital campaign.
Visit the Jekyll Island online store and support the GSTC, conservation, or historic preservation through online donations.
On behalf of the Jekyll Island Foundation Board of Directors, thank you! We look forward to many years of continued partnerships, making new friends, and growing together.
