The Beauty of Increase – Jekyll Island Foundation

The Beauty of Increase

Wildlife Transport Vehicles

Diamondback Terrapin in rehabilitation.

Welcome to Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum

Banded Wilson’s Plover Chick on Jekyll Island

St. Andrews wildlife viewing platform

Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a preserved and repurposed power plant.

Skeet House, a preserved and repurposed education and entertainment facility.

Tracking the reptiles.

Horton Pond conservation project.

GSTC All Terrain Vehicle

Horton Pond basking platform.

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 IIThe 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.

Contact Us

Jekyll Island Foundation

P.O. Box 13002, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Phone: (912) 635-4100

 

Looking to contact the Jekyll Island Authority? Please click here.