This year holds special significance for the Jekyll Island Foundation as we commemorate twenty-five years of serving this charming island full of nature and history. We invite you to explore our timeline, which presents a remarkable story of service to Jekyll Island and the Jekyll Island Authority.
Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF) files for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and establishes its mission and vision as the fundraising entity for the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA).
JIF begins its first capital campaign to restore and repurpose the Jekyll Island Club’s power plant as the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC).
The State of Georgia officially awards JIF 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
JIA officially opens the doors of the GSTC on June 16, 2007, welcoming guests for the first time. JIF had raised more than $2.2 million for this conservation/preservation project.
JIF purchases the first of multiple GSTC wildlife transport/utility terrain vehicles.
JIF purchases a second GSTC utility terrain vehicle.
JIF completes fundraising on the Operation Plover Patrol campaign, a two-pronged project to research, protect, and encourage Wilson’s plover nesting on the southern tip of Jekyll Island, and to educate the public.
JIF, on behalf of the GSTC, receives the first of three Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) grants, focused on capacity building and management of sea turtle mortality and on conservation of tropical reptiles in Costa Rica.
In partnership with the GSTC and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, JIF funds a PhD graduate student assistantship for conducting research on decreasing diamondback terrapin mortality rates on Jekyll Island’s causeway.
JIF purchases a third GSTC utility terrain vehicle.
JIF completes fundraising for preservation and repurposing of the Skeet House.
A capital campaign begins for Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum to reimagine the museum experience on Jekyll Island.
In partnership with the GSTC and University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology, JIF funds a master’s-level graduate student assistantship for conducting research on reducing the conflict between highly trafficked roadways and nesting turtles, specifically the diamondback terrapin.
The GSTC receives new flexible endoscope equipment through JIF.
The Horton Pond viewing platform and nature trail open to the public through funding provided by JIF.
GSTC receives new rigid endoscope equipment through JIF funding.
JIF purchases a fourth GSTC utility terrain vehicle and a second van, and has both vans rewrapped.
Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum opens on April 27, 2019, with more than a thousand visitors joining in opening festivities to experience new, immersive exhibits and island history. JIF had raised more than $3.5 million for this important project.
JIF purchases a fifth GSTC utility terrain vehicle.
JIF purchases a sixth GSTC utility terrain vehicle.
JIF raises funds for a causeway diamondback terrapin barrier to help decrease terrapin crossing mortality rates.
JIF and JIA’s Historic Resources department are awarded a grant for their Living History Experience educational programming.
JIA completes a donor-funded bioswale project, a causeway wildflower pollinator project, and two phases of preservation at Chichota Cottage.
JIF and GSTC receive a donated utility terrain vehicle.
JIF celebrates twenty-five years of raising funds for conservation, preservation, and education on Jekyll Island.
