Tag: georgia

A New Opportunity Representing a Lasting Memory

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

by Yank Moore, Director of Conservation

Nestled behind the Jekyll Island Welcome Center, overlooking the golden hues of the coastal saltmarsh, stands a beloved observation platform—a haven for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. Originally funded through the Jekyll Island Foundation over a decade ago, this quiet retreat has offered visitors a place to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of the island’s diverse bird species.

Now, thanks to a meaningful tribute, this cherished space has received an exciting enhancement with the addition of two spotting scope viewers, one on each level, allowing visitors to enjoy an even closer glimpse of the rich avian life that calls Jekyll home. The area is a popular destination for birders, drawn by the possibility of spotting American Avocets, Marbled Godwits, and Dowitchers—species that are less commonly seen elsewhere on the island.

These new additions are more than just an improvement to the viewing experience; they serve as a tribute to the late Lydia Thompson, affectionately known as the “Bird Lady.” Lydia, who passed away in late 2022, left an indelible mark on the birding community. A passionate advocate for avian conservation, Lydia traveled all 50 states in pursuit of her love for birding, founded Operation Plover Patrol to protect Jekyll’s shorebirds, and championed the belief that birdwatching is for everyone. Her dedication inspired countless individuals, and her impact continues to be felt through the organizations she supported.

Now, with these newly installed spotting scopes, Lydia’s legacy lives on. Every visitor who pauses at the platform, gazes through a viewer, and marvels at the birdlife of Jekyll Island is carrying forward her mission—one of appreciation, education, and conservation. Through the generosity of those who knew and admired Lydia, her spirit will forever be part of the landscape she so dearly loved.

Supporting Bird Conservation on Jekyll

The Jekyll Island Authority’s Conservation team has been dedicated to bird conservation through research, monitoring, and habitat restoration. The Jekyll Island Foundation has been a vital partner in supporting these efforts. If you’d like to contribute to bird conservation on Jekyll Island, click here.

The “ology” of Gatorology

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

Ray Emerson, JIA Lead Park Ranger

“What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word alligator?”  This is the opening question guests are asked by Jekyll Island Park Rangers at the extremely popular Gatorology experience at Horton Pond. Responses range from “awesome”, “dinosaur”, “big”, “teeth”, to “fear”, “eat me”, and “scary”.

“We are most interested in responses similar to those last three – fear, eat me, and scary, ” says JIA Lead Park Ranger Ray Emerson. “It’s important that people understand that they really don’t need to fear these beautiful animals but give them respect they deserve and don’t EVER try to approach, touch, or especially feed an alligator or any other wild creature.”

Gatorology sessions educate guests on a variety of topics, beginning with the history of alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from prehistoric times up until modern day, as well as their presence on Jekyll Island.  

Next, Rangers discuss research conducted – previous and ongoing – on these true dinosaurs. One of the things staff and volunteers enjoy most is guest reactions after learning that the first true alligator fossil was discovered in 1911 in Montana!!

The highlight of the day is when each guest is afforded an opportunity to see a baby gator up close and even touch it if they like. This is truly an unforgettable experience, especially for the kids whose parents are ready with cameras to document this moment of a lifetime. The alligator “educational representatives” are born at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, and are bred and raised specifically as captive educational animals.

The session wraps up with a re-emphasis of the Don’t Approach, Don’t Touch, Don’t Feed message with the hope that it will really resonate and stick. “If everyone takes even one thing away from our message today it’s communicate this to friends and family and make it a habit in their lives … then we’ve hit a home run,” says Lead Ranger Emerson.

Gatorology takes place April through September at Horton Pond, a wildlife viewing area made possible by funding from Jekyll Island Foundation donors. The Conservation Department is grateful for the support which makes educational experiences like this possible. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Jekyll Island: Better Together

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

By Ben Carswell, JIA Director of Conservation

Partnership is essential to success in nature and in society. Without mutually beneficial relationships with pollinating insects and fungi, the vast and complex plant communities that green our world would never have come to be. The same can be said for the greening of Jekyll Island. Whether advancing wildlife conservation, ecosystem restoration, or sustainability, the phrase that became a global mantra in 2020, “we are all in this together”, remains vitally true.

Since 1999, the partnership between the Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF) and the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) has been a mutually beneficial relationship built around bringing to life projects that elevate conservation, preservation, and education goals within Jekyll Island State Park. This relationship produced the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which catalyzed conservation efforts within the JIA that continue to bear fruit. Many other achievements, like the outdoor recreation, education, and wildlife enhancements at Horton Pond, which has become a favorite spot for families exploring Jekyll Island, and Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, which keeps Jekyll’s past alive and reminds us that nature connects us all to it, were made possible because of partnership, between JIF and JIA, and our many donors.

The roots of Jekyll Island’s partnership ecosystem extend outward as well, nourishing work that connects Jekyll Island with other institutions, whether public, private, or NGO, that are leading the way in our State. The possibilities for doing good on Jekyll Island are vastly expanded because of the care and collaboration extended by our colleagues at, among many others, Georgia Audubon, Georgia Power Company, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and forward-thinking businesses like LNW Hospitality and Cherry Street Energy that look beyond profits to realize the power of their investments to bring about positive transformations.

The key to winning partnerships is broadening our imaginations to realize how much our interests can overlap and how much stronger our accomplishments are when we work together for the greater good. There is no better crucible for this than Jekyll Island, a place that brings people together and where the beauty of the natural world unfolds daily before our eyes – inspiring us to higher ideals.

Become a partner, member, or corporate sponsor today. Click HERE.