Tag: georgia sea turtle center

Reviving the Magic of Muhly Grass Meadows

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

by Joseph Colbert, JIA Wildlife Biologist & Yank Moore, JIA Director of Conservation

Picture this: a rare and enchanting habitat, teeming with vibrant wildlife, where lush grasses sway in the coastal breeze. It’s a place where painted buntings, butterflies, and native small mammals frolic amidst the tufts of Sweetgrass, also known as Muhlenbergia sericea, an exclusive coastal inhabitant, which has been a lifeline for numerous coastal species. Welcome to the world of Muhly grass meadows – a world the Jekyll Island Authority is determined to rescue and revive on Jekyll Island!

These magnificent muhly grass meadows are more than just a picturesque landscape. They are a vanishing wonder, threatened by coastal flooding and human-caused interruptions in the delicate coastal sand-sharing system. These stunning habitats, typically found nestled in the dunes of Georgia’s youngest coastal land, are disappearing before our very eyes. Dammed rivers, dredging, and the removal of sand usually deposited on barrier islands have disrupted the natural balance. As a result, what’s left are smaller and more vulnerable patches of these meadows. Currently on Jekyll Island, this natural treasure now covers less than an acre, only located in areas frequently inundated by marsh flooding.

But here is where the magic begins. The JIA’s conservation team is actively embarking on a mission to rescue and restore this imperiled habitat before it vanishes entirely from this beloved Island. Muhly Grass habitats boast incredibly high wildlife diversity. These critters, in turn, support a host of predators, from magnificent birds to slithering snakes and stealthy bobcats.

Sweetgrass, another name for this lush and vibrant vegetation, holds cultural significance, serving as essential components in the creation of sweetgrass baskets by Gullah Geechee communities. Partnering with Georgia Audubon, teams have taken successful strides by planting Muhly grass along Beachview Drive, flanking both sides of Oceanview Beach Park. These endeavors have provided invaluable experience and confidence in ongoing restoration techniques.

But the journey has just begun! Next, attention has turned to the vicinity of Camp Jekyll’s boardwalk, a promising location with higher ground that can protect the habitat from inundation. Even more exciting, it is accretional, meaning there is growth with each passing day through sand deposition – a beacon of hope for the future of these unique grasslands.

The Jekyll Island Authority and Foundation are now calling upon you, our passionate supporters, to join this crucial venture to rescue and restore Jekyll’s native Muhly grass meadows. Imagine the impact that can be made when bringing forgotten, Georgia barrier island landscapes back to life, creating diverse habitats that support rare, threatened, or keystone species.

JIA conservation staff have set their sights on a total area of 30 acres with restoration potential. To achieve this dream, JIF needs your financial support. Your generosity will enable the gradual planting of 5,800 Muhly grass plugs per acre, ensuring the revitalization of this precious habitat.

But that’s not all! This project also paves the way for informational signage and educational programming, thanks to its close proximity to Camp Jekyll. This mission goes beyond restoration; it extends to educating the public about imperiled habitats and the incredible wildlife they shelter.

Together, let us write a new chapter in the conservation history of Jekyll Island, where the magic of Muhly grass meadows blooms once more, and the vibrant wildlife that calls it home thrives for generations to come.

Will you partner to help bring this ecological adventure and make Jekyll Island a beacon of hope for nature’s wonders? Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible journey – the future of Jekyll Island’s unique ecosystem depends on it.

To contribute to the restoration of muhly grass on Jekyll Island, click HERE.

The Man Who Inspired Monopoly

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

By Patrick Carmody, JIA Museum Educator

When Jekyll Island was still an exclusive Club for the wealthy and powerful, there were two members of the club that had the strength of character to stand out from the crowd, and those members were J.P. Morgan Sr. and J.P. Morgan Jr. Both men were titans of industry, with J.P. Senior, or Pierpont as he went by in conversation, expanding his father’s banking house in London and the US to become a corporate financial empire. J.P. Junior, or Jack as he preferred to be called, took what his family had built and made the Morgan family’s finances and influence into a global enterprise. Under the guidance of the Morgans, US Steel was formed, the General Electric Company was brought to life, and the bank now known as JPMorgan Chase & Co became a financial powerhouse.

Both men were massively influential on the course of American history with Pierpont playing a part in the foundation of the Federal Reserve, and Jack having privately contributed more money and material to the Allied powers in World War 1 than anybody else. Both men wielded a significant amount of influence financially and socially, with Pierpont in 1895 single handedly saving the gold standard by controlling the flow of gold into and out of the United States.

With these titans of power utilizing Jekyll Island as a resort for their winter vacations, Mosaic now offers a spotlight on the pair. The museum’s newest rotating lobby exhibit displays multiple interesting pieces including a model of the Corsair IV, one of the biggest yachts built in the United States, life-sized models of Pierpont and Jack, and a giant-sized Jekyll-inspired monopoly board with accompanying pieces including Mr. Monopoly himself!

Jack Morgan was the basis in design for Uncle Pennibags, the “Monopoly Man” as most know him. Visitors will find a fun twist on the game when they step inside Mosaic, as the game board shows off various locations of Jekyll Island including Horton House, Moss Cottage, Beach Village, and many more recognizable landmarks! Now through December, visitors can EXPLORE the fascinating lives of both J.P.’s, ROLL THE DICE on a new historic tour, or take a CHANCE learning something new. And be sure to COLLECT a souvenir from the gift shop!

The Jekyll Island Foundation is proud to support preservation initiatives like Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, so history can be brought back to life. Learn about ways you too can support historic preservation HERE!

Meet Our Donor: Caryl Rice

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

Caryl Rice isn’t claiming her story of how or even why she now finds herself on Jekyll Island as unique. In fact, she isn’t entirely clear what brought her here to become a full-time resident, other than the obvious: proximity to the ocean and beaches, the dazzling sights of sunrises and sunsets, the aged oaks and cool seasonal breezes, the annual calendar of activities, plus the hidden gems she has specifically found for herself hidden among the island’s unique geographical location and unrivaled place in American history.

All that, and the fact her brother was an avid golfer, came together in the mid 70s as the fates aligned, to make sure Rice knew the Jekyll gem existed.

On second thought, she said, those reasons do bond nicely to form a solid case for why Jekyll Island was, first a family getaway, and now, has become a stand-out in her seasoned life as a very attractive place to lay warmer roots.

My late Husband, Ted, and I stopped on Jekyll in the mid 80’s on the way to Florida, and it was as if everything aligned, being in the right place, at the right time,” she said. They purchased their first Jekyll home at what is now Villas by the Sea when they first were offered for sale as condominiums.

The Rice’s rented their condo to vacationers for 11 years and then decided to find a permanent future retirement home, which they did in the mid 90s.  They continued to rent their “new” Jekyll house until 2010 when they remodeled and made the house into a home.  After years of traveling back and forth to the Island from Ohio, Rice and her husband made a permanent move. It didn’t take long to become part of the Jekyll community.  Ted never knew a stranger and became active in the Jekyll Island Citizens Association and Rotary.  Caryl focused her attention on the Jekyll Island Arts Association, the Jekyll Island Ladies League, and the Great Dunes 9-hole ladies golf league. As a couple, they were members of the Sand Dollar Club, the Jekyll Singers, and the Jekyll Presbyterian Community Church.

Now decades later, Jekyll Island is not merely a beautiful escape from the less-than-pleasant winters in her native home up north, but has become one big neighborhood, where full- and part-time residents keep an eye out for one another to ensure their well-being.

Especially this year, Rice has truly appreciated the kindness of island friends.  It was with the passing of her husband that she received a constant flow of love and positive energy from so many dear friends, “in a way you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else,” she said.

Rice does have an eye for beauty, and she creates artwork which often reflect this inner glow she has about her. In a technique which may or may not have a specific label, she creates unique works of art which involve fabrics, thread, and a bit of paint.

The Jekyll Island Art Association classification for her work is “fiber arts,” but, it’s not a fully encompassing title for the art Rice is learning to master. As tricky as crafting her pieces may be, and then explaining what it is and how it was made, Rice’s pieces are fascinating.

Simple or complicated, the words to describe won’t be needed later this year, when Rice offers pieces of her works for viewing on the walls at the Jekyll Island Art Association, housed in Goodyear Cottage.

“I rarely show my work to people, especially not in this wide of a forum,” she said. “I have worked on pieces for this show from the summer of 2022 and will still be working on more through October.  I don’t want to say I have worked frantically to create pieces for show, but I will say plenty of time went into creating unique pieces that aren’t seen in many other places.”

When not on the golf course or working on her artwork, Rice can often be found tucked away in some of the more secret spots on the Island. These are places lesser known to guests who meander through the historical timelines of the Jekyll Island Club Resort (formerly Hotel), opt for seeing the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, or taking their bicycles to the tabby walkways for the seemingly never-ending bike path around the state-owned Island.

While Rice may be a bit shy about showing her personal art works to the public, she is more than happy to share the loveliness of the Island with fellow appreciators of the arts. She volunteers regularly with the Jekyll Island Art Association and loves to share the Island with her son and his family when they come to visit.

She knew right from the moment she and her late husband stepped onto Jekyll; this place was calling her home. And since moving here full-time, that magic feeling of home is the same as what so many of the Island’s long-held dwellers and new residents feel.  The Rice’s love of Jekyll Island is what led them to donate to the Jekyll Island Foundation.  It continues to be Caryl’s way to support the many Foundation projects that help the Jekyll Island Authority keep the island vibrant and that add to the wonderful story of Jekyll.

“There is something so special about this Island,” she said. “It’s the unique place in where it is situated in the world.”

And as for those secret hiding places she likes to tromp off to when she has a moment or afternoon to spare? Well, everyone will have to find their own special Jekyll hiding spot, because she isn’t willing to reveal her tucked-away place of serenity among the Island’s 5,500+ acres and 10 miles of shoreline.

Meet Our Board: J.J. Singh

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

History and a Hole-in-One: Jekyll Island Foundation Director J.J. Singh Details Drive for Preserving Jekyll Island’s Charm

Imagine a serene setting, paired with calming beach breezes, rays of island sunshine warming you just so, and then – score. A hole-in-one! Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

The hole-in-one may not happen every time, or nearly as often as golfers hope, but the dream of making that superb shot always lingers in heads and hearts of Jekyll Island’s avid golfing community.

While he may or may not always nab that last picture-perfect moment on the links, the dream is always there for Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF) Board Director J.J. Singh, even when merely daydreaming about it back at his home in Virginia.

“The perfect day (spent on Jekyll Island) looks like 18 holes on Pine Lakes,” Singh said, adding that, thanks to the toasty temps found in his island paradise, such a perfect day is ideally “followed by the pool.”

Singh has spent plenty of time on Jekyll Island. As President of Retreat Hotels & Resorts, where he and his team have developed and operate full-service hotels, his company has provided asset management services for 747 hotel keys on Jekyll, which also includes the newly completed Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott.

As part of the group which developed The Westin Jekyll Island, Singh said he is proud of the responsible renovations and rehabilitation completed in recent years. He also noted the Beach Village has been the most meaningful change and refreshed detail seen on the island in the past decade or more. Seeing the Jekyll Island Convention Center built responsibly and respectfully from the ground up within the serene setting of the beach-front acreage on the Island was, and remains, purely “monumental,” he said.

“The Convention Center, the retail component, and The Westin properties all perfectly complement each other,” he said.

These renovations have played together nicely to become driving forces behind why he opted to jump on the JIF Board in the first place. He wanted to serve the Island that has been so good to him.

“Public service is very important to me. As a proud former Peace Corps Volunteer, I’m of the firm belief that individuals and businesses have a duty to the communities in which they live and work. As a hotelier on the Island, we have had the great fortune of collaborating with the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) and the JIF on many occasions. Joining the Board of the JIF was a great opportunity to serve the Island,” he said.

Retreat has focused on sustainability in its building design. In particular on Jekyll Island, Retreat has worked closely with the JIA to protect endangered sea turtles, adopt building practices that protect the delicate ecosystem from fine construction particles, and use alternative sources of energy such as solar power.

In his long-term vision, Singh and fellow JIF board members plan to continue seeking out funding opportunities that assist the JIA in its mission to keep the state park island pristine while continuing to renovate and renew it to amplify its beauty.

“The first time I visited, I stayed in Cherokee Cottage,” he said. “I remember the charm and majesty of the historic Jekyll Club hotel.” Fundraising to preserve that history is crucial to the JIF’s mission, Singh said.

In partnership with the Jekyll Island Authority, which oversees the management and daily operations of the Island, the 24-year-old Foundation was created to raise money for Island projects which may be otherwise out-of-reach within the Authority’s operating budget on its own. Managed by up to 25 individuals, all with diverse interests in and with ties to the Island, the Foundation remains focused on raising funds for Island conservation, preservation, and educational initiatives.

As he agreeably and aptly notes, the rare beauty found in the Island’s a little more than 5,500 acres can’t be found anywhere else.

“What makes Jekyll Island special is the harmony and the balance between economic growth and conservation,” he said. “Maintaining that balance is the key for the long-term sustainability of the Island.”

For more information about the Jekyll Island Foundation, visit jekyllislandfoundation.org.

Moon Pies, McDonald’s, and… Sea Turtles

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

An Interview with Georgia Sea Turtle Center Director, Michelle Kaylor

Home to Rocky Top and the Great Smoky Mountains. The birthplace of Moon Pies, Mountain Dew soda, and the world’s oldest radio show. And the native state of the leader of a highly successful sea turtle rehabilitation hospital.

It may seem as if one of these things is not like the other. But in truth, it’s, well, true. Tennessee was once the birthplace and home of Michelle Kaylor, now director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Since 2007, Kaylor has worked at the Jekyll Island operation and has served as its Director for the past two years. Kaylor follows in the footsteps of Center founder and long-time director, and her mentor, Dr. Terry Norton.

Though her roots sprouted in a landlocked state, Kaylor admits she has long had a fascination with marine life. The marine dream started in 5th grade, when her school took students on what would become a very inspirational and influential field trip to Jekyll Island and its former 4-H facility (now Camp Jekyll). It was there Kaylor first tromped through marsh mud, seined the ocean, and took in vast exploration of the island’s well-preserved maritime forest.

Needless to say, “I was hooked,” she said.

Fast forward a few years, and Kaylor would study to become a marine biologist, specializing in aquarium sciences. She found herself then nestled at the Tennessee Aquarium for seven years, where she oversaw the exhibits showcasing large marine creatures, and one of two resident sea turtles the Aquarium acquired. This shelled gem was a green sea turtle named Oscar, who was taken in after a boat strike and had paralysis in the hind flippers with an inability to adequately dive. Though the aquarium was hesitant at first to take in the less-than-perfect specimen, it proved key for the educational exhibit.

“Having an imperfect representation of a species and a story behind why this happened to this animal is inspiring and allows more conversations for what visitors can do to help the species in the wild,” she said.

Speaking of wild, the story of how Oscar came to the Tennessee tourism staple was just that. When Kaylor went to pick Oscar up to bring him back to what would become his new home, “It was in a McDonald’s parking lot in Pigeon Forge,” she said.

“The last place I ever thought I would see a sea turtle alone (was) in a McDonald’s parking lot. The staff member caring for Oscar at the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center brought Oscar up to Tennessee on the way to visit her family,” she said, and the rest was fast-food conservation history.

On Jekyll, sea turtles aren’t generally found in fast food parking lots either, but rather come to the now 16-year-old Center, typically due to boat-strike injuries like the one Oscar had, debilitation, cold-stunning, and other reasons. Annually, some 150,000 visitors trek through the Center, which is operated by the Jekyll Island Authority.

Aside from up-close views of these animals in their rehab tanks, and the occasional glimpse of one of the patients in surgery, the Center serves multiple purposes. At once, it is a hospital, rehabilitation, and research hub, as well as a beloved platform for educational programs. The latter purpose serves to increase awareness of sea turtle habitats and highlight wildlife conservation challenges, “promote responsibility for ecosystem health, and empower individuals to act locally, regionally, and globally to protect the environment,” Kaylor said.

However, after almost two decades serving this core mission, the Center’s purpose has grown, and, as should be expected, growing pains linger. “My goal is to expand on our mission as we plan for a future Center expansion, where we can satisfy growing operational needs and further serve our educational mission,” she said.

With such growth, Kaylor hopes to see the Center’s signature shining moments of marine life conservation and education continue as it inspires its visitors, as well as the hands which make the educational attraction so special. The Center is admittedly a fantastic venue for, yes, educating the public, but likewise serves as a unique vessel for educating those who help the landmark in its daily operations.

To date, she said, her most proud achievements are being able to witness an individual come to the Center, be it as a staff member, an intern or a volunteer, and see them grow as a professional and as a person.

“We strive every day at the Center to have small yet powerful moments of learning that can add up to large-scale change by telling each sea turtle patients’ story,” Kaylor said. “We can inspire others to make changes in their own lives, and (who then can) inspire others as well. We call this the ‘ripple effect’. My proudest achievement is seeing the ripples move outward into the world with our mission and stories.”

And while turtles are known for moving at a slow pace, Kaylor and the Center team are moving quickly, now and since the Center’s inception, to do just that.

For more information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, visit jekyllisland.com/gstc. To help support and further the Center’s mission, click HERE.

Meet Our Donors: Douglas & Karen Rucker

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

Douglas and Karen (Mills) Rucker had already decided to spend their Golden Years in the Golden Isles before an almost too-good-to-be-true career choice on Jekyll Island presented itself to him.

“We were living in San Diego…it was the middle of Covid…and we were thinking that California might not be our ‘forever,’” said Douglas.

“We love to travel–and have visited and lived in some amazing places–but we wanted an anchor,” Karen said. “We wanted some place that felt like ‘home.’”

So, sites unseen, the Ruckers and two of their friends bought three adjacent parcels of land on St. Simons Island. “And then this opportunity on Jekyll comes up,” said Douglas, who works with Noble House Hotels & Resorts, the company responsible for operating the Jekyll Island Club Resort after it sold 2021. “I had visited the area some years ago, but this more recent connection through our St. Simons decision was a crazy coincidence. I interviewed for my current role as Area Managing Director and took the job based on the reputation of—and what I already knew and appreciated about—the Island.”

Part of his personal and professional appreciation for what Jekyll has to offer comes from hospitality management roots developed in his former home base of Michigan. “I twice worked for the family that owns The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, which opened its doors in 1887,” he said. “Jekyll Island Club, although not originally a hotel but a private clubhouse for America’s wealthy, opened its doors in the winter of 1888. A love of history and historic hotels, where we prefer to stay when we travel, were big motivators for choosing this area to make our permanent home.”

“We have also always been attracted to islands, to water, and to smaller communities,” said Karen, a Canadian citizen who was on vacation in the Florida Keys 17 years ago when she met Douglas, who was working at a resort in the area. “And of all the places we’ve been since then, Jekyll has the nicest, most welcoming people. We’ve made so many new friends.”

She vividly remembers her first visit to Jekyll. “The view as we drove across the causeway, the moss on the trees in the Historic District, the Club Resort rising like a castle against the sky. It was all so breathtaking.”

That awe remains as the couple settles into their new home at The Moorings at Jekyll Harbor. “Cycling is our favorite activity and mode of transportation,” said Karen. “Every time we ride our bikes from home to the Club [Resort]—crossing the wooden boardwalk bridge with the view of the marsh, the intracoastal waterway, and the Sidney Lanier Bridge in the distance—we pinch ourselves that we live here…in this state park…surrounded by all this beauty. There is something so soulful, so solid, so genuine about this existence.”

As Jekyll Island Foundation investors, stewardship of that beauty now and for future generations is a personal priority. As Champion corporate sponsors, the partnership between the Club Resort and Foundation spans more than two decades and continues today.

“It’s all about the people, from the grassroots to the state level; they are all committed to preservation and conservation,” said Douglas. “That’s a plus because some of the necessary protection efforts take time and need to be well thought out. The Jekyll Island Authority has done—is doing—a great job of this.”

They greatly appreciate the Foundation’s focus on projects that enhance knowledge opportunities not only for residents but for visitors. “The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is such an outstanding example of how donations can improve and extend the life of historic facilities as well as support educational experiences,” said Karen.

She also complimented the Foundation on its honor bench program. “No matter where they are along the bike paths, the benches always seem to be in the right place. They are such a great way to honor someone’s memory while offering a moment to rest and reflect in Jekyll’s peaceful surroundings.”

While travel will always be part of their lives, Douglas and Karen are enjoying how settled and solid they feel in their new home. “The last two years have been pretty special,” said Douglas. “We’re looking forward to doing all we can to be part of the community and to supporting the projects that protect and enhance Jekyll for everyone.”

Another RECORD-Breaking Year Y’all for 2023 Turtle Crawl

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

By Michelle Kaylor, Director Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Another record-breaking year for the annual Turtle Crawl, all in the name of supporting the Jekyll Island Authority’s (JIA) Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s (GSTC) mission of sea turtle Rehabilitation, Research, and Education. This year broke the record for participation with 1,616 participants, the most participants ever to support the event since its inception.

What initially originated as a multi-race triathlon, Turtle Crawl has evolved over the years from hosting experienced athletes through a rigorous competition to a family-friendly event accessible to all.  Of note this year, the event welcomed participants ranging in ages from 84 years young to 2 years old. Turtle Crawl also saw participants travel near and far to join in this year’s races, with representation from more than 40 states, the UK and Germany. Since its inception the annual race has raised nearly $200,000 through the generous support of both participants and donors.

Taking place annually the last weekend in April, Turtle Crawl has also become one of the most recognized events promoting sea turtle conservation initiatives and serves as the kick-off to sea turtle season and nesting on the Georgia coast. And, if you visit Jekyll Island in the fall, consider planning a trip to experience the Cold-Stunned Plunge! This companion event to Turtle Crawl will take place on Saturday, November 25, 2023, ahead of the anticipated arrival of cold-stunned patients to the Center!

For information on how you can participate or volunteer for these events click HERE and to support the work of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center Click HERE.

Meet Our Board: Johnathan Roberts

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

Jekyll Island has been a part of Johnathan Roberts’s life from an early age. During his childhood in Blackshear, Georgia, his family enjoyed day trips to the island, often boating and fishing or visiting his extended family, the Van Iderstynes. Embarking from the Jekyll Marina to nearby Cumberland Island and Christmas Creek became one of Johnathan’s favorite things to do with his dad. The Jekyll Island Club Resort’s Grand Dining Room became his mom’s favorite place to celebrate her birthday with its rich history and charm.

As a young adult, Johnathan settled on St. Simons Island, and he visited Jekyll even more often. Boating trips from St. Simons to Jekyll and fishing around the rivers became a frequent hobby.

In 2009, Johnathan started Roberts Civil Engineering, which offers civil design, construction services, municipal consulting and program management services in St. Simons Island and beyond. By 2012, Jekyll Island Authority had become a repeat client. Some of his proudest projects include the Ben Fortson Entrance Reconfiguration, Camp Jekyll, The Cottages at Jekyll Island and the Beach Village. It was through work on these projects that he became acquainted with the Jekyll Island Foundation. “The Foundation’s value was easy to recognize,” he said. When approached to serve on the Board, he was deeply honored. “I love Jekyll Island and think it’s such a special place. I was honored to be asked to help promote and protect it.”

He loves the unique combination of nature, history and – now – the newer enhancements.

“Responsible development is and has been a hallmark for Jekyll,” he said. “The Jekyll Island Authority has taken great care to ensure a tangible connection between yesterday and today, and to maintain the balance of conservation and commercial viability.”

Johnathan, his wife Meredith, and their two children make frequent neighborly visits to Jekyll for bike rides and excursions. “During the Christmas holidays, our family has a tradition to view the impressive light displays. The Authority does a wonderful job, and Jekyll Island continues to prosper under its leadership.”

An avid runner who has competed in ten marathons to date, Johnathan also has praise for Jekyll’s trail system. “It’s second to none. The route along the ocean in the early morning is one of my favorites.”

Looking forward, Johnathan says, “My hope for Jekyll is that it continues to thrive as one of the most unique destinations in the country with an appropriate balance of the natural environment, appealing amenities and rich history.”

Meet Our Board: Thomas S. Lines

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

In Georgia—where ancestral lineage often runs as deep as the roots of the state’s prized southern live oaks—Tom Lines can trace his Golden Isles branches back to a seedling.

“My family has been in Glynn County since coming over (from England) with James Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia when it was British America) as a foot soldier,” said Tom.

Generations later, Atlanta-born Tom enjoys exploring the same territory as his distant relatives.

“Our family has had a house on St. Simons Island since the 1950s, but Jekyll Island has always been my favorite place to visit,” he said. “I can remember going to Jekyll with my grandmother to picnic and go fishing. And I was on Island the first day the Aquarama (the former indoor pool that operated for three decades) was open.”

In the years since, Tom believes Jekyll has only gotten better. “It’s remarkable what the state government—through the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA)—have done to protect and preserve the area,” he said. “There is so much untouched beauty, undeveloped land, and distinct character. I hope it stays this way.”

Tom also appreciates that Jekyll remains approachable and affordable for families. “From the beaches to the Historic District and everything in between, Jekyll has something for any age or budget to enjoy.”

Having said that, he does wish for more people to know the Island better. “I would love to see Jekyll become a destination for young people, especially youth golf, and I think value accommodations that fall between the campground and hotels—like the yurts the JIA are building—will help this happen,” he said.

He also believes amenities such as Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center have a greater capacity for youth and visitor education. “The outdoor classroom at Mosaic (under construction) and the (planned) renovations to the Turtle Center will be amazing opportunities to engage more schools and to raise the visibility of Jekyll to world-renowned for its conservation and preservation efforts.”

He cited a recent collaboration between the JIA, the Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF), and the Friends of Coastal Georgia History in the Island’s St. Andrews Beach Park as a successful example of this type of meaningful education, outreach, and impact. “The Wanderer Memory Trail is a very important exhibit, and it was done very well,” he said, speaking of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Slave Route Project site of memory that commemorates where The Wanderer, the second to last documented ship to bring an illegal cargo of people from Africa to the United States, ran aground.

An avid outdoorsman, retired business owner, and current Treasurer for JIF’s Board of Directors, Tom sees nothing but potential in Jekyll’s future and is proud, happy, and humbled to have borne witness and played a small part in its evolution. “I was around when the state was thinking of releasing the Island from its State Park designation and don’t like to imagine what might have happened [had revitalization not occurred].”

He applauds JIA for the forethought that has brought Jekyll to its current iteration and feels the state-wide representation on JIF’s Board will be a key support element in helping to protect and promote what the Island has to offer.

“Jekyll is so much more than its beaches,” he said. “I love what it means to—and about—Georgia. There’s just a charm here that exists nowhere else in the state.”