For those who sometimes worry about the world of tomorrow, they need only to take a look at the St. Simons Land Trust Ambassadors to know that the future is in good hands. Created to help advance the mission of the Land Trust through engagement of the area’s younger community leaders, the SSLT Ambassadors have been an integral part of the organization for nearly a decade.
Comprised of naturalists, artists, graphic designers, photographers, business owners, entrepreneurs, realtors, attorneys, marketers, and other young professionals, many Ambassadors are island natives who after college and graduate school decided to return home to begin their careers and families. Others who are newer to the area share a similar passion for coastal Georgia and want to make sure that SSI is preserved and protected not only for their generation but for all those who will live and work here in the future.
Over the years, the Ambassadors have planned and executed well-attended events for families in our island community including movie nights, bike rides across the island, and Family Days at Land Trust properties.
The group has also hosted numerous Cocktails for Conservation events at local restaurants. These gatherings are a chance for the Ambassadors to mingle with other young professional after work hours, educate attendees about the Land Trust and its projects, and encourage community members to become involved in the organization’s important work.
In 2020, when many events were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the group focused on developing the Passport to Preservation for children and families who live in and visit St. Simons Island. The passport is still widely used today and loved by locals and visitors.
–Emily Ellison, Executive Director, St. Simons Land Trust
Land Trust Ambassador Taylor Smith moved to St. Simons during the summer of 2024. He and his wife, Caroline, who is an SSI native, believe the island is a special place worthy of protection. Taylor joined the Ambassador program to help ensure this protection and to leave the island better for next generation.
Taylor works for St. Simons Bank and Trust. He and Caroline are expecting their first child next month.
“St. Simons is a special place. It’s whywe’ve all decided to make it our home. As ambassadors of the Land Trust, we are all working towards the common goal of leaving the island better for the next generation.”
— Taylor Smith
If you are interested in becoming a Land Trust Ambassador, please fill out the contact form below or email Raleigh Kitchen at [email protected]. Thank you!
