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 Anna Hammock was born and raised in the Golden Isles. Her love and knowledge of all aspects of Glynn County led her to become involved in local Real Estate in 2021. Anna’s passion for the work began as an assistant when she observed how an agent can turn their client’s dream into a reality. Anna is the 2024-2025 Young Professionals Network (YPN) Committee Chair for the Golden Isles Association of Realtors and won 2023 Rookie of the Year. She is also involved with Habitat for Humanity of Glynn through their Johnston St. project and hosts a handful of events through the YPN Committee.
“I started loving the Land Trust at a very young age. All I knew at the time was that the organization was protecting St. Simons. As years went on and I grew older, I learned all the many ways that the Land Trust not only protects but preserves the land on the island. When I was presented with the opportunity to become an Ambassador, my answer was a quick and exciting yes!”
— Anna Hammock
If you are interested in becoming a Land Trust Ambassador, please fill out the contact form below or email Raleigh Kitchen at rkitchen@sslt.org. Thank you!
