What a week!
 
In September my wife Vicki and I settled into our home in Sea Palms. Ben Slade and the other great members of the Land Trust staff and board worked with me to get ready to assume my duties as the executive director on October 3. On October 6, Vicki and I evacuated with many other island residents. And today, like many of you, we are back. The board, staff and I are energized to rebuild, replant and refocus on our mission: to preserve and protect the natural and scenic character of St. Simons for present and future generations. 
 
As you clean up and stabilize your properties, the Land Trust is doing the same for our 800+ acres. *** All St. Simons Land Trust properties including Cannon's Point Preserve will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC until further notice while we address the damage to ensure the safety of our visitors.*** We will announce the reopening dates of our properties on our web site and social media pages.
 
The past week has given me the chance to witness my new community in action. Even before Matthew's arrival, I saw the community's broad support for preserving St. Simons' beautiful resources and culture, and I have learned of the good job the Land Trust does as a leader in these important areas. I am proud to be part of this community, and eager to work with you to preserve what we all love about this island.

The Land Trust will be hosting a "Meet and Greet" for island residents in the next month or so - details to follow.  I welcome the opportunity to personally thank you for your support at that event or at the Land Trust office.  We are located at 1624 Frederica Road, just north of the traffic circle.  I hope to learn of your ties to the Land Trust and your hopes for our shared future connecting and protecting St. Simons.

Sincerely,

David H. Pope
Executive Director
912-638-9109
www.sslt.org