“Many new conservation communities look at Spring Island…as a model.”
Wall Street Journal.What is the Spring Island Trust?
At the very outset of purchasing Spring Island, developers Jim Chaffin, Jim Light and Peter LaMotte created the non-profit Spring Island Trust to insure the preservation and protection of the Island’s environmental and cultural history.
Articles of Incorporation were filed with the state of South Carolina in January of 1990. Property owners contribute to the Trust through a mandatory assessment fee whereby 1.5% of all homesites and 1% of all improved properties are funded to the Spring Island Trust. The Trust owns 1,000 acres of nature preserves on Spring Island, which are protected by deed restrictions, the Mobley Nature Center and the Art Barn, its classroom facility.
Philosophy Regarding Development.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Spring Island Trust is to preserve and protect Spring Island’s environment and cultural history, providing education, expertise, and leadership in the conservation of natural resources throughout the Lowcountry.
10 Objectives for Living with Nature
- Know the difference between high quality and poor quality habitat
- Protect/restore wetlands and keep them functional
- Recognize that habitat management is an important part of conservation
- Document species present in the area, and identify which species are good indicators that quality habitat is present
- Establish species-specific management plans for species of special concern
- Provide habitat for pollinators and protect them from pesticides
- Keep feral cats and feral dogs out of natural areas
- Minimize light pollution
- Maintain/establish corridors between patches of habitat
- Establish a strong environmental ethic among neighbors through an effective education program
Travel back in time…
