“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.
During the development phase of Spring Island (1990 to 1999), the Spring Island Trust worked closely with the developers to ensure sound development plans and land management practices, thereby safeguarding the original environmental integrity and cultural heritage of the Island. In 2000 the developers turned governance of Spring Island over to the Spring Island Property Owners’ Association (SIPOA). The Spring Island Trust Board and the SIPOA Board work in partnership together ensure that all of Spring Island’s 3,000 acres is maintained as a residential community within a nature preserve.
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 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
Photography
Travel back in time…
History Trail
Spring Island is one of those special places where the past and the present are still closely connected.
Human History
As the visitor experiences these stories along the History Trail, it provides an opportunity to reflect on one’s own personal story, and how it might be told by people who will come centuries later.
Nature Center
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