The two nature preserves on Spring Island, the Colleton and Chechessee Nature Preserves, total 1,100 acres. They are owned and protected in perpetuity by the Spring Island Trust. The Trust manages the nature preserves to promote biodiversity and healthy habitats, contributing to the conservation and protection of important regional habitats and species. The Trust also serves as a highly-respected resource to other communities, sharing lessons learned in managing for nature as part of a residential development.

The fact that the Trust, a separate nonprofit entity, owns the nature preserves is significant to ensuring that the land is protected over the long term. The Trust is independent of the Property Owners’ Association, and land dedicated to nature preserves cannot be used as buildable land under any circumstances.