Research & Education
Spring Island serves as an ecological research site for universities and other scientific organizations and provides logistical support and housing for researchers and their assistants. When the studies are complete and published, the research director makes a verbal report to the membership and explains the key findings and their relevance to the Island’s nature programs. The following research studies have been completed recently or are still underway:
Prehistoric and Historic Settlement Patterns on an Isolated Sea Island
-Dr. Michael Trinkley, Chicora Foundation Research, 1989 - 1990
Songbirds as Environmental Indicators of Development Impact
-Dr. Chris Marsh, Executive Director, Spring Island Trust, 1993 - present
The Ecology of the Southeastern Fox Squirrel
-James Lee, University of Georgia 1998 - 2000
Relocation of the Fox Squirrel to Establish New Populations
-Guinn Senecal, University of Georgia, 1999 - 2001
Survivorship and Site Fidelity of the Eastern Painted Bunting
-Paul Sykes US Biological Survey, University of Georgia, 1999 - 2010
Nesting Success of Painted Buntings in Maritime and Agricultural Habitats
-Jay Garcia, Clemson University 2002 - 2004
Winter Territoriality and Ecology on the Hermit Thrush on Spring Island
-Dr. Peter Marra, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2006 - 2008
Camp Spring Island
Camp Spring Island is a three-day program organized by the Spring Island Trust which has become a very popular and highly anticipated annual event for both the children and grandchildren of members and their friends. “Camp Spring Island is one of the Nature Center’s most popular events of the year. We try to incorporate community events so parents and grandparents can participate in the fun along with their children,” said Kristen Mattson, Environmental Educator for the Trust. Evening programs for the community include an outdoor nature-themed movie night and night hike.
Specifically, the camp provides a variety of fun and educational nature-based activities for kids from ages 6 to 16. Run by the Spring Island naturalists with assistance from members, the camp is divided into three age groups: Camp I (ages 6-7), Camp II (ages 8-10) and Camp III (ages 11-15). Camp activities typically include nature hayrides, turtle trapping, arts and crafts using items found in nature and the study of the metamorphosis of butterflies, beetles, dragonflies and frogs.
The Spring Island Trust is a 501(c)4 organization and has three primary functions: Land Management; Education; and ensuring Environmentally Sensitive Development. We thank you for your continued support.
