Stewardship

The Stewardship Program employs site-specific activities to conserve and protect Sapelo’s critical estuarine habitats.

Stewardship at the Reserve intersects natural resources and human interaction. It includes habitat management, restoration, and enhancement, green infrastructure, as well as public access and sustainability. It also integrates applied research, education and outreach into the very core of the program. Learn more about the national Stewardship Program.

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement

Restoring native coastal habitats to support wildlife and ecosystem functions.

Trails & Public Access

Maintaining nature trails and habitat access for on-island residents and visitors.

Living Shorelines

An ecosystem-friendly alternative for erosion control using living native plants and organisms that create structure, like oysters.

Habitat Monitoring

Monitoring changes to habitats through GIS Mapping and the system-wide Wetlands and Waterlevels project.

GIS & Mapping

Maintaining a library of maps, GIS resources, and GIS equipment (RTK GNSS, UAVs) to better understand habitats on Sapelo Island.

Invasive Species

Through partnerships, preventing the encroachment of invasive plant species into native habitats.

Community

Building strong collaborative relationships with local stakeholders to share in the stewardship of Islands habitats .

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Implementing eco-friendly methods to demonstrate effective ways to protect natural resources.