Page:A Field Guide to Jekyll Island (1983).pdf/7



Along the coast of Georgia, a string of eight major barrier islands is separated from the mainland by an extensive system of salt marshes and sounds (Figure 2). The word barrier aptly defines the protective role the islands and their marshes play in shielding the mainland from destructive storm waves. Barrier islands form the majority of the beaches of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states.

Unlike many of the developed barrier islands of the east coast, the islands of Georgia still retain much of their native wilderness. Approximately two-thirds of the islands with the best preserved habitats are designated for use as parks, wildlife refuges, research sites, and heritage preserves, but these are either inaccessible or have limited access. Of the four islands with access by causeways, three of them (Tybee, St. Simons, and Sea Island) have had much of their natural habitats altered through extensive development.

Jekyll Island was privately owned until the State of Georgia purchased it in 1947. Much of the island remains in its natural state, yet roads and a causeway make the natural areas readily accessible. Jekyll Island was selected for this study because, with its natural wilderness and its roadways, it is unique among the barrier islands of Georgia.

This guide provides an overview of the physical forces that create the characteristic shapes and dynamic changes of the Georgia barrier islands. The patterns of plant and animal communities residing on the beaches, salt marshes, forests, and sloughs (fresh and brackish water ponds) are explored. The second half of the guide presents detailed descriptions of the habitats and living communities found in each of 11 natural areas on Jekyll Island (depicted on the map of Jekyll Island, Figure 9). Illustrations identifying over 90 of the more common plants and invertebrates of Jekyll and a list of books and field guides pertinent to this region are presented in the Appendices.

This publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about the natural history of the Georgia islands.1 It is hoped that the information here will help educators to feel more at ease with this area and to use the natural resources of Jekyll to enrich their class programs. Teachers are invited to request further assistance in organizing field studies and planning coastal-related curricula.

By being better informed on the nature and dynamics of barrier islands, we and future generations will be able to make better decisions regarding preservation of these serenely beautiful islands.

INTRODUCTION