Smith’s Island

Many coastal birds roost and nest communally in isolated locations such as islands. Their habit of gathering in these rookeries can make them particularly vulnerable to human disturbance. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge biologists and Friends have been concerned for decades about protecting a particular rookery island in Apalachee Bay known as Smith’s Island. 

This tiny island barely projects above the high tide line. It is almost entirely salt marsh, with only a few cabbage palms and Spanish bayonet near one end.  But this minimal presence belies the island's importance ecologically, as a few local biologists and residents know well. For numerous coastal bird species, Smith's Island is a rookery - a hotspot for coastal bird breeding. An annual nest census conducted by St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge biologists has recorded as many as 1,500 nests there each season. 

Protecting an important island such as this has been a top priority for a long time. Several years ago the Apalachee Land Conservancy, a 501.c.3 conservation partner, was fortunate to receive by donation a 50 percent undivided interest in the island, but was unable to secure the other 50 percent interest, which was in private hands. 

Longtime Refuge Friend and past SMRA President John Whitton had known about the importance of Smith's Island as a coastal bird rookery for a long time and loved to watch the birds there from his deck. So, when he learned that the half of the island that was in private hands might be available for sale John stepped forward to contribute $5,000 toward its purchase. 

John's generosity was contagious. Almost immediately the refuge Friends group matched his gift, plus agreed to cover closing costs, and another conservation partner, the Florida Audubon Society, stepped up to match John's $5,000 gift. This combination of funds allowed purchase by the refuge Friends group of the 50 percent interest in Smith's Island that was privately owned. And things didn’t end there as the Apalachee Land Conservancy donated their half of the island to our Friends group. 

An important component of this good news story is the partnerships that were activated among several conservation organizations in our region.  

With all the pieces of Smith's Island now combined under one owner, the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge transferred all 20 acres of Smith's Island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Now all of the island, and all of its nesting birds, will be protected in perpetuity as part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. 

The Smith's Island dedication at Shell Point, Monday, April 29, 2019 was a great day for Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. Approximately 30 people showed up for this important final step in the acquisition and protection of Smith's Island.  Key attendees at the event were John Whitton, Joe Reinman, and Paul Hamilton. Many thanks are extended to these individuals and many others for the strong role they have played in bringing Smith's Island to the Refuge.  And, of course, we thank the Alpha Langston Sumner family, whose willingness to sell their interest in Smith's Island has insured its protection for future generations of coastal birds.

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