Family Day at Cannon’s Point Preserve
On October 11th, I was happy to represent CGHS at the St. Simons Land Trust’s (SSLT) 25th Anniversary celebration and annual Family Day event, held at Cannon’s Point Preserve. As one of the Family Day Partners, I spent part of the day sharing the region’s rich cultural and archaeological history with attendees of all ages.
The event welcomed nearly 200 visitors, and the energy on site was vibrant—even with a chilly early autumn breeze cutting through us off the water. I wasn’t alone. Two dedicated CGHS lab volunteers, Myrna Crook and Connie Meranda, helped bring our booth to life through educational activities.
Our booth focused on hands-on history, offering participants the chance to learn about ceramics through puzzles, experience pottery making, personalize pirate hats, learn the art of basket weaving, and chat about flintknapping with tools on display. These small moments of discovery help connect today’s community with the deep and ongoing story of our coast.
CGHS has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with SSLT, and events like this highlight how conservation and education go together. I’m already looking forward to the next Family Day and the opportunity to continue sharing our rich history with others.
Elizafield Plantation Sugar Mill Ruins Cleanup
Following the excitement of Family Day, the momentum continued into Sunday with another rewarding effort at the sugar mill tabby ruins at Elizafield Plantation.
Thanks to the generosity and support of Morningstar Children and Family Services, we had the opportunity to access the site and prepare it for our upcoming Journeys field trip scheduled for November 20th. The CEO of Morningstar, Beth VanDerbeck, welcomed us at the front gate, and I had a chance to learn about the great work their organization is doing.
This cleanup wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of an incredible group of volunteers. Myrna Crook and Connie Meranda—who’d already spent Saturday helping with Family Day—were back at it again. And joining us was another dedicated CGHS lab volunteer, Maria Hane, who, along with her husband Rob, brought with them additional help from Darien. Without “the cavalry” from Darien, the day would’ve been a lot harder!
Together, we cleared brush, removed debris, and gave this significant historic site a little tender love and care. Overall, I’m so grateful to everyone who was willing to lend their time and energy to this effort. It’s moments like these, spent outside together and working hard with purpose, that make a rewarding day.
Even on weekends, the lab’s at it!
