Lt St Simons Island, history

This island has a rich history.  The Lodge (in the photo at left) and other original Berolzheimer family houses are situated near the landing dock.  This cluster of buildings sit under a tangle of ancient Southern Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana), dripping with Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and the occasional Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata).

Helen house, one of the family houses, can be seen in the background of this sketch.  Sitting just past the white picket fence in the shade of the Live Oaks.  A bird bath and Brown-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, in full bloom sit between Hellen house and the dock.  Surrounded by a sea of prickly dry grasses.  An oasis for the birds and butterflies.  

When you step off the dock, away from the open expanse of marsh and open area around the buildings, you quickly step into what seems like a jungle.  Giant Live Oak, Cedar, and Pine trees filter the sun light and a thicket of Cabbage Palms cover the ground.  Flocks of Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) and Spoon Bills (Platalea ajaja) pass overhead on their way to the marsh.