Portrait of an Island

by Mildred Teal

When Mildred and John Teal moved to Sapelo Island, Georgia, in 1955, they stepped back in time to a virtually undeveloped landscape of salt marsh, maritime forest, freshwater ponds, sand dunes, and beaches. Over the course of a four-year stay their careful observations of the island's unique marine ecology and wonderfully varied flora and fauna became the basis for Portrait of an Island . The island's human history dates back more than four thousand years. The lure of Sapelo has drawn many to its shores, including tobacco millionaire R. J. Reynolds, who established the University of Georgia Marine Institute there in the 1950s. Surrounded by sixteen thousand acres of pristine marsh, Sapelo offers researchers and the public a rare opportunity for environmental studies. Now a state game refuge and national estuarine sanctuary, the island remains a special haven where humans and nature quietly and peacefully coexist. Portrait of an Island is essential reading for anyone who treasures tranquility.

Genres: History

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Gabby Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a sweet little book. really neat to read about the wildlife on the island over half a century ago and compare how it’s changed today

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the barrier island Sapelo. An easy read that covers the natural history. You want to get more information after reading this. The afterward for the Teal's visit 20 years after their time on the island and the development of the island as an educational preserve is interesting.

[Phil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicely done. I haven't been there but I was born in Georgia.