To preserve the historically and ecologically significant lands of Bald Head Island for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Smith Island Land Trust is an independent organization that works with the Bald Head Island Conservancy in support of their mission to Discover, Learn, Conserve, and Preserve. SILT operates as the Preservation arm of the BHIC. The Smith Island Complex — which includes Bald Head Island, Middle Island, and Bluff Island — is an area of exceptional ecological significance. These islands contain one of the largest and best examples of the natural Maritime Evergreen Forest, and include extensive areas of dune, beach, and marsh communities supporting a rich diversity of rare plant and animal species.

The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has designated Bald Head Island as a site of national significance, recognizing that the natural communities and rare plants and animal populations are among the highest quality of their kind in the nation.

Island Preservation

Every preserved lot makes a difference to the future of our islands.

Through the kindness and generosity of many donors, more than 100 acres of historically and ecologically significant land have been preserved by SILT, representing over 10% of the developable land across Bald Head Island and Middle Island, and a significant portion of the undevelopable land, including several beaches and the shoals of the legendary Cape Fear Point.

SILT lots provide natural corridors for the island’s many animal species and a balanced ecosystem that encourages species diversity. Forests throughout the Smith Island Complex are used by more than 200 bird species as feeding and nesting grounds, or as stopovers during seasonal migrations. Undeveloped lots along the salt marsh provide food and protection for coastal marine fish, reptiles, shellfish, and birds. The ecosystem thrives in these natural areas and protects the incredible beauty of Bald Head Island for our future generations.

LAND TRUST HISTORY

1991

Charlie and Pat Young donate 22 acres of land on Middle Island to the Bald Head Island Conservancy. This area is now known as the Ibis Sanctuary.

1995

Several Bald Head Island property owners, led by Nancy Maguire, band together and begin a grassroots effort to “Save the Point” around the Cape Fear shoals.

1996

The Smith Island Land Trust (SILT) is formally established as a 501c(3) non profit corporation. Although SILT and the BHIC remain separate organizations, SILT works closely with the Conservancy and serves as the primary land preservation organization on the island.

1997

SILT raises $1,000,000 from over a thousand Bald Head Island friends and associates to acquire 11 acres on the point at Cape Fear. In order to provide it the highest level of protection possible, this pristine parcel is deeded to the State of North Carolina and is now part of the Bald Head Island State Natural Area

2001

Thanks to the leadership and tenacity of Bob Timmons, 45 acres of marsh hammocks and 14 acres of maritime forest is purchased and deeded to the state, greatly extending the boundaries of the North Carolina Maritime Forest Preserve.

2022

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of many donors, more than 100 acres of historically and ecologically significant land have been preserved by SILT, representing over 10% of the developable land across Bald Head Island and Middle Island, and a significant portion of undevelopable land, including several beaches and the shoals of the legendary Cape Fear Point.

Founded in 1996, the Smith Island Land Trust (SILT) works to preserve the historically and ecologically significant lands of the Smith Island Complex (Bald Head, Middle and Bluff Islands) for the benefit of current and future generations.

SILT serves as the land preservation arm of the Bald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC), however the entities are separate 501(c) (3) organizations with separate Board of Directors and by-laws.

Smith Island Land Trust