A 94-acre riverfront property in Elkton, lovingly stewarded by biologist Michael Adams and his wife Carole for more than 36 years, is being offered to St. Johns County for purchase and conservation.
Known as the Saturiwa Conservation Area, the vibrant land is rich in natural, historical, and educational resources, Adams told the Land Acquisition Management Board earlier this month.
The property features longleaf pine forests, restored wetlands, and half a mile of St. Johns River shoreline, providing critical habitat for gopher tortoises, bald eagles, river otters, and black bears.
Adams has conducted decades of ecological restoration, including longleaf pine management, wetland protection, and wildlife surveys, ensuring the land remains a thriving ecosystem.
Saturiwa, he said, also has deep historical roots. The site once hosted a turpentine camp and lies along the river routes explored by naturalist William Bartram in the 1760s and 1770s.
Beyond conservation, the property has served as an educational and recreational resource for nearly 1,800 visitors over the years.
“We’ve had all kinds of groups up there,” Adams said. “Young ones, old ones, handicapped ones. We can accommodate them.”
Boardwalks through swamps, outdoor classrooms, a homestead, barns, and riverfront access make it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation, Adams said.
The property would potentially be purchased under the Land Acquisition & Management Program.
Now ranked by the LAMP board, Saturiwa awaits consideration by the Board of County Commissioners.
If approved, the county will evaluate the property for purchase, a process that would include an appraisal.
No dollar amounts were discussed at this month’s meeting.
