The Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island
If you look closely at the majestic live oak trees that cover St. Simons Island, you may notice one gazing back at you. Peering from a tree trunk between sweeping branches or emerging from the stub of a long-vanished limb, the unmistakable image of a weathered face appears. These hand-carved Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island are hidden throughout the Golden Isles, delighting visitors as a unique and family-friendly thing to do along Georgia’s coast.
What is the Tree Spirit mythology?
Where can we find Tree Spirits?
Where do these carvings come from?
Do these carvings harm the trees?
What Is the Tree Spirit Mythology?
Legend has it that the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island immortalize the countless sailors who once sailed aboard mighty ships built from St. Simons Island oak. Their sorrowful expressions seem to mirror the graceful, drooping branches and Spanish moss of the live oak trees themselves, adding to the mystery of this unique Golden Isles attraction.
Look a little closer, though, and you’ll discover more than just sailors among these carved faces. Artist Keith Jennings believes each piece represents the spirit of the tree. Along with his son Devon, he carefully carves the faces into the wood, revealing what the father-son duo describes as each tree’s soul. According to Jennings, the trees guide the process, making every Tree Spirit a one-of-a-kind work of art along Georgia’s coast.
As you explore St. Simons Island, search for the Tree Spirits hidden throughout the island and create your own legends and mythology. This free, family-friendly experience is one of the most memorable things to do in the Golden Isles, inviting visitors of all ages to slow down, look closer, and connect with the island’s natural beauty.
Where Can We Find the Tree Spirits?
There are about 20 tree spirit carvings scattered around St. Simons Island, Georgia, with more being created from time to time. However, many of these are on private property. Still one of the more popular things to do on St. Simons Island, searching for the tree spirits that the public can access is an incredible family-friendly activity all year long!
View our St. Simons Island tree spirits map to find the public ones. Take a family bike ride around the island, spend the day on a long scavenger hunt walk around the island, or participate in other activities along your way. No matter how you find them, the tree spirits won't disappoint!
Don't forget to stop by one of our Golden Isles Welcome Center locations for the most up-to-date information about Tree Spirits and insider knowledge about where the new ones will be popping up!
Where Did These Carvings Come From?
In the 1980's, a local artist decided to make their mark on St. Simons Island, carving about 20 faces from the island's famous oak trees. Each unique face is hand-carved, taking the artist between two and four days to complete. In more recent years, Jennings has brought his son Devon to the Island to collaborate on the newest Tree Spirits. It's not surprising that they each have a unique personality and look!
Visit the St. Simons Island Welcome Center to learn more, and ask about new ones that are popping up across the island!
Do The Carvings Harm the Trees?
The locations and placements of the Tree Spirits have been extremely methodical, intentional and in accordance with local experts and arborists. All Tree Spirits commissioned by the Golden Isles CVB have been placed on areas of trees void of living tissue, such as scars left behind by lightning strikes or stumps where a branch has fallen or been removed. It is our priority to never intentionally harm, scar or damage any of our living nature or wildlife.
We work with our artists to ensure the artwork is localized to areas on the tree and trunk surfaces and does not cut any of the callus tissues. This protects the tree from any discernable negative impacts.
