Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Smith.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was moved to start the Fish Island Community Alliance in January 2022 when I learned in my morning paper that 33 acres of land near us would be developed into a large, multi-level performing arts center. It was a Friday morning, and I was so upset–I knew the land well and knew how many animals lived on it–that I started making phone calls right away. When I looked up from my work later that day, I realized I was still in my nightgown and hadn’t stopped since I had seen the article about the development in the paper at 7:30 that morning! My husband and I formed a nonprofit, eventually a 501c3, and have been overwhelmed by the community support for local environmental issues ever since. I wanted to quantify what I suspected to be particular about the land at Fish Island Road, so I connected with local experts–birders and naturalists–to gather data about the protected trees, native and migratory birds, and native plants. I also learned that the land was an essential buffer to surrounding communities against storm damage. I’m a retired university English instructor and have learned a lot about environmental issues. I’m grateful to the many experts who graciously shared their time and knowledge, now and when we started. It was in these early days that our mission became clear: environmental education and advocacy. We presented our data to the City of St Augustine Commission over several months, and in late March 2022, the City Commission voted unanimously to make the land a passive park! We were on our way to learning how to publicize proposed development, galvanize public support, and respectfully and effectively share relevant information with public officials. As a retired teacher and someone learning quickly about environmental issues, ecological education was a logical partner for advocacy. I have developed teaching materials we share with local children at festivals and educational events. In addition, we educate in engaging ways via our social media posts, trying to share a sense of wonder about the natural world.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We were surprised by the quick response of the St Augustine City Commission in preserving the land at Fish Island Road; however, the road has yet to be smooth. One of my most significant challenges is technology, and I struggled long and hard to create our website, social media outlets, and quarterly email newsletter. Tech is an ongoing challenge! Another area for improvement has been working on the County level; the St Johns County Commissioners have, historically, not been as open to environmental concerns as the City of St Augustine. For example, a campaign we worked hard on in the fall of 2023 to update the nearly 25-year-old Land Development Code to protect trees better and end clearcutting in SJC could have been more successful. Finances are always a challenge when running a small nonprofit. We welcome donations via our website at fishisland33.com.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I worked for nearly 25 years as a university English instructor and am a copywriter for a small marketing company. I love words! Working as a marketing writer has helped me craft our SM posts, focusing on the positive and bringing people who are not traditional “environmentalists” into conversation about local issues of concern. I love teaching and learning! I published my first novel, Where the Road Ends, in 2022 and am working on another with an environmental theme. I have done advocacy work for social justice issues and literacy, but I still need to do something. Following two years of physical therapy after a car accident, I was inspired to become a fitness instructor. I am certified in Zumba, SilverSneakers, and yoga. I speak Spanish at a level of approximately high intermediate.
What does success mean to you?
We live in a way that is true to our values, helping others and improving the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fishisland33.com/
- Instagram: fishisland33.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4827283867308597/
Image Credits
Veronica Luna, Charles J, G Smith
