The Earnest Marsh Territorial Preserve will be a 100-acre protected space on the island of St. John, being set aside locally to protect native habitat, support local wildlife, and preserve land with deep cultural and historical significance. A grassroots effort to create a space for the protection of native species, the preservation of cultural history, and the experience of this American paradise.

Our goal is to create a space that balances protection and access: a sanctuary for the island’s ecology and a place where people can learn about the natural and human history of St. John. Future plans for the preserve include guided nature hikes, educational outreach, and partnerships that support long-term stewardship.

The land also includes the historic ruins of Estate Carolina, a former sugar plantation listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These ruins are a visible piece of the island’s layered past and part of what we’re working to protect for generations to come.

The Natural World of St. John

From wild donkeys to native palms, the land we’re protecting is home to a rich web of life. Some species are culturally iconic. Others are found nowhere else in the continental U.S. All are part of what makes this place worth preserving.

Feral Donkey – Free-roaming descendants of plantation-era animals, these donkeys are a symbol of the island’s living landscape.

Our Future

The Earnest Marsh Territorial Preserve is just beginning. In the coming months, we hope to clear trails for guided walks, install boundary markers, and continue building partnerships with organizations that care for the island’s land and wildlife.

This is a long-term commitment. From wildlife rehabilitation to educational signage, we’re working to create a protected space that’s open, welcoming, and built to last.

This is more than conservation—it’s stewardship, led by people with deep roots in this place. And we’re grateful for everyone who’s walking this path with us.