For more than 30 years, Chuck Leavell has received accolades for his illustrious rock music career playing the piano and the keyboard notably with the Rolling Stones. This worldwide music legend has also gained a reputation as one of our country’s foremost conservationists.
In 2001, his first book was published: Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest. Using his Charlane Plantation as inspiration, the book touches on the history of the American forests, types of forests, the idea of urban forests, and the direction of conservation. The New York Times referred to him
as "a man who can see the forest for the trees and helps nurture it.”
Chuck actively promotes his philosophy of conservation, good land and forestry management and has spoken before numerous groups and schools including Yale University School of Forestry, the University of Akron, the University of Georgia, the American Tree Farm Program, the Georgia Forestry Association, The Nature Conservancy, and The Urban Forestry Council.
In 2003, Chuck joined President Bush for the signing of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act into law. Chuck calls the tranquil setting of his beloved Charlane Plantation in the heart of Georgia home.
“Jekyll Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has tremendous potential for Georgia, and no doubt we all want to see it reach that potential using respect, environmental sensitivity and loving care. Wade Shealy has the right vision for this project, and I’m proud to be involved.” – Chuck
