<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2FKlnu_1H0IC9U400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2FKlnu_1H0IC9U400" width="1097" height="824" ><figcaption>Benjamin Galland</figcaption></figure>Please tell us about your family: I’m married to my first-grade crush, Jacob Kitchen. We were married in 2018 and now have two wonderful children, Harper (5) and Caleb (2), who keep life full of adventure. Our Aussiedoodle, Kirby, rounds out the family and is convinced he’s one of the kids.How long have you lived/worked in the Golden Isles? My family moved from Jacksonville to St. Simons Island when I was six years old. Aside from attending the University of Georgia, I’ve called the Golden Isles home ever since. After graduating, I moved right back and have worked in the Golden Isles throughout my career.Where did you attend school? I attended St. Simons Elementary, Glynn Middle School, Glynn Academy and then the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). I graduated from UGA with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from the Odum School of Ecology.What is your occupation? I currently serve as Communications Director for the St. Simons Land Trust, where I’ve worked since 2018. Before joining the Land Trust, I was the Lead Naturalist at Sea Island, educating guests about our unique coastal ecosystems and helping protect Georgia’s nesting sea turtles.Who or what inspired you to pursue your career? My parents raised my brother and me camping, hiking and exploring the outdoors, while my dad spent his career serving others through the nonprofit sector and my mom was a teacher. Those experiences instilled in me both a love for nature and a desire to make a meaningful difference. My older brother had a special passion for sea turtles, and after he passed away in 2006, that passion became part of my own journey. While attending the University of Georgia, I completed a summer internship as a sea turtle rehabilitation technician in Florida, helping care for sick and injured turtles. The following summer, I was fortunate to work as a Sea Turtle Technician at Sea Island, where I located and protected nests while giving guests the opportunity to witness conservation in action. During my time at Sea Island, I also served on a couple of nonprofit boards, gaining experience that ultimately prepared me for my role at the St. Simons Land Trust. Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to combine my background in ecology with my passion for conservation, storytelling and serving my community.Describe a perfect Saturday in the Golden Isles: My perfect Saturday starts with a sunrise walk on the beach or along the marsh, followed by breakfast and an iced latte from Palm Coast Coffee in the Pier Village. Then it’s off to the beach with my family, where my kids can play for hours fueled by an endless supply of snacks and at least one trip to the Sunset Slush cart. After an afternoon siesta at home, we head to the John Gilbert Nature Trail for a family hike before grabbing an early dinner at La Plancha. Naturally, we finish the day with another stop at Sunset Slush for dessert. Fresh air, sunshine, family time and a little ice cream make for a pretty perfect day.What’s the best book you’ve read lately? I wish I made more time to read, but this past Mother’s Day I stopped by Righton Books and picked up "And the Coastlands Wait" by Reid W. Harris. It tells the story of the people and perseverance behind Georgia’s Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970. As someone who works in conservation, I found it incredibly inspiring and highly recommend it.What are your favorite local causes/organizations? The St. Simons Land Trust is at the top of my list — and not just because I work there. Even if I didn’t, I’d still be passionate about its mission to preserve the island my children get to call home. I’m also proud to support Coastal WildScapes, One Hundred Miles, Green Scene of Coastal Georgia, and Keep Golden Isles Beautiful. Each plays an important role in protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of our coast.What is one thing every visitor to the area must do? Visit one of the Land Trust’s preserves — either Guale Preserve or Cannon’s Point Preserve. Walking through these undeveloped landscapes gives you a rare glimpse of what St. Simons looked like hundreds of years ago, before development reshaped much of the island. It feels like stepping onto Little St. Simons Island or another untouched barrier island along Georgia’s coast. Having that kind of wild, protected space on St. Simons is extraordinary, and I think every visitor should experience it.– Please see the complete interview at coastalillustrated.com.</div></body>

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Please tell us about your family: I’m married to my first-grade crush, Jacob Kitchen. We were married in 2018 and now have two wonderful children, Harper (5) and Caleb (2), who keep life full of adventure. Our Aussiedoodle, Kirby, rounds out the family and is convinced he’s one of the kids.

Local Q + A – Raleigh Kitchen

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Please tell us about your family: I’m married to my first-grade crush, Jacob Kitchen. We were married in 2018 and now have two wonderful children, Harper (

Local Q + A – Raleigh Kitchen

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