The Jenkins Family Nature Preserve

Be Kind To Yourself, Be Kind To Nature!


Welcome to the about page

Learn the heritage of The Jenkins Family Nature Preserve.

The Jenkins Family Nature Preserve, Inc.

LEARN ABOUT

Our Heritage

Sgt. Charles Jenkins

Sgt. Charles Jenkins was born February 24, 1944 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL to McKinley and Mary Lou Jenkins. Sgt. Jenkins is the third child of eight siblings; Earl, Jerry, Richard, James, Rose, Alice, and Tazzie. Sgt. Jenkins begin his collegiate career at Florida Agricultual and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, FL. His career was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army. In the Army he was a musician in the Army Band, First Class Sergeant and received many medals of honors to include The Purple Heart Award for his tours in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. Sgt. Jenkins retired from the Army as a decorated Veteran and graduated Cum Laude from Paine College in Augusta, GA. Sgt. Jenkins received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration became a business owner and philanthropist for many charity organizations. Sgt. Jenkins married Deborah Ann Andrews Jenkins and continued philanthropy with his wife for many years and plan to continue for many more years to come.

Deborah Ann Jenkins

Deborah Ann Jenkins was born October 19, 1953, in Lincoln, GA to Wilson and Mamie Lou Andrews. Deborah is the seventh child of eight siblings: Marvin, Wilson Jr., Wyatt, Constantine, Lera, Ora, and Shirley. Deborah graduated from Augusta Technical Institute and became an Administrative Assistant at Kendall Corporations in Augusta, GA. Deborah married Sgt. Charles Jenkins and ventured into education shortly after and became a Special Education teacher for 25 years in the Richmond County Board of Education. During her tenor as an educator, she shared a love of philanthropy with her husband Sgt. Jenkins and gave to many charity organizations along with the children she taught over the years. Deborah loves and respects nature and all its healing properties and enjoys educating people of all the properties it has to offer.

The Jenkins’ Vision

Sgt. Charles Jenkins and Deborah Jenkins purchased 20 acres of undeveloped land in Lincoln, GA. With this land, their dream will be fulfilled in development of a nature preserve. The nature preserve will welcome people from all walks of life and show them the benefits of nature, how to survive in it, how to appreciate nature, how to gain nutrition from it, and create a natural habitat for surrounding wildlife in the area. 

Mission Statement: To educate and impart nature’s gifts to all people.

Our Core


Vision Statement: To bring people from all walks of life into a safe space to Teach, Develop, and Equip them on how to enhance the Earth through environmental and educational pursuits.


Our executive team

Priscilla Jenkins

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

PJenkins@jenkinsfnp.org

Priscilla Jenkins was born in Fort Gordon, GA (now Fort Eisenhower, GA). Miss Jenkins received her undergraduate degree at Clark Atlanta University in Mass Media Communication with a concentration in TV/Film Production. She owns her own Event and Production company called Ei’Majine’ Jenkins, LLC in Atlanta, GA. Miss Jenkins has worked in the TV/Film Industry for two decades. Miss Jenkins has worked with celebrities to independent artists and actors; overseeing thousands to million-dollar budgets; and have experience with all medium forms of media.

Miss Jenkins is also a 2020 Cum Laude, Golden Key Honor, graduate from Walden University where she earned her MBA in Business Communications. Miss Jenkins has also worked in education for a decade as an Administrator in the Counseling Department for school sites in Dekalb County School District in Decatur, GA. With Miss Jenkins’ expertise, experiences, and knowledge her leadership is celebrated and appreciated for the leadership and development of The Jenkins Family Nature Preserve.

Dani Kennedy

Director of Public Relations

DKennedy@jenkinsfnp.org

Dani Kennedy is a strategic branding executive and founder of Impak Consulting Solutions, where she leads PR, project management, and marketing strategy for entertainment professionals and purpose-driven businesses. Born in New Jersey and raised in Colorado, Dani began her career in aviation before transitioning into sales and ultimately building a powerful presence in the entertainment and consulting industries.

With a sharp executive mindset and a passion for people, Dani specializes in aligning vision with execution — helping brands grow with clarity, structure, and measurable impact.

Beyond business, she is deeply passionate about expanding knowledge, human connection, and helping people reconnect with nature as a pathway to balance the mind, body, and soul. Through her partnership with the Jenkins Family Nature Preserve, she supports initiatives that bridge strategy, community, and environmental stewardship — creating impact that extends beyond industry and into legacy.

Shellie Latimer

Director of Hospitality

SLatimer@jenkinsfnp.org

Mr. Shellie Latimer is a proud native of Atlanta. He graduated from McNair Sr High School, Class of 1997, and continued his education at Morris Brown College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2005.

A pillar in his community, Mr. Latimer dedicates his time to service as a volunteer and mentor, providing guidance, encouragement, and support to others. He is committed to uplifting those around him and believes in leading by example through integrity, compassion, and consistent personal growth.

James Thomas

Director of Fundraising and Grants

Jthomas@jenkinsfnp.org

James Thomas is a seasoned Digital Marketing Expert with over 10 years of experience supporting nonprofit organizations and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). His expertise includes strategic grant writing, donor engagement, digital fundraising campaigns, and data-driven marketing solutions that help organizations grow their reach and impact. James plays a vital role in securing funding and expanding the preserve’s visibility through innovative, results-driven initiatives.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York to immigrant parents from the island of Jamaica. He grew up in Florida, where he obtained his Associate of Arts from Valencia College and a Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University.

James has a true passion for nonprofit organizations and is deeply committed to giving back to his community through volunteerism. He has dedicated his time and skills to support Autism Speaks in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he assisted with awareness campaigns and event coordination to advocate for individuals and families affected by autism.

Preserve with Love

Shawn Walker

Director of Brand Strategy & Partnerships

SWalker@jenkinsfnp.org

More Info coming soon

For Public Relations and Marketing, please email: DKennedy@jenkinsfnp.org

“We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understandings and our hearts.”

– Willian Hazlitt

Our Future

As we embark on the future of the Jenkins Family Nature Preserve, we invite everyone to viewing our future plans and donate to the project you desire most.