SCDNR News Release

Archived Article - please check for current information.

#07-12 January 15, 2007

New Lowcountry public event series offered

A new Public Event Series will begin this February and span through May, offering the general public with seminar and field experience opportunities to learn about our natural resources.

The Marine Resources Division of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the new Public Event Series free of charge beginning February 6th, with approximately one event every two weeks. DNR Project Coordinator Kim Counts hopes the Series will increase the public’s understanding of marine resources, the importance of conservation and the significance of historical preservation in the Lowcountry. According to Counts, “While raising awareness of these important topics and increasing the public’s understanding of DNR projects and goals, this Series also aims to present information in an interactive format, encouraging understanding from an audience that may not have a strong science background.”

The events range in format from seminar, lecture, discussion, to hands-on identification and field outings. Pre-registration is required for each event listed in the Public Event Series and space is limited. To register for events, directions and other information about the Public Event Series, contact Counts at (843) 953-9354 or CountsK@dnr.sc.gov.

“The South Carolina Marine Turtle Conservation Program,” the topic of the first event in the Series, will be from 2 - 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 6th. This lecture will begin at the Marine Resources Division’s auditorium, and participants will journey via catamaran E/V Discovery across the Charleston Harbor to the South Carolina Aquarium to visit the sea turtle hospital and recovery project.
Learn all about “South Carolina’s Artificial Reefs,” the second topic in the Series. The lecture will be from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 28th at the Marine Resources Division’s auditorium.
“Birding in the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto (ACE) Basin” will be offered from 8:30 - 12 p.m., Friday, March 9th. The field outing will depart from the McKenzie Field Station at Bennett’s Point in the ACE Basin and spotting scopes and binoculars will be provided. A birding interpretation on Bear Island will offer potential sightings of Bald Eagles, Bonaparte’s Gull, White Pelicans, Tundra Swans and a variety of waterfowl.
Also in March, the Series offers a lecture on “South Carolina Sharks,” from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 21st. The seminar at the Marine Resources Division auditorium will feature footage of shark research conducted offshore as well as an identification tutorial.
In April, a “Wood Stork Habitat and Nesting” field experience is scheduled for Friday, April 13th at Dungannon Heritage Preserve. The guided interpretation will entail a hike into the wood stork nesting area and birds potentially seen include Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker among other species.
The “History of the ACE Basin” boat outing will be held from 10:30 - 4 p.m., Thursday, April 19th beginning at the McKenzie Field Station at Bennett’s Point in the ACE Basin. The interpretation and tour via catamaran E/V Discovery will feature historical uses of marsh islands such as phosphate mining and rice cultivation.
In May, the public is invited to “Discover Hammock Islands” Friday May 11th in the ACE Basin. The seminar and boat outing will focus on plants and animals that exist in these types of isolated habitats. Participants will be given an opportunity to learn first-hand about hammock islands from a DNR expert.
Also in May, the “History of Fort Johnson and its Roles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars” will be offered from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 23rd at the Marine Resources Division auditorium. Following the historical presentation, a walking tour of the area will afford participants a sight of historical remnants, including a powder magazine, earthworks and remnants of batteries.

More News

** Archived Article - please check for current information. **

#07-12 January 15, 2007

New Lowcountry public event series offered

Archived Article - please check for current information.