Program Content and Location Information

Waddell Mariculture Center

Tours of the Waddell Mariculture Center are available, mornings only, on Mon., Tues., Weds. and Fri. The WMC is located on Sawmill Creek Rd. in Bluffton. There is no fee for tours. Tours start at 10 AM.

The WMC is located on the Colleton Estuary. Tours begin on a pier extending into the Colleton. The discussion focuses on the geography of the Port Royal Sound and it's estuaries, along with the value of the Colleton's salinity to the WMC. A brief history of "what might have been" for the Colleton is of interest.

A power point presentation in the facilities conference room describes past, present and future research and work at WMC. The tour continues with a view of property, ponds and hatcheries.

The WMC is a SC Dept. of Natural Resources facility. Please telephone in advance to make a tour appointment. (843-837-3795)
 

ACE Basin
“Sweep the ACE Basin”

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve invites the public to please join us on Estuaries Day, Saturday, September 29 as we “Sweep the ACE”. Ashe and Pine Islands in the ACE Basin have accumulated much human generated debris, and we are dedicating Estuaries Day 2007 to “Sweeping” these islands free of litter and trash.

When: Saturday, September 29, 2007
Where: Ashe Island & Pine Island

Boat caravans will assemble at 9:00 am at :
- dock at Edisto Interpretive Center for Pine Island
- Sam’s Point Public landing (Beaufort/ Lady’s Island) for Ashe Island
DNR boat will lead group to anchorage at clean up sites.

Requirements:

• Transportation is not provided. DNR boat will lead the group to anchorage at clean up sites.
• Wear sturdy shoes (not sandals)
• Long pants, gloves recommended
• Prepare for sun, insects
• Drinks and trash bags will be provided

*****Please let me know if you can help “Sweep the ACE” by Friday, September, 28*****
Al Segars
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
843.770.9908
 

Hunting Island State Park

Tuesday, September 25, at Hunting Island State Park – 1pm
Secrets of the Salt Marsh.... Meet at Hunting Island State Park Marsh Boardwalk to explore one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Join a Park Naturalist to observe the variety of life that lives here and find out how Salt Marsh estuarine habitats and inhabitants are key to the health of our coast! (1 hour) Please call the Nature Center for more information, (843) 838-7437.

Wednesday, September 26, at Hunting Island State Park – 2pm
Crabbing....Meet at Hunting Island State Park Nature Center/Fishing Pier There is a fee of $2 per person. Learn the secrets to capturing these elusive crustaceans during this hands-on workshop. We will cover the life cycle of crabs and how healthy estuaries act as a "fish and shellfish nursery" that supports the future of the seafood industry in the lowcountry. Please bring a bucket if you want to keep the crabs you catch. (1 hour) You must pre-register no later than the day before the program. Please call the Nature Center to register and for more information, (843) 838-7437.

Thursday, September 27, at Hunting Island State Park - 3pm
Cast Netting 101.... Meet at Hunting Island State Park Nature Center/Fishing Pier. Learn how to catch your own bait or shrimp cocktail as we practice the low-country art of throwing a cast net. Join us as we explore the importance of coastal estuaries as a safe haven and source of food for what's beneath the waters surface. Wear clothes that can get wet. (1 hour). Please call the Nature Center for more information, (843) 838-7437.

Friday, September 28, at Hunting Island State Park – 9am
Lagoon Kayaking....at 9am. Meet at Hunting Island State Park Parking Lot "J." Join our weekly excursion on the waters surrounding Hunting Island as we observe this unique lagoon from the cockpit of a kayak. A Park Naturalist and kayak guides lead the way through the marsh grass to get up close and personal with estuarine inhabitants. No experience necessary. All equipment and instruction provided by The Kayak Farm. Participants need to bring drinking water and wear shoes and clothes that can get wet. (2.5 hours) You must pre-register no later than the day before the program. Please call the Nature Center to register and for more information, (843) 838-7437.

Pier Fishing....3pm. Meet at Hunting Island State Park Nature Center/Fishing Pier.
Learn how to live off the land (and waters) of the Lowcountry with the marine food web in mind. We will fish from a pier that extends over the marsh grass and estuarine habitats to another unique body of water: The Fripp Inlet. Home to many species of fish, and many sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, a healthy oyster bed, and a vantage point right on the edge of the ocean, there is so much to see and fish to catch (and then release). (1.5 hours) You must pre-register no later than the day before the program. Please call the Nature Center to register and for more information, (843) 838-7437.
 

Seirra Club - Nancy Cathcart Group Water Quality
 - Dilution is not the Solution to Pollution.
What Parents and Boaters Need To Know

Earl Meyer and Chris Christner, two retired upstate grandfathers will make a presentation on the health dangers posed by fecal coliform in our local water bodies. Earl and Chris have been working to raise awareness of this issue and would like to share what they have learned with you. You may be surprised to find what they’ve learned about fecal coliform working with the Water Resources Micro Laboratory of Clemson University.

Earl and Chris will present their story and answer questions at the Coastal Discovery Museum starting at 6:30 PM on September 26, 2007.

This event is free and open to the public.

Coastal Discover Museum is located at Mile Marker 1, North end of Highway 278 on Hilton Head Island.
 

Coastal Discovery Museum - USFW
Pinckney Island - Off the Beaten Path

Explore Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge on the 25th and 27th with experts from the Coastal Discovery Museum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The tour will include a presentation on the natural history of and the USFW role in protecting the island along with discussions of the estuary and maritime forest. Tours begin at 9:00 in the island parking area. Signage for the entrance to the refuge is located on the east side of US 278 between the Coastal Discovery Museum and the foot of the bridge to Bluffton. Call 843-689-6767 ext. 225 for reservations. There is no fee for the tours.
 

Lowcountry Estuarium - A Coastal Learning Center

Children's Program
On the 26th, youngsters will learn about the estuary and the creatures that inhabit it through a touch tank and hands on displays. 11:00 in the Paul Siegmund Room on the 2nd Floor of the Beaufort Branch Library located at 311 Scott Street in downtown Beaufort.

Adult Program
Adults will have their chance to learn about the unique Port Royal Sound estuarine system from 11:30 to 1:00 in the library's 2nd floor meeting room on Friday the 28th. Refreshments are served at 11:30 with the presentation beginning at noon. Reservations are not required for either program.

Estuarium Open House
There will be no admission fee as the public is invited to tour the Estuarium 10 t0 5 on Saturday the 29th. Meet staff and board members and learn how to become a part of the center's future. The Estuarium is located on the corner of 14th St. and Paris Ave. in the Old Village section of Port Royal.
 

Beaufort Branch Library - 311 Scott Street
Winning Posters Display

The library will display the winning entries in the "My Estuary" poster contest the week of September 17th-28th submitted by elementary schools within its district. The public will be able to vote on the overall winning poster the week of Sept 17-21st and the winner will be announced at the presentation on Sept 26th.
 

Beaufort Kayak Tours

Beaufort Kayak Tours will be offering interpretive tours by kayak throughout Beaufort County's Estuaries as part of Estuaries of the Lowcountry Week. For more information, go to www.beaufortkayaktours.com or call them at (843) 525-0810.
 

At Port Royal Elementary School

Thursday at 6:30 pm student presentation on their Oyster Restoration Project/Experiment.