Calendar

Explore former rice fields and walk through the various steps required for the cultivation of rice. Examine the cultural roles and influences of Africans and African Americans in Coastal South Carolina.

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.

We invite you to stroll the shoreline with a Master Naturalist instructor in search of those that live under the waves, in the sand, and in the skies. We'll comb the beach for unexpected natural treasures while discussing the dynamics of this ever-changing landscape. Favorite finds from previous programs will be brought to complement what we see.

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.

Join a naturalist for some ecotherapy in a county park. Warning: potential side effects may include improved mood, improved circulation, interest in something new, and spontaneous euphoria. This program will not include heavy-duty exercise, or actual bathing. It is simply being in nature and connecting with it through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. The practice of forest bathing is called shinrin-yoku in Japanese. Shinrin means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. Through the practice of shinrin-yoku, we may bridge the gap between us and the natural world.

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.

Young children will channel their inner explorers while enjoying nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art. In this session, learn about features that make birds unique animals.

Let your inner fairy fly! Join us at Palmetto Islands County Park for a day filled with whimsical fun - perfect for children, families, gardeners, and nature lovers!

Join the Return of the Bees Quilt Collective for Remembering Community: Quilting Bee for Social Justice. Charleston quilt artist Torreah “Cookie” Washington will be with us to quilt with raw cotton harvested in the fields of McLeod and discuss the curation of "Griots of Cotton, Indigo and Clay," a Charleston City Gallery exhibit that features over 100 pieces of artwork commissioned from Black fiber artists. Visitors will also be able to create their own social justice square during the bee and can leave your creation to be used as part of a larger project or take it home as a souvenir.

Part of the Homeschool Series, this program empowers youth ages 10-18 to continue to explore, discover, and grow by mastering elements like the Low Element and High Element Challenges. Participants will learn to be a part of a belay team and encourage others to move beyond perceived limitations. This powerful learning tool engages individuals to create a supportive environment where others can explore the concepts of trust, personal responsibility, stress management, self-confidence, and personal and group empowerment. More information about the Challenge Course is available here at: https://www.ccprc.com/113/Challenge-Course-Team-Building

This course introduces you to all aspects of coastal navigation. The basics of maps and charts, compasses, aids to navigation, declination/variation, and rules of the nautical road will be covered. Also learn more advanced navigational skills such as dead reckoning, range lines, fixes, following bearings, triangulation, and compensating for the current. Sea kayakers and other coastal travelers will enjoy learning from these informative classes. Gain confidence and skills to feel at ease knowing where you are and how to get to where you want to go.

Join a naturalist for some ecotherapy in a county park. Warning: potential side effects may include improved mood, improved circulation, interest in something new, and spontaneous euphoria. This program will not include heavy-duty exercise, or actual bathing. It is simply being in nature and connecting with it through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. The practice of forest bathing is called shinrin-yoku in Japanese. Shinrin means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. Through the practice of shinrin-yoku, we may bridge the gap between us and the natural world.

Across the various habitats and trails at James Island County Park, staff and visitors recorded over 200 bird species over the years. Join us as we look for birds and discuss how this incredible group of animals connects people the world over. At this time of year we hope to see songbirds, wading birds, and birds of prey such as Painted Bunting, White Ibis, Red-shouldered Hawks, and more.