IC Jan 12 2024 by luckydognews

A Bittersweet Farewell

COUNCIL MEMBER FINKE RECAPS HER TIME IN OFFICE

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

It was a bittersweet farewell for Seabrook Island Town Council Member Jeri Finke as she attended her last Town Council meeting on December 19, 2023. She recognized that, although she accomplished a lot in her last year in office, she wished she had time to accomplish even more.

Specifically related to her work on the Environment and Wildlife Committee, Finke apologized for not having more time and resources to move forward some of the projects they had planned in 2023.

“The Environment and Wildlife Committee had several starts and stops during the year,” she explained. “We really struggled with access to resources, and we were juggling meetings, trying to get people on the schedule and able to meet with us. However, we did have lots of good meetings, and we completed lots of research and discussions. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any major fundamental products as the year came to an end, and part of that is my fault because of that balance of time and resources.

“There was a point in

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So Long, Leader MAYOR CONDUCTS LAST COUNCIL MEETING

BY THERESA STRATFORD

For The Island Connection

December 19 marked Mayor John Gregg’s last Seabrook Island Town Council meeting. He didn’t sign off, though, without expressing his heartfelt thanks to the other members of Council and the Town’s staff.

“I want to note my deep appreciation for the service of my fellow Council members and my gratitude to members of Town staff who assisted me extensively with grace and good humor,” he said. “I believe this Council effectively performed its duties of government and made the most of the contributions of staff. We established sound policies for the good of the community, and we utilized an application of resources to put those policies into action. It is my view that this council has made improvements that well serve the residents and will aid the incoming council in performance of its duties.”

Seabrook Island Town

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ATTEND THE SEABROOK ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB JANUARY MEETING

BY MAUREEN HEALY

For The Island Connection

ward-winning nature photographer Jenny Hough shares her journey with “Rediscovering Your Passion for Photography” on Thursday, January 18, at the Lake House on Seabrook Island

Kick off your new year with a fascinating talk by Hough, who is based in Mount Pleasant. In her presentation, she will share her journey of rediscovering a passion for photography and how she incorporates the art form into her busy schedule.

Hough will delve into her own creative approach and highlight ways to find photographic inspiration. She will discuss how her lifelong love of animals and passion for conservation fostered her desire to become a wildlife photographer since childhood. An avid lover of the outdoors, she will also share her enthusiasm for spending time outside.

A south Georgia native, Hough lived in San Diego for nine years before discovering that the Lowcountry of South Carolina was beckoning all along. She has now called our area home for the past 22 years. She balances her love for photographic art with roles as a wife, mom, leader of a small pack of dogs, bird and squirrel caregiver and person who laughs at the most inopportune times. Join us, and discover how Hough's artistic journey can inspire the creative spark in you.

Refreshments are at 6:30, and the presentation is at 7 p.m. The event is free to Seabrook Photography Club Members. Membership to the Seabrook Island Photo Club is $30 per year. For guests and non-members, a $10 donation is requested, payable at the door. If a gate pass is needed to attend the meeting, email your information to seabrookphotographyclub22@gmail.com prior to the meeting. To learn more about membership, visit seabrookphotographyclub.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEABROOK ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

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Finke (continued from page 1)

time where Joe [Cronin] had asked me if we should move forward with the shortterm rental amendment and the nuisance ordinance or focus all our time on a really good beach ordinance. On the Ad Hoc Committee, Pat Fox and I had started talking in January about those short-term rental amendments, and, in consulting with her, it was important that we move those forward – unfortunately, those got scuttled last month by Council. Here’s the thing – if I could have a genie and a wish, I would ask if 2023 could have two more months, and we could bring up the beach ordinance and get that done.”

Finke also noted that the Town Council never came to a final conclusion on designating Seabrook Island as an official Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve with the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. “We could never get in balance with SIPOA on that, but it would be really great for the community to have that designation for Seabrook,” she added.

She said she hopes that the reconstituted Environment and Wildlife Committee picks back up in January on the research that the current committee has worked on. She ended with thanking her fellow committee members: Dean Morr, Mark Andrews, Martha Goldstein and Patricia Romano.

When it came time for Finke to report on the Ad Hoc Committee for short-term rentals, she noted that there was nothing to report since the October meeting, when she presented the short-term rental and nuisance ordinance. At that time, no action was made on the ordinance. It will be addressed at a later date with the new Town Council in 2024.

“I want to give a shout-out to Pat Fox – who resigned – for her work on the STR issue over the last four years,” Finke concluded. “She was instrumental and a great partner as we did that research. There was some criticism that our Ad Hoc Committee was just two people, but that is a procedural tool in our ordinance. I do want to say that every time we met with Seabrookers all across the whole spectrum of the issue, it was a community meeting, and Pat was very instrumental in making sure we went in that direction. I think our work still stands up. I think the May 2022 report still stands up. So, thank you to Pat Fox, and a major thank you to Joe Cronin for all the work he helped us do.”

Finke has been active in the Seabrook community since she moved to the area in 2010. She served as a co-chair of the Newcomers Committee, tutored grade school students and served on SIPOA’s

Environmental Committee. She was on the Board of Directors for the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy for seven years, chairing the Green Space Gala each of those years and also serving as the Board’s president for her last two years on the Board. She currently serves on committees of the Seabrook Island Club. Finke was first elected to Town Council in November 2017 and was reelected in November 2019 and

November 2021. She served as the chair of the town's Environment and Wildlife Committee. She was also assigned the role of Resources Official under the town’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Finke was instrumental on the Ad Hoc Committee for short-term rentals as well. She has served as Mayor Pro Tem since December 2020.

In November of 2023, Finke ran for mayor but lost to Bruce Kleinman.

TOWN OF KIAWAH

Community Forum

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Public Safety Committee

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 11:30 a.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Board of Zoning Appeals

Monday, Jan. 22, 1 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

CERT Team

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 3 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council Regular Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Planning Commission

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 1:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Town Council Regular Meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Planning Commission

Wednesday, Mar. 13, 1:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Jeri Finke.

Administrator Joe Cronin chimed in, “I think I can speak for all members of staff when I say thank you for your commitment and service over the years both as a member of Council and chair of the public safety committee, as well as our mayor for the last four years.”

As the meeting came to an end and Gregg asked for a motion to adjourn, Council Member Jeri Finke gave an emotional goodbye to the mayor.

She said, “I would like to put on record our thanks to you for all your years of service. I think the community should be saying thank you to you, not just Council and staff. So, I think we need to put it on record to say thank you. Thank you for lending your time and legal expertise, not

just to the Town Council, but to the Club, to SIPOA and to so many charitable groups over the years. You’ve been a real asset to this community, so thank you. Good luck and every good wish in retirement. We’ll see you in the neighborhood walking the dog!”

Gregg has been a full-time resident of Seabrook Island since 2006. Professionally, he was an intellectual property counsel for a machinery manufacturer in Ohio. During his time on Seabrook, Gregg has served on the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association Legal Committee.

He was elected as the 10th mayor of Seabrook Island in November 2019, and was reelected to a second term in November 2021. He served three terms as a member of Town Council from 2013 to 2019. He served as Mayor Pro Tem and chair of the Public Safety Committee during his three terms.

As Public Safety Official, Gregg led the work of the Town’s Disaster Recovery Council and coordinated disaster training and exercise sessions for town and community officials.

Gregg led the Town’s requests for state and federal disaster grant funding for costs incurred from Hurricanes Matthew (2016), Irma (2017), Florence (2018) and Dorian (2019). Those efforts have resulted in more than $180,000 in reimbursements for the Town and Utility Commission.

The Town hosted a swearing-in ceremony for Mayor-Elect Bruce Kleinman as well as Town Council Members Dan Kortvelesy, Raymond Hamilton, Darryl May, Gordon Weis and Utility Commissioner Robert Aaron on January 2 at noon. The ceremony was held at Seabrook Island Town Hall.

Former Mayor John Gregg.

Being a purple martin landlord takes time and commitment

BY MARY PRINGLE For the Island Connection

Purple martins are the largest species of swallow in North America. They spend winters in South America and return to the same sites in the Northern Hemisphere each summer to breed. “Scouts” – older birds – begin to arrive in late February, but the migration continues into early June. Their diet consists completely of flying insects. Native Americans provided gourds for them because martins would sound an alarm when crows attacked their crops. With the destruction of old growth forests, these Colonial cavity nesters are now dependent on humans for housing. But simply putting up housing does more harm than good. Purple martins need to be protected from predators and competition with non-native birds that try to take over their housing.

The Purple Martin Conservation Association was founded 36 years ago – the year we started our colony. They have been our mentors and guided us in becoming successful landlords for these very special native birds we have grown to love. This nonprofit group has more advice than what is outlined here, as well as an online catalog that offers all the equipment described.

Choice of housing and pole: Each compartment, either gourd or house unit, should be about 12 inches square because each bird is about 9 inches long, with five or six chicks in the nest. Think of a bunch of bananas. Units 6 inches square are not

adequate. Large gourds made of heavy white plastic for heat control and having an opening that can be unscrewed for checking the nests are ideal. Heavy aluminum poles are square to prevent rotation. The house or gourds can slide down with a rope or boat winch with pulleys for easy lowering and necessary maintenance.

Placement: Martins require an open area that isn’t under or close to trees or heavy shrubbery because their beautiful aerobatic flight pattern requires lots of space. They avoid a site that is not open because predators such as Cooper’s hawks can hide and attack them if there is tree cover. The minimum suggested distance from trees or buildings for a colony is 40 feet.

Attraction aids: It might take a few years to start a new colony. There are things that can help, such as playing a recording of their song – they might be curious enough to investigate. Pine straw should be placed in the nest cavities each year to make them look “lived in.” You can even order decoys to attract other martins. We keep a decoy on the perch above our gourds to fool hawks who might swoop in and grab the slowestmoving bird.

Manage for predators and unwanted nesters: If you want martins, you must keep non-native English sparrows and European starlings out by trapping them and removing their nests. Pole guards that look like stovepipes should be put on the

pole to prevent climbers such as rat snakes and raccoons. We have a friend whose pole cannot use the stovepipe design, so we tie bird netting around the base of the pole to keep snakes from climbing it. “Owl guards” in the form of bars attached to gourds can prevent aerial predators such as owls, hawks and crows from reaching in and pulling out nestlings.

Routine maintenance: Nest checks are recommended on a regular basis once the eggs are laid. Martin “landlords” all over the country and in Canada can participate in Project Martinwatch – we send in data about each nest and its outcome at the end of the season. While doing this, we can spot issues with nest mites and other parasites that might cause problems for the nestlings. That is why our gourds are

numbered. When the chicks are half grown, you should replace the old pine straw nests with clean ones, which helps ensure the health of the birds who stay in the nest, fed by their parents, for about 30 days. You can also remove any starling or sparrow eggs. At the season’s end, it is important to remove the used nests, clean out the units and take them down – or at least plug up the entrance holes to prevent other birds from taking over and keeping martins out the following spring.

Being a landlord requires time and commitment, but the rewards of interacting with and providing for these very special native birds is well worth it. As my husband says, “Watching them is better than TV.” If you are interested, please visit the PMCA website, at purplemartin.org.

Enlightening Evenings

SINHG ANNOUNCES SPRING SERIES OF PROGRAMS

BY NORM POWERS For The Island Connection

The spring series of evening programs offered by the Seabrook Island Natural History Group (SINHG) will explore the source of the Lowcountry’s hurricanes, and two of the most influential cultures which have given texture to Lowcountry life.

The February program on Thursday evening, February 8, will trace the origins of our troubling hurricane seasons to “The Sands of Africa.” The discussion is presented by Post and Courier journalist Tony Barthelme, author of an extensive series based on his travels and research in west Africa.

Then, on March 14, Joseph Kelly, director of Irish and Irish American Studies at the College of Charleston, will detail the history and contributions of Irish Americans in the Holy City’s development and culture. Finally, the spring series will conclude on April 11 with “The Gullah Heritage,” a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah/Geechee communities who settled and still thrive along the barrier islands and coastal inlets.

SINHG Evening Programs at the Lake House is free to members. There is a $5 fee for non-members. For more information and to register, visit sinhg.org.

become a

Shorebird Steward

with the Seabrook Island Birders

The 2024 steward program needs volunteers two-hour shifts to help educate people about the importance of our tiny piece of the world to the shorebirds that visit.

WHY: Seabrook Island is a critical junction for shorebirds. Many species of shorebirds do a migratory stop over here to put on weight for migration.

PURPOSE: Our Stewards perform a significant service as many people don’t understand how important our sanctuary is. Volunteers educate people on the significance of our tiny piece of the world for shorebirds. It’s not about enforcement, but about education.

VOLUNTEER’S COMMITMENT: No special bird skills are needed. Just an interest to greet/interact with people on the beach discussing these shorebirds and how we can protect them. From March 1 through May volunteers do 2-hoiur beach shifts, convenient to their schedules.

TRAINING: Our team, along with Audubon SC, will provide training to learn about the birds and positive ways to interact with beach walkers. You’ll have materials and equipment to use on the beach Training begins Feb 24. We’ll pair you with an experienced Steward to start.

TRAINING DATE: FEBRUARY 24 AT 10 A.M. TILL NOON, OYSTER CATCHER COMMUNITY CENTER

Make Like a Tree and Leaf a Legacy

ANGEL OAK AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

BY ALAN ARMSTRONG

For The Island Connection

The Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club is soliciting nominations for its 12th Angel Oak Award. The annual award was first presented in 2012 and recognizes a person who performs volunteer services which contribute significantly to the people and/or quality of life of Wadmalaw, Johns, Kiawah and/or Seabrook Island.

The award is named after the historic live oak tree on Johns Island, which clearly represents the people, culture and natural environment of the islands. The 2022 recipient was Al Sines, who was recognized for his work with the Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding program. The recipient need not live on the islands, but the service noted for the award must have been performed on the islands.

The recipient will be recognized at a banquet on May 15 and will receive an honorarium of $5,000, which he/she can designate for assignment to a charitable organization serving the islands. The honored individual will also receive a memento and have his/her name inscribed on the Angel Oak Trophy, which is permanently displayed on the islands.

The Exchange Club is seeking nominations from the public. The deadline for nominations is February 16, 2024. Nomination information and forms can be found on the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club website at ks-exchangeclub.com. Please contact Alan Armstrong at alan9631@comcast.net or 410-2747545 if you have any questions.

Our Lowcountry On Air COASTAL KINGDOM RETURNS FOR SEASON 4

BY LANDON MASTERS

For The Island Connection

The half-hour nature series

Coastal Kingdom has returned for season 4 on South Carolina ETV. Host Tony Mills, a naturalist and educator with the Spring Island Trust in Beaufort County, and cinematographer Rob Lewis guide viewers through the diverse ecosystems of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The show provides a unique perspective on the region’s rich wildlife and habitats.

The six-episode series builds on previous seasons and features some of the most well-known plants and animals of the South Carolina Lowcountry. In season 4, viewers will learn about two of the most important features along the coast—the ACE Basin and the salt marsh. Signature species of coastal South Carolina such as alligators, sharks and blue crabs will also be featured.

Below is a glimpse into each episode of Coastal Kingdom Season 4.

Signature Species - Part 1: The Lowcountry is a region with a wide variety of habitats. Host and naturalist Tony Mills explores some of the animals that live here that are relatively common but iconic to the area. This episode includes kingsnakes, slider turtles and sharks.

Signature Specie s - Part 2: A continuation of Part 1, Tony looks at more animal species that are ambassadors for our local habitats. This episode includes American alligators, corn snakes and raccoons.

Life in the Salt Marsh: Venture into the salt marsh, a habitat teeming with diversity. Tony Mills takes viewers on a journey through marshes, creeks and rivers, encountering crabs, shrimp, sharks, redfish and the resilient Spartina grass. The DIY Naturalist: Discover the art of being a naturalist with Tony's hands-on guide to creating traps and nesting boxes. From bluebirds and crayfish to mummichogs and blue crabs, witness the process of connecting with the Lowcountry's fascinating creatures.

The ACE Basin: Uncover the mysteries of one of the "50 Last Great Places on Earth." Tony explores the unique natural habitat created by the convergence of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers in this awe-inspiring episode. Safety in the Field: In this episode, Tony demonstrates techniques he has learned that will help keep you safe in nature. Segments include identifying venomous vs non-venomous snakes, looking out for poisonous plants and staying away from fire ants.

Coastal Kingdom is a public television program produced in partnership by SCETV's regional studio at ETV Lowcountry and the Spring Island Trust. ETV Lowcountry in Beaufort is one of four regional studios located across the state of South Carolina. Other locations include Sumter, Rock Hill and Spartanburg. Production funding for Coastal Kingdom is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.

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NOMINATE MYLO NEWS FOR BEST OF CHARLESTON 2024!

The Charleston City Paper is now accepting nominations for their 2024 Best of Charleston Awards and we would be honored if you took the time to vote for us!

THE CITADEL AND SOUTHERN ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE CONCERT SERIES AT JOHNSON HAGOOD STADIUM

Internationally known musicians will come to Charleston and transform the stadium into one of the area’s largest entertainment venues.

TWO EVENTS LEFT: WILD DUNES AUTHOR EVENT & WEEKEND WITH MARY ALICE MONROE

While the main event is sold out, two exclusive opportunities remain to partake in the island’s premier literary weekend of the year.

IT’S 2024 AND THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO EMBRACE YOUR SWEET STRENGTH

Introducing the Sweet Strength Living Program, a 13-week transformative experience designed exclusively for women to rejuvenate your body, renew your faith, and rewire your mind. It's more than a program; it's a journey to your best self. THE CITADEL AND SOUTHERN ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE CONCERT SERIES AT JOHNSON HAGOOD STADIUM

NEW YEAR, NEW DIALOGUE WITH YOUR KIDS

As we step into the New Year, it’s not just about the resolutions to lose those extra pounds or to finally organize the garage. For us parents, it's about tackling something much closer to the heart – our relationship with our kids. ‘Let, Lift, & Listen’ shows you how.

BAR-B-QUE ANNOUNCES SUPER BOWL TO-GO MENU

Internationally known musicians will come to Charleston and transform the stadium into one of the area’s largest entertainment venues. MARTIN’S BAR-B-QUE ANNOUNCES SUPER BOWL TO-GO MENU

Super Bowl Sunday isn’t far away and the folks at Martin's Bar-BQue Joint have several food options if you're hosting a party at your home.

Watch this video about IOP beach erosion, property laws, seawall necessity, and the IOP community efforts against misinformation in erosion control.

There’s a new boat club at Bohicket Marina COME CHECK US OUT

BOAT CLUB

• Offers the ultimate boating experience without the hassles of ownership

• Experience the charm of the Lowcountry waterways, where boating dreams come to life

• Take advantage of exclusive perks as a member of our Boat Club

• Hassle-free boating lifestyle where we do all the work for you

• Access reservations through our Custom App for easy bookings

Unlimited access with future reservation options as well as day-of opportunities

Access to the four sister locations throughout the Charleston area

A one-stop shop for all your boating needs

BOAT

RENTALS

Bohicket Marina offers the freedom of boating to all with our new Boat Rental fleet

Wide range of boats tailored to your needs and preferences, pontoons & center consoles

Perfect for both experienced boaters and beginners discovering a new hobby

• Convenient online booking system for quick and easy reservations

• Benefit from our professional staff’s expertise and personalized recommendations

around the islands...

ONGOING

WHAT: Charleston Restaurant Week

WHERE: Participating Restaurants

WHEN: January 11-21 per participating restaurant hours

MORE INFO: Organized by the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, local restaurants will be offering limited time deals and corresponding menus through the duration of the event.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12

WHAT: Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend kick-off party

WHERE: Islander 71

WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: Islander 71 is hosting a kick-off party for Wild Dune’s Author Event Weekend featuring some of the Lowcountry’s coolest debut authors and their hot new books.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

WHAT: Morning Mimosas Book Launch

WHERE: Indigo Rooftop Restaurant in Wild Dunes WHEN: 10 a.m.

MORE INFO: As part of the Wild Dunes Author Event Weekend, celebrate the upcoming release of Stacy Willingham’s new thriller, Only if You’re Lucky. Ticket includes mimosas and a coffee bar at Indigo Rooftop Restaurant.

WHAT: Off-Road Duathlon

WHERE: Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: Charleston County Parks will host the annual Off-Road Duathlon (running and biking) on the trails of Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant. This event is beginner friendly and requires helmets for biking portions.

Residential Cleaning Services

Karluk 843.270.6688

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14

WHAT: MLK Day Parade WHERE: Downtown Charleston WHEN: 10:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: Join the commemoration of Martin Luther King Day by attending the annual parade, which winds its way through downtown Charleston. Themed, “Step Up. Advance the Movement,” this year, the parade kicks off at Burke High School at 10:30 a.m., following a route from Sumter Street to King Street, turning onto Calhoun Street, and concluding at Emanuel AME Church. Come and be part of this meaningful event.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15

WHAT: 2nd Sunday on King Street

WHERE: King Street, Charleston

WHEN: 1 p.m.

MORE INFO: Every second Sunday of the month, King Street from Calhoun St down toward the battery is blocked off to vehicles. Experience the charm of King Street as it transforms into a pedestrian-only haven, offering shopping, dining and entertainment for all.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21

WHAT: Quentin E. Baxter Presents CC + The Adelitas WHERE: The Seabrook Island Club WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: The first concert of the “Quentin E. Baxter Presents” series will feature CC + The Adelitas led by drummer/composer/educator Dr. Colleen Clark. Joining Clark for the performance will be vocalist Andrea Chavarro, trumpeter Rachel Therrien, clarinetist Virginia McDonald, pianist Arcolris Sandoval and bassist Mimi Jones.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26

WHAT: Art Film Series

WHERE: The Sandcastle WHEN: 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: Attend a screening of Big Eyes at The Sandcastle community center as part of Kiawah Island’s Art Film series. Directed by Tim Burton, the movie tells the true story of American artist Margaret Keane and her second husband, Walter Keane, who stole the credit for his wife’s popular paintings of people with large eyes.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1

WHAT: Sean Kennard Pianist

WHERE: Church of our Savior WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: This season, the Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council celebrates its 20th anniversary. Pianist Sean Kennard returns to Kiawah for this event. After studying piano at College of Charleston, Sean went to Juilliard and Yale, where he received his doctorate in musical arts.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

WHAT: Chamber Trio

WHERE: Church of our Savior WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Featuring Yuriy Bekker, Julian Schwarz and Marika Bournaki. Experience the harmonious synergy of these remarkable musicians as they explore a dynamic repertoire. Spanning well-loved classics and intriguing modern pieces, selections include Beethoven, Brahms and Piazzolla.

A Winter ‘Apple’

BY JOHN NELSON For The Island Connection

As of writing this essay, it is not quite winter, at least on the calendar, but it’s cold for me anyway. No more flowers to enjoy… well, not that many. Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons for taking a walk in the woods and looking at the plant life around us. Of course, there’s also no reason that you can’t enjoy beautiful plants as you drive along the highway. The subject of this essay is a plant that is putting on a wonderful late-season show now, almost appearing to be on fire… with exploding firecrackers all over its branches.

It's a slender, native tree in the Southeastern mountains, found only at relatively high altitudes. You'll see it in the higher elevations of northern Georgia and western North Carolina, the very easternmost parts of Tennessee, then western Virginia and the eastern counties of West Virginia. Thus, if you happen to be on the Blue Ridge Parkway anytime soon, be on the lookout for it.

Farther north, it is fairly widespread throughout New England and into much of Ontario and New Brunswick. The trees are sometimes up to about 30 feet tall, and they are commonly seen in forest openings and bouldery places or along roadsides. Interestingly, it's often a shrubbier plant the farther north you go, where it may be found at

lower elevations. (Actually, a good many woody species share this distributional size effect.) Our mystery plant has a close relative in Europe, another species which looks very similar to ours. This species is beautiful all year long. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming scaly with increased age and size. The crown is full and spreading on larger specimens. Its handsome leaves are prominently divided into numerous,

miniature versions of cherry flowers. Bees pollinate the flowers – but when I’ve smelled the blooms, I’ve found them to be a bit stinky, something like those of a Bradford pear. In fact, the flowers are followed by small, hard green fruits, which, anatomically, share many features with that of an apple or pear. The fruit is about a third of an inch long when ripe, containing mealy flesh and several seeds. The botanical term for this kind of fruit is "pome," which sounds a lot like the French word for apple, pomme, and it is found only in certain plants belonging to the rose family.

sharply toothed leaflets, and these leaflets—between 11 and 15 or so—are evenly spaced along a thin midrib.

Small flowers, each with five white petals, are densely clustered as they open in late spring. Each flower will have 15-20 stamens, and you might think that these flowers look like

The fruits are highly prized as a food source by a great variety of birds and other critters, including moose, which like to browse the foliage. The leaves tend to turn bright yellow or red in the autumn and can put on a terrific display. It makes a beautiful plant in cultivation, but it doesn't take heat very well, so flatlanders like us wouldn’t have much success with it.

John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, call 803-777-8175 or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.

Source: saltwatertides.com 9:31am/9:41pm 10:21am/10:35pm 11:11am/11:31pm 12:03pm 12:29am/12:58pm 1:31am/1:56pm 2:33am/2:57pm 3:36am/3:58pm 4:37am/4:57pm 5:33am/5:52pm 6:24am/6:42pm 7:10am/7:27pm 7:52am/8:10pm 8:31am/8:50pm 2:54am/3:40pm 3:46am/4:28pm 4:41am/5:18pm 5:38am/6:09pm 6:39am/7:02pm 7:45am/7:59pm 8:52am/8:57pm 9:57am/9:56pm 10:57am/10:53pm 11:51am/11:46pm 12:40pm 12:35am/1:24pm 1:20am/2:05pm 2:03am/2:43pm

[Answer: “Mountain ash,” “Rowan”, Sorbus americana]

PHOTO BY RICHARD MELTON

Standing: Tom Peck, John Halter, Amanda Benepe, Ryan Straup, Patsy Zanetti, Ingrid Phillips, Mary Ann Lloyd, Stuart Spisak, Joy Dellapina, Michelle Almeyda-Wiedemuth Seated: Pat Polychron, Chip Olsen, Stuart Rumph, Kathleen McCormack, Marc Chafe