SC7 Outdoor Adventure Book

30 DAYS. ONE EPIC ADVENTURE.

JOIN US DURING THE MONTH OF JULY AS WE EXPLORE THE AMAZING NATURAL WONDERS OF OUR GREAT STATE!

HIT THE TRAIL

VISIT US ONLINE FOR THE FULL EXPEDITION ITINERARY

CONNECT WITH US DAILY BECOME A VIRTUAL EXPEDITION TEAM MEMBER

southcarolina7.com

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES

We believe in educating through involvement. While we want you to get out in nature and have a good time, it’s very important that you follow the LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES. We want you to enjoy nature sustainably so that we and others can enjoy it forever!

2

3 DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

TRAVEL & CAMP on DURABLE SURFACES

4

7 RESPECT WILDLIFE

6

LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

5

MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS (Becarefulwithfire)

TAKE A HIKE!

HYDRATION

Our bodies are made mostly of water, so it is very important to keep hydrated when hiking. Especially since you will likely be far from any drinkable water during your hike. Always pack enough water for your trip, and then pack more.

WEATHER

Always check several weather predictions before going hiking. Mountainous areas often have fast changing weather, so be prepared for any conditions that you may come in contact with. Rain gear is often light and compactable enough to keep in your hiking pack year round. You’ll appreciate keeping the extra bulk around if you find yourself in a sporadic rain shower.

TEMPERATURE

With cooler temperatures approaching, it is important to be prepared for drastic and sudden temperature changes. Keep in mind that as you gain altitude, temperature drops. There is ample opportunity to gain 2000 ft. in elevation through hikes in South Carolina, so dress in layers! Also remember that cool mornings often warm up to t-shirt weather, but then quickly drop back down as the sun gets lower.

FOOD

Have you ever noticed how a day at the pool makes you extra hungry? Hiking can have the same effects on your appetite. Light to moderate activity over a prolonged period of time can burn more energy than you think. Be sure to have plenty of refuel options that are nutrient dense!

HEADLAMP

Getting into the habit of keeping a headlamp and extra batteries in your hiking pack is an excellent idea. Even if you are planning to be back well before sunset, unexpected circumstances could arise, leaving you in the dark. Headlamps and batteries are small enough to be stored in a side pocket and be forgotten about until they are needed.

SUN PROTECTION

Our biggest organ is our skin, so we need to take every precaution to protect it! Even though hiking trails have filtered light through the summer, sunlight will be more direct during the winter when all of the deciduous trees drop their leaves. Those harmful UV rays can also bounce off of other surfaces (even grass!) and damage your skin.

NAVIGATION

In the age of technology, we often turn to our phone for directions. However, there is often no cell service out on the trail (we at Outside [the Box] think that life is better that way). In any case, it is imperative that you have a map of the route you will be taking and a compass on each trip. Some trails are not clearly marked, so in the event that you make a wrong turn, having a map and a compass can help you get back on track!

PRO ADVENTURE TIP

When picking out snacks and drinks for your hike, try to find options that are high in electrolytes. With warmer temperatures approaching, expect to sweat more, meaning that you’ll need to drink more water and eat healthy snacks to replenish those nutrients!

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to go on an adventure across this beautiful state that we get to call home.

We will travel from the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the fall line of the Midlands, all the way down to the salt marshes of the Lowcountry, learning interesting facts about each specific region along the way. By the end of this journey, you’ll know about all of the natural wonders that make South Carolina unique.

SOUTH CAROLINA’S 6 REGIONS

South Carolina has six geographic regions. A geographic region is an area of land with similar features.

BLUERIDGE PIEDMONT

Blue Ridge Inner Coastal Plain

Piedmont Outer Coastal Plain

Sandhills Coastal Plain

Upcountry: Blue Ridge & Piedmont

Midlands: Sandhills & Inner Coastal Plain

Lowcountry: Outer Coastal Plain & Coastal Zone

The Blue Ridge region is home to the national wild and scenic Chattooga River. The Chattooga offers exciting rafting trips for rafters of all skill levels.

Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge region is full of many hardwood forests and mountains to hike and rivers for rafting.

Piedmont Sandhills

The Piedmont region has rolling hills and valleys with red clay soil. Piedmont means “foot of the mountain.”

The Sandhills region is made up of just that, sand. Millions and millions of years ago the ocean covered much of this region making it the shore. When the water receeded it left a hilly, sandy landscape.

Inner Coastal Plain

The Inter Coastal Plain region is a little hilly and the soil is very rich which is perfect for farming.

SANDHILLS INNER COASTAL PLAIN OUTERCOASTALPLAIN COASTALZONE

Outer Coastal

The Outer Coastal Plain region is flat land that is close to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. This region is full of swamps, marshes, and rivers that flow down into the ocean.

Coastal Plain

The Coastal Zone region is on the Atlantic Ocean with miles of beaches, barrier islands, natural harbors, and marshes.

ALL ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA

Starting at the very beginning, South Carolina was declared a state in 1788. Before the English settlers arrived and colonized the area, Native Americans lived in the land, giving our area a rich history. Lots of which can still be seen today, and some that we will stop by on our journey!

STATE FLAG

The state flag shows our state tree, the Palmetto tree (Sabalpalmetto) , with a crescent moon to the upper left.

The palmetto tree represents Moultrie’s heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s Island against the British in 1776. The palmetto wood the fort was built of was soft. Instead of knocking down the wood, cannonballs were absorbed and bounced off the soft palmetto wood.

STATE

Yellow jessamine (Gelsemiumsempervirens) became our state flower in 1924 and is a beautiful flowering vine that blooms with bright yellow flowers during the spring. Try looking along fence lines or in small trees, you’ll know you’ve found it when you see a cluster of small, yellow, trumpet shaped flowers.

Carolina Wrens build their nests in the holes of trees, on fence posts, or in the eaves of houses and barns. However, the wren is also known for nesting in unusual places such as bags, boxes, flower pots, and even shoes.

STATE BIRD

The Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)is our state bird and can be found all across the state, yearround, day or night, and in all weather conditions. They can be distinguished by their small brown stature and white stripes over their eyes.

The Carolina Mantid became the state insect in 1988 for its special role in agriculture controlling harmful insects. Mantids live in a variety of habitats such as meadows and forests.

STATE INSECT

The Carolina Mantid (Stagmomantis Carolina)is our state insect. They are most commonly seen near the end of summer through early fall. Ranging in color from green to brown-gray, the Carolina Mantid can easily blend into it’s environment.

SOUTH CAROLINA WORD SEARCH

Palmetto Tree

Yellow Jessamine

Lowcountry

Carolina Mantid

South Carolina

Midlands

Carolina Wren

Natural Wonders

Upcountry

Crescent Moon

More of South Carolina’s Symbols and the Year Adopted

1st Wonder CHATTOOGA RIVER

The Chattooga River is a 76.2-mile-long river that stretches from the Georgia and South Carolina border, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a major tributary to the Savannah River and a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Chattooga River is known for its stunning beauty and challenging rapids, making it one of the most popular whitewater destinations in North America.

There are many things to do when visiting the Chattooga River. Here are just a few ideas:

Whitewater Rafting Take a Hike Go Fishing Enjoy the Scenery

Of course for there to be rapids, there has to be moving water. Faster moving water provides an even better chance for rapids, but there are also many other conditions that must be present to get that white water experience.

Gradient and construction are also very important when talking about rapid formation. Gradient is the slope of the land that the water is running over. Higher slope often means faster moving water, which in turn leads to a higher rapid class. Construction is when the water is forced from a larger channel into a smaller channel, which also tends to increase the flow of water. Think about when you put your finger over the end of a garden hose, the water comes out of a smaller hole much faster, providing more force.

Now that we have water flowing through a downhill area with lots of speed, we need some obstacles to increase the turbulence of the water. Rocks and boulders along the bottom and sides of the river allow the formation waves, holes, and pourovers. When the bottom of the river is composed of a narrow channel made majorly of hard rock, you can usually find stretches of whitewater rapids, as seen in the Chattooga!

Chattooga River

Designated a Wild and Scenic River by the United States Congress, the Chattooga is protected from being dammed or diverted for commercial use. Its designation also ensures that the river will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

CREATION of STATE PARKS

South Carolina has more than 90,000 acres of protected land, ranging from the mountains to the sea, containing some of the most interesting natural, cultural, and recreation destinations in all of the country. Cheraw State Park, located in Chesterfield County, was the very first state park in South Carolina, with 700 acres originally set aside for protection. Years later, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the park along with 15 other state parks.

Created by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the CCC was formed to recruit unemployed young men from urban areas to perform conservation work. Though this work was completed many decades ago, we can still enjoy the work completed by these hard-working individuals.

From Caesars Head, the largest state park at 13,000 acres, down to 35-acre Colleton State Park, there is something to be found for everyone enjoying South Carolina’s most widespread outdoor amenity!

Caesars Head State Park Colleton State Park

Do you enjoy having fun outdoors? Do you want to learn about the wonderful natural and cultural resources the State of South Carolina has to offer? If so, you would make a great Junior Ranger for the South Carolina State Park Service! These 28 participating parks were selected because they represent the wonderfully-diverse resources available in South Carolina. They are all fantastic places to “Come Out and Play!”

ANDREW JACKSON STATE PARK

CHERAW STATE PARK

COLLETON STATE PARK

EDISTO BEACH STATE PARK

HAMPTON PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE

HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK

LAKE HARTWELL STATE PARK

MYRTLE BEACH STATE PARK

SADLERS CREEK STATE PARK

TABLE ROCK STATE PARK

BARNWELL STATE PARK

CHESTER STATE PARK

DEVILS FORK STATE PARK

GOODALE STATE PARK

HICKORY KNOB STATE RESORT PARK

KINGS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

LAKE WARREN STATE PARK

PARIS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

SANTEE STATE PARK

CALHOUN FALLS STATE PARK

CHARLES TOWNE LANDING STATE HISTORIC SITE

DREHER ISLAND STATE PARK

HAMILTON BRANCH STATE PARK

HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK

LAKE GREENWOOD STATE PARK

MUSGROVE MILL STATE HISTORIC SITE

RIVERS BRIDGE STATE HISTORIC SITE

SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK

To learn more about the Junior Ranger Program, visit: southcarolinaparks.com

EASTATOE PASSAGE

This passage is perfect for eyeing native flora and fauna. Moderate difficulty and mostly wooded trail provide for lush wildlife experiences, also featuring a picturesque bridge across the Eastatoe. This area has been deemed a “destination of a lifetime” by National Geographic.

The Eastatoe Passage shows off one of South Carolina’s most beautiful features, Lake Keowee. Lake Keowee is a man-made reservoir that is known for its deep, emerald green waters with picturesque views of the mountains in the background. Being fed by cool Appalachian Mountain rivers, the water stays cool and clear year round.

Lake Keowee and nearby Lake Jocassee were developed in 1973 through a partnership with Duke Energy in order to generate electricity. The Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project uses waters from both Lake Keowee and Jocassee to provide 868 megawatts of clean, economic power.

Keowee and Jocassee are both located in the Savannah River watershed. South Carolina has eight total watersheds, each correlating with its major river basin: Broad, Catawba, Edisto, PeeDee, Salkehatchie, Saluda, Santee, and Savannah

A watershed is a geographic area into which the surrounding waters, sediments, and dissolved materials drain, and whose boundaries extend along surrounding topographic ridges. Each of our watersheds are closely monitored to determine overall water safety and management, ensuring our water is safe to consume.

2nd Wonder SASSAFRAS OVERLOOK

Located right atop the North and South Carolina border, the Sassafras overlook shows some of the most scenic views in the upstate. Sassafras Mountain got its name from the ample Sassafras trees (Sassafras albidum) growing on the lower slopes along the south branch of the Saluda River.

At 3,553 feet, Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina. Once owned by Duke Energy, the land is now owned by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and is easier than ever to visit. Located right outside of Pickens, the panoramic view is just a drive up the mountain and a short walk to the observation deck. Make sure to bring a picnic!

On a clear day, you can see up to 50 miles!

Topography maps are used to show changes in elevation and land contour on a map. These maps give a detailed record of an area by showing the shape of the land and mountains, valleys, and plains by means of the contour lines. Look at the map and see how joining lines of equal elevation above sea level show these contours!

WORLD of ENERGY

One of the largest and oldest sources of renewable energy uses the natural flow of moving water for the generation of energy. As you already know, water takes the path of least resistance, almost always moving downhill. So, you can imagine that hydropower is much easier created in areas with various elevation changes. This makes the Upstate of South Carolina a perfect spot for the creation of hydroelectricity.

Duke Energy, a large service provider for South Carolina, began its operations as a hydroelectric company. By harnessing the waterpower of the Catawba River, the company’s first power plant provided electricity to the growing textile industry and later to households in a large portion of the state.

Whether you are looking to fill an hour or spend an entire afternoon, the World of Energy keeps you entertained and informed. Begin with a tour of our educational exhibits inside the education center. But there’s as much to see outside – just don’t forget to pack a lunch! Our picnic shelter overlooks the beautiful shores of Lake Keowee and is the perfect way to end your visit to the World of Energy.

7812 Rochester Highway Seneca, SC 29672

800-777-1004 (Option 1)

10 am - 4 pm (Wed-Fri)

3rd Wonder JOCASSEE GORGES

The Jocassee Gorges are a unique geographic area of the upstate of South Carolina. Formed by the Blue Ridge Escarpment, a sharp transition between the Carolina Mountains and the Piedmont, a vertical elevation change of 2,000 feet is found in a matter of one to two miles. Crystal clear waters of Lake Jocassee can be found here as well as many miles of trails. The great change in elevation allows for a large variety in flora and fauna species.

Jocassee is a direct translation to “Place of the Lost One” in the Cherokee language. Many names in the area echo the Native American tribes that once inhabited the land, such as the Oconee, Eastatoe, and Toxaway.

As the Native American Legend has it, Jocassee was a beautiful Cherokee girl who fell in love with a boy from an enemy tribe, the Eastatoees, who lived on the other side of the river that separated them. When Jocassee found Nagochee injured in the woods, she took care of him while healing of his injuries and they fell in love. Later, Jocassee’s brother killed Nagoochee in battle and in response, Jocassee walked into the river in shock, but instead of sinking or drowning, she walked on the water to meet his ghost.

An escarpment is an area of the Earth where elevation changes suddenly, caused by a process of erosion and faulting. This sheer drop, created by the movement of tectonic plates and the erosive force of water, is home to a mountainous biome of unique beauty that also serves as a backdrop for the beautiful Lake Jocassee.

The cool water that fills Lake Jocassee feeds from the Appalachian Mountains, keeping the water clear year round. Lake Jocassee is known for its clean waters and undeveloped shoreline, with only one public access point through Devils Fork State Park.

For those seeking a view without a hike, the escarpment can be seen from lookouts like Caesars Head and Bald Rock viewing areas.

FUN FACT

We will learn the details behind the movement of tectonic plates when we make it to the Midlands, but for now, just remember that those breathtaking views are caused by earth plates converging on each other, pushing one plate over the other.

GREENVILLE ZOO

The Greenville Zoo offers a way to experience different areas of the world, all in one day! You can take a walk through the zoo on your own, or you can choose to opt into one of the various free programs offered by Greenville Zoo to take a deep dive into one of the residents. Check out their website for more information!

Greenville Zoo offers Behind the Scenes Tours for guests to get up close to animals, visit areas that are not accessible to the public, and have a guided tour from zoo staff.

School programming includes all levels of learning, including homeschooling and distance learning. Many downloadable learning tools are also available on their website! 150 Cleveland Drive Greenville, SC 29601

864-467-4300

greevillezoo.com

FUN FACT

TREES LOWERING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

Have you ever taken cover from the mid-summer heat underneath a tree? Or maybe taken a walk through the woods and noticed a large drop in temperature as you enter the canopy cover? If so, you have experienced the effects of lowered surface temperature provided by vegetation through shade and evapotranspiration. Even though evapotranspiration is a big word, the concept is simple. In fact, I bet you’ve experienced it yourself!

Evapotranspiration happens when the water produced by plants through transpiration is evaporated into the atmosphere. When the sun’s rays hit tree leaves, the water vapor evaporates off the leaves and cools them down. This is very much how sweat cools our skin.

Another large portion of the cooling effects of trees is their ability to provide shade. As the leaves block the sun’s rays from hitting the ground, the surface temperature can stay as much as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler.

TREES FOUND IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The most commonly found tree in South Carolina is the Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda). Loblolly’s can be identified by their medium sized pinecones that can grow up to 6 inches long. These trees grow from New Jersey down to Florida and as far west as Texas.

Many species of Oak (Quercus) can be found in South Carolina. Iconic to the Low Country, the Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) are seen widespread, often boasting ample amounts of the majestic looking Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides).

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) are commonly found in swampy areas of South Carolina and can be easily identified by their wide base and “knees” from their root system. Though the purpose of the knees are not scientifically proven, the top research shows that they are an adaptation for stability in the soft ground of the swamp as well as increased surface area for oxygen transfer.

ROPER MOUNTAIN SCIENCE CENTER

Roper Mountain Science Center is Greenville County’s premier destination for STEM education. From their Living History Farm, Butterfly Garden, and Sustainability Center to the Dinosaur Trail, Summer Camps, and Starry Night events, there is something for every level of learning right in the center of Greenville.

Friday Starry Nights Living History Farm

The past comes alive at the Living History Farm. Authentic log cabins, corn cribs, a barn, a blacksmith shop, a school, and a former slave cabin are reconstructed to demonstrate South Carolina in the 1800s. It’s one thing to learn about history, but it’s another to experience it!

Learn what’s happening in tonight’s sky including: planets, constellations, moon phases and special celestial events. Tickets available online.

*Shows begin at 6 pm

Environmental Science & Sustainability Building

Visitors can experience this new addition during the Summer Adventure, while enjoying the Nature Exchange, Water Story, and Sustainable Future exhibits through the Afternoon Explorations September – May. Tickets available online.

402 Roper Mountain Road Greenville, SC 29615

864-355-8900

10 am - 4 pm (Tuesday - Saturday) ropermountain.org

PICKENS DOODLE TRAIL

Before hopping on your bike, always conduct a safety check. Make sure tires are free of punctures and ensure your brakes are in proper working order. Check all your safety gear to ensure proper fit and condition. Don’t forget sunblock!

The Pickens Doodle Trail is a great spot to go cycling! Spanning 7.5 miles and connecting the cities of Pickens and Easley, the transformed rail trail has many great sights and scenery for all visitors.

Things to look for on the Trail:

ACORNS SQUIRREL RAIL CAR CROSSING SIGN PINE TREES

KINGS MOUNTAIN NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

What Thomas Jefferson referred to as the “turn of the tide of success,” the battle of Kings Mountain was an important part of American victory during the Revolutionary War. Today the park consists of 4000 acres of land which hosts a wide variety of plant and animal life. This park also provides several specialized habitats for threatened plants and is home to rare ecosystems. There are 542 species of plants located within the park, most of which being unique to the area.

PRO ADVENTURE TIP

If you are interested in getting more involved, enlist to become a junior ranger! Pick up an informational booklet at the front desk, or download a copy at nps.gov/kimo/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm

On October 7, 1780, the small but significant battle of the War for Independence and the Southern Campaign took place on a rocky hilltop in Western South Carolina called Kings Mountain. The fierce firefight fought here pitted Loyalist militia elements under the command of British Maj. Patrick Ferguson of the 71st Foot, nicknamed by his men “Bull Dog” against 900 “Over Mountain Men,” residents of the Carolina Backcountry and the Appalachian Mountain range, and from places that would later become the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. American cavalry commander “Light Horse” Harry Lee called them, “A race of hardy men who were familiar with the use of the horse and the rifle, stout, active, patient under privation, and brave. To the British they were “more savage than the Indians.”

Kings Mountain proved to be another stinging defeat in the British attempt to secure control of the Southern colonies. Their banking on Loyalist support once more failed. Historian Jack Kelly wrote, “The small, but decisive Kings Mountain victory could not be attributed to the American high command nor to any one leader. No general rode at the head of the army that accomplished it. Congress did not order or pay for it. It was like the rout of the redcoats at Concord five years earlier, a people’s victory, an amateur’s victory. The crude, spirited, hardy determined volunteers who crossed the mountains served, Washington said, ‘as proof of the spirit and resources of the country.”

WATERWAYS

As we discussed earlier, water always travels downhill (at least most of the time!). So, it makes sense that the waters that fill the rivers and lakes in the Upstate will eventually travel down and make their way to the ocean. With almost 500 miles to go as the crow flies, water traveling across our state has a long way to go! This means that it has a long way for potentially pick up trash and debris as it goes.

Litter is never a good thing but is especially harmful when it’s found in our waterways. Congesting the flow of water, affecting water quality, and endangering plants and animals are just a few ways that litter can negatively affect our ecosystem. Get out this summer, pick up litter and post your photo using #pickit&postit to help SC7 & Palmetto Pride in their efforts!

The Water Cycle

RIVERBANKS ZOO

Riverbanks Zoo has an incredible range of exhibits at their facility. Learn about plants and animals as you explore both sides of the zoo, crossing over the Saluda River to reach the botanical gardens. With 170 acres, Riverbanks Zoo has plenty of space to explore!

Riverbanks Zoo features a wide range of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish that call areas around the world home. Visit the diverse habitats to see how these animals would interact with their natural area!

Learn how to Plant with a Purpose at the Riverbanks Botanical Garden. This garden provides information on the importance of planting appropriate plants in appropriate places as well as the importance of being mindful of plants that are ideal for native pollinators.

Various camps, educational opportunities, homeschool programs, and online resources are offered through Riverbanks Zoo.

riverbanks.org

500 Wildlife Parkway Columbia, SC 29210

803-779-8717

9 am - 5 pm

4th Wonder CONGAREE

Congaree National Park contains the largest remaining are of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The park boasts the tallest know specimens of 15 species! Emerging above the canopy layer is a Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) that looks down on everything from 167 feet, just 18 feet shy of the Boogerman white pine in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the tallest known tree in the East. Among the other firstplace record holders for loftiness in the canopy are:

SWEETGUM (Liquidambar styraciflua)

157 feet

AMERICAN ELM (Ulmus americana)

135 feet

COMMON PERSIMMON (Diospyros virginana)

127 feet

CHERRYBARK OAK (Quercus pagoda)

135 feet

SWAMP CHESTNUT OAK (Quercus michauxii)

133 feet

LAUREL OAK (Quercus laurifolia)

125 feet

The Congaree National Park is known as the “Redwoods of the East” and is currently home to six national and 23 state champion trees.

As you explore Congaree, observe what you see around you. Circle the pictures of the things you see.

HURRICANES IN SC

Hurricanes are large-scale storm events that can cause major effects on coastal communities. Although areas located near ocean areas are more frequently disrupted by hurricanes, other areas further inland (the Upstate included) can also be affected. Hurricane season runs from June through November each year.

Hurricanes form as a tropical wave and grow from energy through warm ocean waters and thunderstorms. Ranking from 1 to 5 based on wind speed, a Category 1 hurricane is the least hazardous with winds ranging from 74 – 95 mph. Category 5 hurricanes can produce winds of 157 mph or higher, causing complete devastation to the local landscape.

Hugo hit South Carolina in September of 1989 as a Category 4 hurricane with winds as high as 140 mph. The storm leveled large parts of the Charleston area, then made its way to the Columbia and Sumter areas of South Carolina, ending up in Charlotte, NC.

HURRICANE WORD SEARCH

LYNCHES RIVER

South Carolina has just under 30,000 miles of riverways, 111 miles of which are contributed by the Lynches River. Beginning in Lee County and ending with the confluence of the Great Pee Dee River in Florence County, the Lynches River carries rich history.

Protected as a scenic river, the bald cypress and tupelo trees line the banks of the tea-colored waters. The Lynches River was named after the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Lynch Jr., a Georgetown rice planter. The river originally served as a byway for Native Americans and later served as a hideout for slaves during the Civil War.

PRO ADVENTURE TIP

Kayaking is a great way to experience this slow-moving river. Flowing at a rate of around two miles per hour, the flow pushes boaters forward with minimal effort. The wide span of the riverbed makes this an ideal kayak for beginners. Check out www.gopaddlesc.com for trip details!

CYPRESS GARDENS

Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre preserve and gardens located in Moncks Corner. The centerpiece of the garden is the 80-acre blackwater bald cypress and tupelo swamp, surrounded by both boar and foothills trails.

Heirlooms at Cypress Gardens

Have you ever been curious to know what South Carolina looked like through history? Before highways were created, and buildings were on every corner? Cypress Gardens has an Heirloom Garden that hosts plant species that have been around since the 1800’s.

Heirloom plants are varieties that have not been cross bred with other varieties over time and are open-pollinated, meaning that they must be pollinated by insects or by natural mechanism. All of this to say, they are genetically through and through the same plants that were present two hundred years ago.

Plants that have been around for so long are often considered native to our area and thrive in our natural environmental conditions. Taking a stroll through what our state historically would have looked like may give you a new perspective on all nature has to offer!

3030 Cypress Gardens Road

Moncks Corner, SC 29461

843-553-0515

9 am - 5 pm (Mon. - Sun.)

cypressgardens.berkeleycountysc.gov

CYPRESS GARDENS SCAVENGER HUNT for TRAILS

Place an X by the word when you find it on the trail. Please leave everything where you find it.

Acorn

Alligator

Animal Tracks

Ant Mound

Bird (see or hear it)

Feather

Flower

Insect

Lizard

Moss

Mushroom

Nest

Pine Needle

Poison Ivy

Root

Seed

Spider Web

Squirrel

Turtle

Water

Woodpecker Holes

Piece of litter (take it with you)

CRITTERS of the LOWCOUNTRY

Alligators

There are an estimated 100,000 alligators in South Carolina living in marshy, swampy Lowcountry areas. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only species of crocodilian native to South Carolina. Once listed as an endangered species, populations have rebounded, and the species has been changed to threatened. Populations of alligators have rebounded so well, that the SCDNR opened a limited hunting season in 2008.

The South Carolina state record for an alligator is 13 feet 6 inches, 1,025 pounds!

Snakes

There are 38 species of snakes found in South Carolina, and most call the Lowcountry home. The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, is closely related to the copperhead, the most venomous snake found in the state. While copperheads are found in the mountainous and Piedmont region, cottonmouths are found in the sandhills and lowcountry regions.

Spiders

The Giant Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) is the largest spider in its family, reaching up to three inches! Wolf spiders are ground feeders and are known for their ability to jump to catch their prey.

COASTAL CAROLINA/ Smart Reef

Around 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, over 96 percent of which is held in the ocean. That means that there is a lot of ocean left to be explored! In fact, only about 35 percent of the ocean is currently mapped with modern methods.

Diving is one way the ocean can be explored. SCUBA is an acronym that means Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Recreationally, scuba divers can reach depths of 130 feet, but the deepest record holding dive was over 1,000 feet deep.

Diving at such depths requires great skill, which is one of the reasons why research in the ocean is so limited. As technology develops, the ability to reach remote areas of the ocean floor is increased.

Coastal Carolina University has been working on a SmartReef project to renourish the coral reefs off the coast of South Carolina that uses divers for implementation. This smart reef is several concrete blocks packed with instruments that would measure the environment right along the coast.

“The reef becomes the observing system, and it all connects up to a surficial buoy that telemetries the data out the satellite, to the world beyond,” explained Dr. Paul Gayes, the Executive Director of Coastal Carolina University’s Center for Marine Wetland Studies.

FUN FACT

South Carolina already has nearly 50 artificial reefs along the coastline. But even still, ocean observations are far and few between. These new reefs in Charlestonthe Toadfish Reefs - help fill the gap and improve the science. Stay tuned this year as the SC7 Expedition Team implements new sections of the Smart Reef system!

RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM of MYRTLE BEACH

There is no better way to experience the realities ocean research for yourself than at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach!

From the Marine Science Research Center Tour and glass bottom boat tour to the champion animal rescues and behind the scenes look, Ripley’s Aquarium has the full experience for summer learning.

Ripley’s Aquarium has several different camps to choose from for specified age groups. Get an up-close look at ocean research through the learning labs!

For those located out of area, visit the Aquarium virtually. Join a Ripley’s Aquarium educator as you explore what it takes to run the Aquarium!

Visit penguins right here in South Carolina at the new 5,500 square-foot expansion, which includes an Ocean Wonders gallery with eight new tanks, housing new species of fish from all over the world.

MEGALODON TEETH

Megalodon, meaning ‘big tooth,’ is a species of shark that is now extinct. Megalodons were close relatives of the great white shark and could grow more than 60 feet. The largest Megalodon tooth ever found in South Carolina was 6.5 inches long, weighing more than three pounds.

Megalodon teeth can be found in the Cooper River, right here in our state! The Cooper River is a blackwater river of which sunlight can only penetrate 10 feet or so into the tannin-dyed waters. Fossils and artifacts erode from the riverbanks and accumulate underwater gravel beds strewn about the river bottom anywhere from 20 to 50 feet below. Many of the fossils are shark teeth, including the famous Megalodon shark, and its predecessors.

5TH Wonder

BULLS ISLAND

Bulls Island is arguably one of South Carolina’s most beautiful and remote places. The largest of four barrier islands found within the Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge, Bulls Island is a 5,000-acre maritime forest with fresh and brackish water impoundments and a beach area. The six-and-ahalf-mile uninhabited island remains virtually untouched and is home to countless wildlife and endangered species.

FUN FACT

There is a reason that the beach of Bulls Island is called Boneyard Beach! The trees that decorate the shoreline died due to extensive erosion caused by multiple hurricanes over the past century and have since been bleached by the salt and sun, giving the beach an eerie feeling.

CAW CAW INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Located on a historic rice plantation, Caw Caw Interpretative center has something for the history buff and naturalist alike! With over six miles of trail elevated over the wetlands, you can experience the intricacies of the South Carolina swamp up close. Alligators, Swallow-tailed Kites, Bald Eagles, and many others call this area home, keep a close eye out and you might see one in its natural habitat!

Caw Caw Interpretative Center is managed as a low-impact wildlife preserve. Pets and bicycles are not permitted.

5200 Savannah Hwighway Ravenel,

MARSH RENOURISHMENT

Salt marshes are the second most productive ecosystems in the world due to their efficient method of recycling nutrients. The most common plant in a saltwater marsh is Sporobolus, formerly known as spartina. Once the plant dies in the fall, it forms wrack and decomposes, releasing its nutrients back into the system. Sporobolus also greatly helps in erosion control through its stabilization of the soil through rhizomes (an underground stem system), its ability to break up wave energy by its stalks, and its ability to trap sediment to prevent erosion from sea level rise. Most coastal species interact with Sporobolus in some way, whether it be for consumption or shelter, making it a staple for ecological health along North American Coastlines.

DRUM ISLAND

As our population grows, we must expand our infrastructure outwards. Our scenic coastline is a beautiful attraction for visitors and residents, but unfortunately our human impacts can greatly disturb the ecosystem of our salt marshes. As we expand outwards, our impacts encroach on the natural habitat, causing a major disruption.

The South Carolina Ports Authority is working to reverse the effects that their infrastructure has made on the local ecosystem. Needing a terminal on the waterway for transportation of goods throughout the state, the Ports Authority is mitigating their efforts through renourishment project on Drum Island. After serving as a dumping ground for dredge material for many years, 22-acres of the island is being transformed back to marshland as it historically was.

Drum island is located directly beneath the Ravenel Bridge that crosses from Mount Pleasant to Charleston. Next time you are walking or driving over the bridge, take a look at the renourishment project. If you look closely enough, you might see some wildlife!

SALT MARSH WORD SEARCH

BIRD CORDGRASS

SALT MARSH DOLPHIN

ESTUARY SNAIL

FISH

TIDAL CREEK

OYSTER TIDES

POLLINATOR GARDENS

The Bee Cause Project works throughout our state to protect the planet’s precious pollinators. For great resources of how to start a beehive, check out their website!

Want to start a pollinator garden? Plant a few of these and watch the pollinators buzz around!

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Coreopsis spp.

Goldenrods (Solidago spp.)

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Sumacs (Rhus spp.)

Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) Verbena spp.

6TH Wonder EDISTO RIVER

South Carolina has just under 30,000 miles of riverways, the largest river being the Edisto River.

The Edisto River’s name originated from the word Edisto, a Native American term meaning “black” and refers to the dark color of the river created from decaying leaves and other plant material. The Edisto is considered the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the United States and one of the longest worldwide. The Edisto supports several rare, nationally threatened, and endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, southern bald eagle, wood stork loggerhead turtle, and short nosed sturgeon.

Edisto River River

BIRD NESTING

Along with the importance of retaining estuary ecosystems is maintaining the habit for shorebird nesting. Shorebirds are responsible for facilitating energy and nutrient exchanges between land and sea, making them a critical member of the marsh setting. With worldwide shorebird nesting areas declining, and the loss of a major seabird nesting habitat in the Charleston Harbor in 2017, a handful of pioneer solutions were begun.

One successful project was created through a partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources biologists. In late 2021, the island that was lost in 2017 was rebuilt with dredged material. Biologists were hopeful that the shorebirds would return to the island after recreation, and the birds did not disappoint. Last year, over 500 nests were documented over the season. The Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary is made up of about 35 acres at high tide and can be seen from Shem Creek in the Charleston area.

BIRD NESTING WORD SCRAMBLE

YRUTSAE

ATTIBHA

BREIRODSH

TSILIBOGO

GHHI TDIE

MHES RKEEC

ARATSUNCY INTENGS

WORD BANK

NESTING

SHEM CREEK

HABITAT

ESTUARY

SANCTUARY

BIOLOGIST

HIGH TIDE SHOREBIRD

7TH Wonder ACE BASIN

The Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto River Basin (abbreviated as the ACE Basin) is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Located primarily in Colleton, Charleston, and Beaufort counties, the Ashepoo, Combahee, and South Edisto Rivers combine into the larger St. Helena Sound and drain a significant portion of the lowcounty region. The 250,000-acre area is known for its natural environment and the preservation of its marsh wetlands, hardwood forests, and riverine systems and the fauna that dwell in the area. In 2014, National Geographic featured the ACE Basin as its cover story, and the Nature Conservancy called the area, “One of the Last Great Places.”

Estuaries are a unique ecosystem because they are areas in which as freshwater stream meets a saltwater ocean. When the freshwater and saltwater mix, the mixture is known as brackish water. Did you know that salmon are born in freshwater, spend their lives in saltwater, then return to freshwater to lay their eggs?

Oyster reefs can be seen lining the bottom and banks of the estuary. They form in clusters on old shells, rocks, piers, or other hard surfaces that are submerged with the tide. Oyster reefs serve as habitats for many other species in the salt marsh and a single adult oyster can filter more than 50 gallons of water per day.

FUN FACT

The most commonly found sea turtle in the Lowcountry wetlands and off the coast is the loggerhead (Caretta caretta). Loggerhead sea turtles are for the most part carnivorous, which means that they mostly eat things like mussels, fish, clams, and other invertebrates. They have a very small brain and are opportunistic feeders, so they can often eat plastic bottles or bags that resemble jellyfish.

South Carolina’s 7 WONDERS

Chattooga

River River

CHATTOOGA RIVER

The Chattooga River is the crown jewel of southeastern rafting in a truly natural undeveloped setting offering the best and most challenging whitewater in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain region. The Chattooga was named a National Wild and Scenic River on May 10, 1974 - just six years after the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was established on October 2, 1968. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year.

SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN

Sassafras Mountain, the Roof of the Palmetto State, is the highpoint of South Carolina at 3,533 feet above sea level. The geology of Sassafras Mountain reflects millions of years of plate tectonics. It lies within the inner Piedmont belt and is thought to be part of a continental fragment that attached or even reattached North America during the Middle Ordovician at a time of continental collision and mountain building called the Taconic Orogeny (mountain-building episode). These geologic processes caused active stream down-cutting and the resultant modern scenic gorges and waterfalls that surround Sassafras Mountain.

JOCASSEE GORGES

Named by National Geographic as one of the “50 of the Last Great Places.” In the uppermost reaches of South Carolina, the clear waters of Lake Jocassee splash against the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment that represent the sharp transition between the South Carolina Mountains and the Piedmont. Here forested slopes drop in elevation by 2,000 vertical feet in a matter of one to two miles. The name “Jocassee,” according to Native American legend, means “Place of the Lost One.” The region is characterized by a high diversity of flora and fauna as a result of its location at the interface between the mountains and piedmont. Both mountain and piedmont plant communities are represented in the area creating a transitional zone from lower rolling hills to higher elevation mountains.

Park

CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK

Congaree National Park contains the largest remaining area of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America. The Congaree boasts the tallest known specimens of 15 species! Emerging above the canopy layer is a loblolly pine that looks down on everything from 167 feet, just 18 feet shy of the Boogerman white pine in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the tallest known tree in the East. Among the other first-place record holders for loftiness in the canopy are a sweetgum (157-feet), a cherrybark oak (154 feet), an American elm (135 feet), a swamp chestnut oak (133 feet), an overcup oak (131 feet), a common persimmon (127 feet), and a laurel oak (125 feet). The Congaree is currently home to six national- and 23 state-champion trees. For every threesquare miles, there are two champion trees.

EDISTO RIVER

Edisto River

The Edisto River’s name originated from the word edisto, a Native American term that means “black” and refers to the dark color of the river created from decaying leaves and other plant material. The Edisto is considered the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the United States and one of the longest worldwide. The Edisto supports several rare, nationally threatened, and endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, southern bald eagle, wood stork, loggerhead turtle, and short-nosed sturgeon.

ACE BASIN

The Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Basin (abbreviated as ACE Basin, and pronounced “ace basin”) is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Located primarily in Colleton, Charleston, and Beaufort counties in South Carolina, the Ashepoo, Combahee and South Edisto rivers combine into the larger St. Helena Sound and drain a significant portion of the Lowcountry region. The 350,000 acres area is known for its natural environment and the preservation of its marshes, wetlands, hardwood forests, riverine systems and the fauna that occupy the area.

BULL ISLAND

Bull Island is arguably one of South Carolina’s most beautiful and remote places. The largest of four barrier islands found within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Bull Island is a 5,000-acre maritime forest with fresh and brackish water impoundments and a beach area. The six-and-a-half-mile uninhabited island remains virtually untouched and is home to countless wildlife and endangered species and has a worldrenowned reputation for its bird life. More than 275 species of birds are found on or near the island.