There are state birds, state foods, state animals and, here in South Carolina, yes, there is a state spider. In 2000, the Carolina wolf spider was officially named the South Carolina state spider. Thanks to the efforts of a third grader, obviously a fan of all things creepy and crawly, in Orangeburg, SC.
The Lowcountry is home to one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the Atlantic Coast, the ACE Basin. The name is derived from the combination of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers. This unique estuarine system is home to an abundant array of maritime resources. The approximately 350,000 acres of varied environments support forested wetlands, fresh, brackish and salt water tidal marshes, barrier islands, beaches as well as pine and hardwood uplands. Both the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest and Wildlife Service manage parts of the ACE Basin.
South Carolina has something that no one else on earth has – pluff mud. What exactly is pluff mud? It’s an ooey-gooey, dark to light brown, soft mud that sometimes has the appearance and consistency of clay. It smells bad, too, although some South Carolinians call it the smell of home.
In 1975 4,053 acres of tidal creek, salt marsh, freshwater ponds, open fields and maritime forest located between the South Carolina mainland and Hilton Head Island were donated to the government and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide a nature and forest preserve for aesthetic and conservation purposes. The refuge is comprised of several islands and small hammocks, with Pinckney Island being the largest.
In 2014 the former Lemon Island Marina was transformed into the Maritime Center. The Port Royal Sound Foundation established the center to provide stimulating hands-on educational experiences, both indoor and outdoor, for everyone.
Interested in learning more about sea turtles in the Lowcountry? Sea turtle protection is taken very seriously here on Hilton Head island. For both residents and tourists education is key to sea turtle survival and maintaining a healthy eco-system. Every Monday in June, July and August, Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island hosts Turtle Talk at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 95 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC from 8PM-9PM.
Are you looking for new non-chemical weapons in your ongoing battle with mosquitoes? Instead of fighting them one-on-one – a battle which you cannot win since there are thousands of them and one of you, you can create a hostile environment for them while, at the same time, creating a peaceful environment for you and your family and friends.
Whether biking the trails, walking the beach, golfing or kayaking the waterways of the Lowcountry, always follow the golden rule, “Don’t leave a lasting impression.”