Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Local teachers began their week-long, hands-on experience in the forests of the Lowcountry, which is sponsored by the National Audubon Society at the Francis Beidler Forest and MeadWestvaco Corporation.

During the week, teachers and various representatives will discuss forestry basics, including forest/tree functions and forestry issues. Today was spent touring the boardwalk trail through the old-growth swamp forest at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest and discussing Audubon’s forest management choices. The images shows the teachers observing an Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) that has certainly had a recent meal. The day ended with a presentation introducing urban forests and some of the benefits and challenges to managing a forest in an urban environment.

The remainder of the week will include stops at MeadWestvaco held forest land, at lands managed within the Francis Marion National Forest, at land managed by the Department of Natural Resources, at land owned and managed by Norfolk Southern Railroad, and ending in Summerville's Azalea Park for a demonstration of the Project Learning Tree environmental education curriculum.