Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Spring Things At the Francis Beidler Forest


Have you been to the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest so many times that you feel you know it as well as the Barred Owls? If so, we have just what you need. The staff at Beidler Forest is offering a variety of Saturday morning activities through the spring season that will allow you to experience the old-growth, cypress-tupelo swamp in an entirely new way! Click here for a PDF version of the information shown below.


Swamp Stomps – Audubon naturalist-guided OFF-boardwalk treks deep into the swamp. See the sanctuary’s largest Cypress Tree. Expect to get waist deep in the swamp! Cost $8/person. No on under 16 please.
March 7, April 4, May 9 at 9:00 AM

Basic Beidler Bird Walks – Join an expert Audubon Society guide as you walk the boardwalk through the virgin cypress swamp located at the Beidler Forest. Along the way, search for the myriad of birds that inhabit this wonderful habitat. For beginners to experts these walks will have you learning new skills and new birds. Binoculars are available for rental and guidebooks for borrowing if needed. Cost $8/person.
March 28, May 23 at 8:30 AM

Hard Core Beidler Bird Walks – For the serious birder, this walk will take participants to several off-boardwalk sites in search of the elusive Swainson’s Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, and Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Led by Jeff Mollenhauer, author of the Falcon Guide to Birds of South Carolina. Dress for woods trail walking. Cost $8/person.
April 11, May 30 at 8:30 AM

Explore New Territory – Boardwalk? Been there! Canoe Trip? Done that! Looking for a new way to experience the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest? Come join an Audubon guide as they take you to places and scenes not currently open to the public. Wear field clothes and hiking boots for this off-boardwalk trek. Cost $8/person.
March 21, April 18 at 9:00 AM

Wine and Warblers – As part of a small group, participants will be lead by expert birders on a leisurely stroll along the 1.75-mile boardwalk trail that leads into the heart of the virgin cypress swamp sanctuary. Along the way, sample wines and tasty snacks while birds are located and identified by the guides. Contrary to popular belief, the number of birds seen, does NOT go up in direct proportion to the amount of wine that is imbibed! Cost $40/person.
April 18 beginning at 5:30 PM

Night Walks - Audubon naturalist-guided moonlit walk along the boardwalk through virgin section of Four Holes Swamp. Shine for gators, talk to owls, listen to bats. Cost $8/person.
March 7th at 6:00 PM
April 4th at 7:30 PM
May 9th at 8:30 PM

Canoe/Kayak Trips - Starting at 1:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through May, Audubon naturalists will lead 4-hour guided excursions deep into the old growth interior of the swamp. 2-hour trips on Saturday AM at 9:00 AM. Participants paddle their way through meandering black water creek trails, past ancient cypress trees, observing wildlife along the way and experiencing part of the swamp that few see. Some canoeing experience is suggested. All equipment provided. Cost $30/adult, $15/child (8-18) for 4-hour trip and $20/adult and $10/child (6-18) for 2-hour trip.
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from March – May

Reservations required for all programs.
Call 843-462-2150 for information.

Image by Mark Musselman

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