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Friday, April 25th
Friday, April 25th
Campus Birdwalk with Midlands Bird Society!
Kick off the City Nature Challenge right by participating in a guided birdwalk around USC's campus, led by the Midlands Bird Society. After meeting at the Maxy Gregg monument, we'll walk around some of USC's greenspace, hopefully spotting some exciting migratory warblers alongside some of our more familiar backyard birds. Binoculars are provided; just bring yourself and a willingness to look upwards!
This event involves walking along handicapped accessible paths. Note that USC does enforce parking permitting at this time, so parking in a metered space is your best bet. Meet at Maxcy Monument (the large obelisk!)
Campus Birdwalk with Midlands Bird Society!
Kick off the City Nature Challenge right by participating in a guided birdwalk around USC's campus, led by the Midlands Bird Society. After meeting at the Maxy Gregg monument, we'll walk around some of USC's greenspace, hopefully spotting some exciting migratory warblers alongside some of our more familiar backyard birds. Binoculars are provided; just bring yourself and a willingness to look upwards!
This event involves walking along handicapped accessible paths. Note that USC does enforce parking permitting at this time, so parking in a metered space is your best bet. Meet at Maxcy Monument (the large obelisk!)
Time: 8am
Directions
Guided SCDNR Walk at Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve!
Come kick off the City Nature Challenge weekend with a guided walk at Peachtree Rock. SCDNR State Naturalist Will Mundhenke will be leading a guided hike, teaching participants about the history of this unique site and pointing out some of its most eye-catching geologic features, plants, animals, and more! Peachtree Rock is a gem of our state’s heritage preserve system, offering a unique look at a Carolina Sandhills habitat and even includes the only natural waterfall in the Midlands!
Guided SCDNR Walk at Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve!
Come kick off the City Nature Challenge weekend with a guided walk at Peachtree Rock. SCDNR State Naturalist Will Mundhenke will be leading a guided hike, teaching participants about the history of this unique site and pointing out some of its most eye-catching geologic features, plants, animals, and more! Peachtree Rock is a gem of our state’s heritage preserve system, offering a unique look at a Carolina Sandhills habitat and even includes the only natural waterfall in the Midlands!
This event is free to the public, but requires pre-registration to attend. See the link to register!
This event is free to the public, but requires pre-registration to attend. See the link to register!
Time: 10am-12pm
Directions
Registration Link
Hidden in the Margins: USC Campus Botany Walk with the A.C. Moore Herberium
Like many urban campuses USC has a lot of landscaping, but you'd be surprised at the nature that make themselves at home amongst the ornamentals! Join this walk, led by expert botanist Dr. Herrick Brown, and take a closer look at some of the wild species living alongside us. This event will start at 10am on the steps of the McKissick building (on the horseshoe side), and then proceed along campus' flat, handicapped accessible paths. In addition to plants, we'll also likely swing by the libraries' reflecting pool to check for breeding amphibians.
Hidden in the Margins: USC Campus Botany Walk with the A.C. Moore Herberium
Like many urban campuses USC has a lot of landscaping, but you'd be surprised at the nature that make themselves at home amongst the ornamentals! Join this walk, led by expert botanist Dr. Herrick Brown, and take a closer look at some of the wild species living alongside us. This event will start at 10am on the steps of the McKissick building (on the horseshoe side), and then proceed along campus' flat, handicapped accessible paths. In addition to plants, we'll also likely swing by the libraries' reflecting pool to check for breeding amphibians.
Time: 10am-12pm
Directions
Botany Walk with Midlands Native Plant Society at the USC Arboretum!
Come join the midlands native plant society for a guided botany walk through USC's W. Gordon Belser Arboretum! This small 10 acre preserve in the heart of Columbia is lovingly managed for biodiversity; come learn about the flora of the area as well as record it through iNaturalist!
In order to avoid blocking the road, please park on Wilmot Dr. and meet at the Wilmot Ave. gate, opposite 3844 Wilmot. (See directions link)
Botany Walk with Midlands Native Plant Society at the USC Arboretum!
Come join the midlands native plant society for a guided botany walk through USC's W. Gordon Belser Arboretum! This small 10 acre preserve in the heart of Columbia is lovingly managed for biodiversity; come learn about the flora of the area as well as record it through iNaturalist!
In order to avoid blocking the road, please park on Wilmot Dr. and meet at the Wilmot Ave. gate, opposite 3844 Wilmot. (See directions link)
Time: 5:30 pm
Directions
Saturday, April 26th
Saturday, April 26th
Citizen Science Adventure at Sesqui State Park!
After a quick overview of how you can use the iNaturalist app to record biodiversity data from your smartphone, we’ll embark on a ranger-guided exploration of the Jackson Creek Nature trail. Our rangers will give you an overview of the natural history and unique species of the area, as well as help you keep an eye out for organisms you can record through iNaturalist! This fun and educational event includes up to 1.5 miles of walking on easy, relatively flat trails. Pre-registration is required and space is limited (see link)."
*Note: While this event itself is free to participate in, Sesqui State park charges a per-person admission. See their website for details.
Citizen Science Adventure at Sesqui State Park!
After a quick overview of how you can use the iNaturalist app to record biodiversity data from your smartphone, we’ll embark on a ranger-guided exploration of the Jackson Creek Nature trail. Our rangers will give you an overview of the natural history and unique species of the area, as well as help you keep an eye out for organisms you can record through iNaturalist! This fun and educational event includes up to 1.5 miles of walking on easy, relatively flat trails. Pre-registration is required and space is limited (see link)."
*Note: While this event itself is free to participate in, Sesqui State park charges a per-person admission. See their website for details.
Time: 9am-11am
Directions
Registration Link
Time: 9:30am
Directions
Register by Email
Fork Swamp Botany Walk with Friends of Congaree Swamp!
As part of the Challenge, Friends of Congaree Swamp will be holding a botany hike on the Fork Swamp trail, located on the Eastern edge of Congaree National Park. SC DNR Botanist Keith Bradley, an affiliate faculty member of the University of South Carolina, will share his knowledge of spring flora on this short hike.
Led by SC DNR Botanist Keith Bradley, this hike will depart from the Fork Swamp trailhead at 9:30am. This trail can be wet in places, but regular hiking boots should be sufficient for the wetlands we will visit. We may also cross US 601 to study species in the powerline cut along Sampson Island trail.
Fork Swamp Botany Walk with Friends of Congaree Swamp!
As part of the Challenge, Friends of Congaree Swamp will be holding a botany hike on the Fork Swamp trail, located on the Eastern edge of Congaree National Park. SC DNR Botanist Keith Bradley, an affiliate faculty member of the University of South Carolina, will share his knowledge of spring flora on this short hike.
Led by SC DNR Botanist Keith Bradley, this hike will depart from the Fork Swamp trailhead at 9:30am. This trail can be wet in places, but regular hiking boots should be sufficient for the wetlands we will visit. We may also cross US 601 to study species in the powerline cut along Sampson Island trail.
*Space for this outing will be limited and registration is required. Contact John Grego at friendsofcongaeeswamp@gmail.com or 803-331-3366 to register.
*Space for this outing will be limited and registration is required. Contact John Grego at friendsofcongaeeswamp@gmail.com or 803-331-3366 to register.
Time: 10am-12pm
Directions
Registration Link
Family Nature Walk at Camp Discovery!
Join us on Saturday, April 26, from 10 AM to noon for a guided, family-friendly nature walk at Camp Discovery in Blythewood, SC, co-hosted by Camp Discovery and Congaree Land Trust! Come along with trip leaders on an exploration of Camp Discovery's 116 acres of conserved forests, meadows, creeks, and wetlands, protected under Congaree Land Trust, and use the iNaturalist app to record the plants, animals and more you encounter!
In addition to the walk, a nature-focused educational activity for children will also be available; bring the whole family! Registration is required for this event (see link), and space is limited. Participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain. This walk is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Family Nature Walk at Camp Discovery!
Join us on Saturday, April 26, from 10 AM to noon for a guided, family-friendly nature walk at Camp Discovery in Blythewood, SC, co-hosted by Camp Discovery and Congaree Land Trust! Come along with trip leaders on an exploration of Camp Discovery's 116 acres of conserved forests, meadows, creeks, and wetlands, protected under Congaree Land Trust, and use the iNaturalist app to record the plants, animals and more you encounter!
In addition to the walk, a nature-focused educational activity for children will also be available; bring the whole family! Registration is required for this event (see link), and space is limited. Participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain. This walk is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Time: 5pm-7pm
Directions
Botany Walk at Wateree Heritage Preserve!
Mark your calendar for a guided nature walk at Wateree Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area in Eastover, SC, on Saturday, April 26, from 5–7 PM! Led by USC’s student chapter of the Botanical Society of America, we invite you to wander with us through a peaceful landscape of hardwood forests, pine woodlands, and cool wetlands—all part of SCDNR’s protected lands.
Botany Walk at Wateree Heritage Preserve!
Mark your calendar for a guided nature walk at Wateree Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area in Eastover, SC, on Saturday, April 26, from 5–7 PM! Led by USC’s student chapter of the Botanical Society of America, we invite you to wander with us through a peaceful landscape of hardwood forests, pine woodlands, and cool wetlands—all part of SCDNR’s protected lands.
As we explore, we’ll use the iNaturalist app to identify and record the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms we find along the way, with a particular eye for wildflowers and other vegetation. With some of the highest elevations in central South Carolina, the preserve also offers scenic views of the Wateree River and miles of bottomlands. Come discover the beauty of this hidden gem and sharpen your botanical skills!
As we explore, we’ll use the iNaturalist app to identify and record the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms we find along the way, with a particular eye for wildflowers and other vegetation. With some of the highest elevations in central South Carolina, the preserve also offers scenic views of the Wateree River and miles of bottomlands. Come discover the beauty of this hidden gem and sharpen your botanical skills!
Meet us at the parking/map sign at the intersection of Goodwill Road (main road) and Duck Pond Rd, or find us wandering along Duck Pond Rd.
Meet us at the parking/map sign at the intersection of Goodwill Road (main road) and Duck Pond Rd, or find us wandering along Duck Pond Rd.
Time: 8pm-11pm
Moth Lightsheeting at the USC Arboretum!
Spend your Saturday night with moths! On April 26 at 8 PM, head to the USC Arboretum for an up-close look at the nocturnal insects that share our Columbia community. Dr. Eric LoPresti, from the LoPresti Plant-Insect Ecology Lab, will guide us in discovering the awesome diversity of moths attracted to black lights.
Moth Lightsheeting at the USC Arboretum!
Spend your Saturday night with moths! On April 26 at 8 PM, head to the USC Arboretum for an up-close look at the nocturnal insects that share our Columbia community. Dr. Eric LoPresti, from the LoPresti Plant-Insect Ecology Lab, will guide us in discovering the awesome diversity of moths attracted to black lights.
Come see what the night reveals!
Come see what the night reveals!
Sunday, April 27th
Sunday, April 27th
Guided Nature Walk at the Saluda Riverwalk!
Come take a guided nature walk through the forest bordering the Saluda river and investigate the flora and fauna that call this park their home! After a quick intro on making your own iNaturalist observations, park rangers will guide us through an exploration of the boardwalk and trails. This park provides an awesome opportunity to observe riparian plants and animals that live in and alongside the river. We'll be splitting this event into two walks: one starting at 10am going downstream from Mill's Race Rapid (closest to the parking lot), and a second at 11:30am going upstream starting from the same location! We'll be covering different areas on each walk, so feel free to join us on one or both!
Guided Nature Walk at the Saluda Riverwalk!
Come take a guided nature walk through the forest bordering the Saluda river and investigate the flora and fauna that call this park their home! After a quick intro on making your own iNaturalist observations, park rangers will guide us through an exploration of the boardwalk and trails. This park provides an awesome opportunity to observe riparian plants and animals that live in and alongside the river. We'll be splitting this event into two walks: one starting at 10am going downstream from Mill's Race Rapid (closest to the parking lot), and a second at 11:30am going upstream starting from the same location! We'll be covering different areas on each walk, so feel free to join us on one or both!
This event is free to the public and involves extended walking on the park’s paved, handicapped accessible trails
This event is free to the public and involves extended walking on the park’s paved, handicapped accessible trails
Time: 10am-11:30am (Downstream)
11:30am - 1pm (Upstream)
Directions
Wateree Butterfly walk with Carolina Butterfly Society!
Come join the Carolina Butterfly Society on an exploration of Wateree heritage preserve in search of interesting butterflies, skippers, and moths. We’ll meet at the kiosk close to the preserve’s entrance at 10am (see linked location), and then will drive first to Mileormore Road to kick off the exploration. We’ll likely then move to other areas, but folks are welcome to come and go at times that work best for them. If you know you’ll be arriving late, make sure to email carolinabfly.soc@gmail.com coordinate where we’ll be when. This should be a wonderful opportunity to see some of our native lepidopteran species.
Wateree Butterfly walk with Carolina Butterfly Society!
Come join the Carolina Butterfly Society on an exploration of Wateree heritage preserve in search of interesting butterflies, skippers, and moths. We’ll meet at the kiosk close to the preserve’s entrance at 10am (see linked location), and then will drive first to Mileormore Road to kick off the exploration. We’ll likely then move to other areas, but folks are welcome to come and go at times that work best for them. If you know you’ll be arriving late, make sure to email carolinabfly.soc@gmail.com coordinate where we’ll be when. This should be a wonderful opportunity to see some of our native lepidopteran species.
Time: 10am
Directions
Palmetto Passage Birdwalk!
Palmetto Passage Birdwalk!
Join the Midlands Nature and Bird Alliance for a guided birdwalk through the Eastern end of the Ft. Jackson passage of the Palmetto trail! In addition to spotting springtime migrant birds, we'll be looking out for some of the unique sandhills plants found here!
Binoculars are included, but make sure to bring water and comfortable hiking shoes.
Join the Midlands Nature and Bird Alliance for a guided birdwalk through the Eastern end of the Ft. Jackson passage of the Palmetto trail! In addition to spotting springtime migrant birds, we'll be looking out for some of the unique sandhills plants found here!
Binoculars are included, but make sure to bring water and comfortable hiking shoes.
Time: 2pm
Directions
Monday, April 28th
Monday, April 28th
Time: 2pm-3pm
Directions
Wild Wetlands Walk at Saluda Shoals Park!
Join us for a guided exploration of Saluda Shoals Park's wetland loop! Guided by the Saluda Shoals interpretive ranger team, come join us on an adventure to learn about, see, and record the plants and animals that call these wetlands their home!
Wild Wetlands Walk at Saluda Shoals Park!
Join us for a guided exploration of Saluda Shoals Park's wetland loop! Guided by the Saluda Shoals interpretive ranger team, come join us on an adventure to learn about, see, and record the plants and animals that call these wetlands their home!
*Note: While this event itself is free to participate in, Saluda Shoals Park charges a $5 per-car admission. See their website for details.
*Note: While this event itself is free to participate in, Saluda Shoals Park charges a $5 per-car admission. See their website for details.
Time: 5pm, 6pm.
Directions
Granby Park Nature Walks!
Towards the end of the CNC weekend join us on a guided nature walk at Granby park, a beautiful riverside parked tucked in behind the Gamecock’s baseball stadium. Observe riparian plants, animals, and more with two trips guided by Columbia Park Rangers along the park's paved, handicapped accessible trail system. We’ll be hosting two short walks: one at 5pm, and a second at 6pm. We’re likely to see different organisms at each, so the adventurous are welcome to come to both!
Granby Park Nature Walks!
Towards the end of the CNC weekend join us on a guided nature walk at Granby park, a beautiful riverside parked tucked in behind the Gamecock’s baseball stadium. Observe riparian plants, animals, and more with two trips guided by Columbia Park Rangers along the park's paved, handicapped accessible trail system. We’ll be hosting two short walks: one at 5pm, and a second at 6pm. We’re likely to see different organisms at each, so the adventurous are welcome to come to both!
Time: 5:30pm
Directions
Gills Creek Watershed Walk!
Join the Gills Creek Watershed Association for a guided nature-walk down Timberlane drive! Running along Gill’s Creek, Timberlane is a (now) uninhabited area that was flooded by hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Nature is taking it back and it is a great place to see wildlife in the city! Waterbirds are especially abundant, and springtime rookeries of both great blue herons and great egrets should be visible in trees along the creek!
Please park along Edmund Drive and walk down the hill to Timberlane. We'll be moving slowly, so you can catch up if you come late!
Gills Creek Watershed Walk!
Join the Gills Creek Watershed Association for a guided nature-walk down Timberlane drive! Running along Gill’s Creek, Timberlane is a (now) uninhabited area that was flooded by hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Nature is taking it back and it is a great place to see wildlife in the city! Waterbirds are especially abundant, and springtime rookeries of both great blue herons and great egrets should be visible in trees along the creek!
Please park along Edmund Drive and walk down the hill to Timberlane. We'll be moving slowly, so you can catch up if you come late!
Time: 9pm
Directions
Moth Lightsheeting at the Historic USC Horseshoe!
Finish off the CNC weekend with an evening of 'mothing' outside the McKissick Museum on USC’s Historic Horseshoe on Monday, April 28, at 9 PM! Led by PhD student Bridget Harter of the LoPresti Plant-Insect Ecology Lab, this event offers a closer look at the incredible nocturnal insects that call campus home.
Moth Lightsheeting at the Historic USC Horseshoe!
Finish off the CNC weekend with an evening of 'mothing' outside the McKissick Museum on USC’s Historic Horseshoe on Monday, April 28, at 9 PM! Led by PhD student Bridget Harter of the LoPresti Plant-Insect Ecology Lab, this event offers a closer look at the incredible nocturnal insects that call campus home.
We’ll gather around black lights to observe and identify the diverse moth species drawn in by the glow. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious about the hidden world of nighttime bugs, here is your chance to see these fascinating and diverse creatures up close. Don’t miss out on this illuminating experience!
We’ll gather around black lights to observe and identify the diverse moth species drawn in by the glow. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious about the hidden world of nighttime bugs, here is your chance to see these fascinating and diverse creatures up close. Don’t miss out on this illuminating experience!
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