Natural Events Almanac - South Carolina

South Carolina

Peachtree Rock
ŠRob Williams

Event: Peachtree Rock

When: Year-round

A wide variety of blooming trees and plants can be found at our Peachtree Rock preserve. The Sand Myrtle begins the blooming season in late March/early April. The flower is small and white arising from pinkish white buds. The Sand Myrtle can be found along the blue trail about a mile back into the preserve. By the waterfall and around seepage areas you will find Mountain Laurel. The laurel blooms around April and May and has a pink and white bloom in hand sized clusters. Also blooming at the same time is the Sparkleberry. Found throughout the preserve, the blooms are numerous small white blossoms that are bell-like and face downward. In the springtime you may come across the rare and aromatic Georgia Mint characterized by a blue flower. There is also a small population of Galax blooming a spiky white flower in the summer. The endangered Woody Goldenrod has a yellow bloom in the fall at Peachtree Rock. In December along the broad seepage slopes of the Blue Trail you will find the TiTi in bloom. This plant is identifiable by the beautiful red and green leaves.

Open from dawn to dusk. No ATV's or horses please.

Wood stork
ŠDick Dickenson

Event: Eagles and Wood Storks Nesting

Where: Washo Reserve

When: January through July

This 1,040-acre reserve is the northernmost nesting colony of wood storks in North America. In it there are 40 osprey nests, one eagle nest and the oldest continually used wading-bird rookery in North America.

Open to the public; however, it is regulated to protect nesting birds.

Acorn woodpecker
ŠCharlie Ott

Event: Red-cockaded Woodpeckers

Where: Sandy Island

When: April through May

Old-growth longleaf pine forests dominate this 9,127-acre freshwater coastal island that is home to one of the healthiest red-cockaded woodpecker populations in the world. Black bears, alligators, coyotes and poisonous snakes share the island with the woodpeckers. Accessible by boat only.

Open to the public.

Green sea turtle
ŠNadine Hafner

Event: Sea Turtles Nesting

Where: Botany Bay Island

When: May through August

Approximately 50 to 100 sea turtles nest on Botany Bay Island yearly; the nests are screened to protect them from raccoon predation. The result is that 3,000 to 10,000 sea turtles hatch on the island annually.

Open to the public.

For additional information on a particular location, click on the name of the preserve associated with the event or visit the South Carolina site.