August 1999

Savannah River Site Field Trip

August 28 and 29, 1999

The Savannah River Site is a 320 square mile guarded facility in Aiken and Barnwell counties often called the “bomb plant” by those who remember its original mission to produce nuclear weapons materials. However, things have changed. SRS is now concerned mainly with environmental restoration and clean-up, and because of its protected status, the enclosed land has become an ecological preserve where a great diversity of plant and animal life thrives. On our August trip we will sample that diversity by visiting some of the Site’s research and education set-asides which include Carolina Bays, beaver ponds, longleaf pine stands being managed for red-cockaded woodpeckers, and bottomland hardwood areas. On Sunday morning we will visit some sites where whole communities like Dunbarton were picked up and moved away leaving an interesting mix of flora and fauna. Also, at the USDA Forest Service Station, you will visit the classrooms of our hosts, Teddy and Ned Shuler, USCA Education Associates who teach 3rd-12th grade students and teachers who come to SRS for math and science field trips in a program funded by the Department of Energy. If you have questions about the trip, call (803)-302-6104 or e-mail at nshuler@ix.netcom.com

Important Instructions

  1. You must pre-register for this field trip by calling Debbie Lindsay at 803-725-0070. She will need your name and social security number at least one week ahead of time so that we can provide the list to the security guards.
  2. Your car may be searched so be sure that you do not have any contraband items such as drugs, alcohol, or firearms. Cameras are allowed.
  3. Bring your lunch since there are no eating facilities available, however ice water will be provided.

Directions to SRS: Meet at New Ellenton Middle School to get tour badges and to caravan through the barricades to SRS. New Ellenton is about 10 miles south of Aiken on Highway 19, and the school will be on your right across from Corinth Baptist Church. Highway 19 is a major road called Whiskey Road in Aiken and Main Street in New Ellenton. For those approaching on Highway 278 from the Barnwell side, turn right at the traffic light where 278 meets Hwy.19 and go less than a mile to the school.

For those staying over for Sunday morning field trips, the two closest hotels are only about 8 miles from the Site; the Hampton Inn (803-648-2525) and a brand new Budget 8 Hotel (803-641-8800).