September 2000

October 1, 2000

Dear SCAN Members,

We really dodged a bullet on our September trip to Givhans Ferry: the weather forecast earlier in the week called for torrential rains on Saturday from Tropical Storm Helene. Happily though, the rains cleared out just in time for our 10:30 walk, and nine SCAN members enjoyed a beautiful sunny day. There was a problem with those torrential rains, though — the road we originally planned to walk on through the pine savanna was completely submerged! Even the alternate trail along the river bluff was rather damp (it was more of a wade than a walk at times), but we persevered and enjoyed observing the diversity of life on the Edisto River flood plain.

Givhans Ferry State Park Flora/Fauna List

After our picnic lunch, several of us retired to the campground where we visited with some of our members who were camped out for the weekend. Not only did we enjoy the social visit, but we were also treated to a rare close-up view of a beautiful green-eyed Royal River Cruiser dragonfly as it rested in a tree. Look for pictures in our slide show at the Annual Meeting!

Mary G. Douglass, President

Book 2 A number of SCAN members have not yet received their copy of SCAN’s book covering the 2nd 10 years of existence. You can get your copy of the book if you will send $2.50 to the SCAN Post Office Box to cover postage and handling costs. If you have already received your copy of the book but would like a second one, they are available for $15 plus $2.50 for postage and handling.

LYNCHBURG SAVANNA HERITAGE PRESERVE

Lee County

Saturday October 28, 2000 at 10:30 am

Lynchburg Savanna Heritage Preserve is one of North America’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. The moist, rich soils combined with sunlight make wet savannas home to native orchids, insectivorous plants such as yellow pitcher plant, hooded pitcher plant and sundews. Wildflowers including mountain mint, coreopsis, primrose lobelia and fly poison go in and out of bloom from spring to autumn. Scattered throughout the 291 acres are small ponds with pond cypress growing in them.

Johnny Stowe, Heritage Preserve manager for the Department of Natural Resources, will join us for an interesting morning of flora and fauna identification. Join us afterwards for lunch at Watfords Barb-B-Que in nearby Bishopville.

Details: There aren’t any bathrooms on the Preserve, but gas stations are within 4 miles. Wear boots and clothing suitable for brush and wet areas.

Directions: From I-20 take exit 120 (Approximately 50 miles east of Columbia) onto Hwy 341 South. Travel 2.9 miles to junction of Hwy 341 and Hwy 527. Continue straight on Hwy 527 for 3.6 miles to Elliott. Continue 4 miles on 527 to C.C. road. Turn left on C.C. Road (at the Preserve Sign). Travel two miles and make a left into Preserve entrance (small dirt road with Watchable Wildlife sign).