October 1998

October 5, 1998

Dear SCAN members,

Eight SCAN members and four guests visited Waites Island in Horry County on Saturday September 26. The weather was ideal for a day on the beach with the temperature in the mid-80’s and not a cloud in the sky. This barrier island is private and access can only be obtained by permission. As a result, the extensive beach was a gold mine for shells. Of particular interest were the many intact shells of a variety of crabs that challenged the identification skills of the participants. The island is separated from the mainland by a salt marsh that was full of birds. Two wood storks were roosting in trees adjacent to the salt marsh. They did not appear to have moved during the 4 hours SCAN spent on the island.

See the Flora/Fauna ListSpecial thanks are due to Steven Burkowitz, a marine scientist and geologist from Coastal Carolina University, for taking the day to lead the trip to the island. In addition to leading the trip, Steve shared Coastal Carolina’s vision for the future of the area which includes a building to house students and conduct research on land adjacent to the island. We are also grateful to Julie Finlayson and Sandy Elliott, the Eastern Regional Directors, for a well planned and conducted trip.

Sincerely,
Ken Boni, President

Other SCAN news items: SCAN will share the booth of PIN (Palmetto Insect Naturalists) at the South Carolina Insect Festival to be held at Cypress Gardens in Dorchester County from ten to five on Saturday, November 7. Clemson will have a booth, plus SC Beekeepers, and other similar organizations. There will even be a VW Beetle Show! A special talk on butterflies will be presented at 3 p.m. The standard admission to the gardens will apply. Cypress Gardens has a butterfly house, flower gardens planted for attracting butterflies, and large natural areas as well. If you can help us on that day, or even just come visit, I think you’d find it enjoyable.

The nominating committee will be meeting soon. If you have any suggestions or wish to volunteer (we need YOU!), contact vice-president Dee Hope (4 Pretorius St., Statesboro, GA 30458 Tel. 912-489-5167) or e-mail him at deehope@frontiernet.net.

On December 19, the field trip planning meeting will be held. We need all the suggestions possible there, too. Send your suggestions to Virginia Winn, 3025 Dalloz Rd., Columbia, SC 29204 (803-787-1592) or e-mail her at vewinn100@aol.com. The more information you can include (if it is a new site) the better. A map would be an excellent idea. Or you can contact your regional director.

Clemson University Experimental Forest
10:30 a.m. October 24, 1998

George H. Aull Natural Area, Anderson CountyThe Clemson Experimental Forest is considered to be one of the most extensive university ecosystem laboratories in the United States. It is used for wildlife, forestry, environmental and water quality research and teaching by faculty and students at the university, as well as by other groups and government agencies.

Our field trip to Clemson Forest on October 24, will include the George H. Aull Natural Area (Anderson County) which has been designated as a state registered heritage site by the S.C. Heritage Trust and the Society of American Foresters. The Aull Natural Area is recognized as one of the least disturbed upland sites in South Carolina. The area includes trees more than 150 years old that represent a unique combination of old-growth species from both the mountains and the piedmont. Topsoil under the magnificent trees is up to 16 inches deep because of the undisturbed nature of the protected area.

We are very fortunate on this field trip to have as our guide, Dr. David Van Lear of the Clemson Forestry Department. Dr. Van Lear will have some of his students along so that we can all exchange information. If time permits, we will also visit a different area of the Clemson Forest, which is relatively close, at Wild Cat Creek (Pickens County). This area is well known for its aquatic insects.

Bring lunch, plenty of water, binoculars and all the usual paraphernalia. Restrooms are not available at the Aull Natural Area

Directions: Note that Clemson Experimental Forest, Aull Natural Area is near Clemson University. (No home football game that day.) From Interstate 85, take the Clemson US 76 / SC 28 exit toward Clemson. Approximately 5 miles from I-85, turn left at the traffic light onto SC 187 / Wild Hog Road. Travel just over a half-mile on Wild Hog Road and turn right on an unmarked drive (just past the Milliken Mill property). Plans are to have a sign saying “SCAN” at this point. Follow this rough narrow road cautiously to the open area for parking (limited parking; for cars only).