Francis Marion National Forest Bioblitz

Thursday – Monday

For the 14th year, SCAN will join the naturalist group Under a Low Country Moon (ULCM) for their annual interpretive weekend. ULCM has been gathering over Memorial Day weekend since 2001. The group focuses on snake, frog, and turtle spotting throughout the Francis Marion National Forest. Teams and individuals slowly travel the dirt roads in vehicles and on bicycles, watching for snakes and other critters. Stops are made at pitcher plant bogs, ponds, pine forests, and cypress swamps for on-foot exploration. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Evening road cruises are often the highlight of the weekend. Back at camp, folks gather around the fire to tell tall tales and roast a few marshmallows.

For those who wish to camp, follow the directions to the grassy field that serves as home base just off HWY-41 on Hell Hole Road. This is primitive camping, so plan to “pack it in, pack it out.” The first campers typically set up Thursday evening and the last tents are struck around mid-morning on Monday. For those who prefer hot showers on occasion, there are several hotels about 30-45 minutes away in Moncks Corner or Mt. Pleasant.

Restrooms are available at the Circle K / BP in Jamestown, approximately 15 minutes away from camp.

Notes:
• Hell Hole Road and other forest roads can be harrowing in some spots. Thus, a vehicle with high ground clearance or 4×4 is always recommended in the FMNF. Bicycles are a good alternative too.
• The mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers will be out in full force. Stock up on Thermacells, bug spray, and long-sleeved shirts.
• The Subway located inside the Circle-K has not been open consistently in recent years. Have a plan B in mind if you usually get sandwiches from this shop.
• Join the ULCM WhatsApp Community for easier communication in the forest!

Saturday Potluck and Social at Hell Hole Camp Ground:
May 23rd at ~4:30pm

After our regularly scheduled soodle at Blessing Plantation, we’ll convene at the Hell Hole campground for a potluck dinner and revelry! Bring a dish, serving ware, a chair, your smile, and some campfire stories. It’s BYOB, so don’t forget your cooler! There is no power onsite, so make sure your dish can either be served cold, kept hot, or heated on a camp stove.

After the potluck, there will be night herping and road cruising. Plan to stick around late if that’s your jam!