The Lowcountry of South Carolina, a coastal region renowned for its pristine beaches, salt marshes, and abundant wildlife, is a particularly special place for juvenile shorebirds. These small,...
Baby alligators, often referred to as hatchlings, are fascinating creatures that capture the imagination. Though they may seem cute and cuddly, they are actually miniature versions of their...
The South Carolina coast, a tapestry of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and expansive ocean, provides an ideal habitat for a remarkable avian predator: the osprey. Often referred to as “fish hawks,”...
A Symbol of Conservation The snowy egret, a small, elegant bird with pristine white plumage, is a beloved sight in wetland habitats. Once on the brink of extinction due to the fashion industry's...
Trees, often overlooked as simple flora, are in fact complex organisms that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our planet. From purifying air to mitigating climate change, their benefits...
While many birds are at their most active during the day, the black-crowned night heron thrives under the cloak of darkness. This fascinating creature, with its striking appearance and nocturnal...
The Lowcountry, with its sprawling wetlands and serene waterways, is a haven for a truly iconic creature: the American alligator. These prehistoric-looking reptiles have called this region home for...
The Great Blue Heron, with its statuesque posture and piercing gaze, is a familiar sight across North America. This magnificent bird, the largest heron on the continent, is an impressive addition to...
Bluffton, South Carolina, isn't just known for its Southern hospitality and beautiful scenery. The town is a haven for a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies, flitting through gardens, parks, and...
South Carolina's beautiful coastline has long been a haven for a variety of seabirds. Pelicans, terns, skimmers, and gulls have all flocked to the state's barrier islands and inlets to nest and raise...
Bluffton, South Carolina, nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a haven for a variety of fascinating creatures. Among these are the many crab species that thrive in the area's rich coastal...
Bluffton, SC prides itself on its natural beauty, from the May River winding through the town to the lush greenery blanketing the Lowcountry landscape. Protecting this environment is a top priority...
Egret wading in water Egrets are elegant wading birds known for their white or buff plumage, long legs, and slender necks. They are closely related to herons, but are generally smaller and more...
As I was walking through my yard in Old Town Bluffton I came across this Luna Moth. You don't find them here often, but once in a while you get lucky! The luna moth, with its vibrant white and green...
Pluff mud, also sometimes called plough mud, is a unique substance found in the salt marshes of South Carolina. It's not exactly what you'd call pleasant. This dark brown, clay-like mud has a...
The Lowcountry - a tapestry of emerald marshes, ancient live oaks, and sinuous waterways - thrums with life. Yet, beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape lies a constant struggle, a fight for...
The tea olive shrub, also known as sweet olive or fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans), is a popular choice for Southern gardens and landscapes thanks to its combination of attractive evergreen...
Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Blufton lies a hidden gem for nature lovers: Victoria Bluff Nature Preserve in Bluffton, South Carolina. This 977-acre sanctuary offers a welcome...
The ruby-throated hummingbird, a dazzling flash of green and red, is a summer visitor to eastern North America. These tiny marvels are the only breeding hummers east of the Mississippi River,...
The painted bunting is a dazzling songbird native to North America, known for its vibrant plumage and melodic song. A Dazzling Appearance Male painted buntings are a sight to behold. Their bodies are...
Sea turtles, with their prehistoric looks and graceful glides through the ocean, have captivated us for centuries. But beneath their hard shells lie fascinating adaptations and a fight for survival....
The bottlenose dolphin, with its playful grin and impressive intelligence, is perhaps the most recognizable dolphin species. These fascinating creatures are found in warm and temperate seas around...
Shorebirds, also known as waders in some regions, are a captivating group of birds that grace our coastlines, wetlands, and mudflats. From the elegant Avocet with its upturned bill to the tiny...
Elegant Waders: The wood stork is a captivating wading bird, easily identified by its all-white plumage, black wingtips, and long, down-curved bill. It holds the distinction of being the only stork...
About a decade ago, as part of an environmental restoration grant application, about 500 homes near the river were reported to have septic tanks. That number has not changed significantly in the last...
Recent decades of development have brought an influx of impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and roads. Now that impervious surfaces cover more than 10 percent of our watershed area, it is a...
The science is easy to understand and long-proven. “The clearing of land for sprawling suburban development is directly linked to the impaired waterways because without enough natural land cover...
About a decade ago, as part of an environmental restoration grant application, about 500 homes near the river were reported to have septic tanks. That number has not changed significantly in the last...
