May River – Blufftonian

Beyond the Tipping Point: Ecological Overshoot and the Fragile Paradigm of Bluffton, South Carolina

October 18, 2026

Ecological overshoot occurs when human economic activity outpaces the Earth’s natural regenerative limits. Instead of living off ecological “interest”—the sustainable...

The Ghost of the Estuary: What Fred Holland Tried to Tell Bluffton

February 16, 2026February 17, 2026

If you spent any time around the salt marshes of Beaufort County in the early 2000s, you likely heard the...

The Sentinel’s Return: Josh Martin and the Second Chance for the May

February 16, 2026February 17, 2026

If Fred Holland provided the scientific pulse of the May River, Josh Martin was the man tasked with building the...

The Sentinel’s Redemption: Breaking the “One-Way Street” of Development to Save the May River

February 15, 2026March 16, 2026

The struggle for the soul of the May River is a narrative defined by the collision of biological reality and...

The Lowcountry Crossroads: Engineering a Resilient Bluffton

February 13, 2026March 16, 2026

For decades, Bluffton, South Carolina, was defined by the “Bluffton State of Mind”—a philosophy rooted in the slow rhythm of...

Experiencing the Extraordinary: Dolphin Strand Feeding in Bluffton, South Carolina

December 7, 2025January 31, 2026

Nestled gracefully between the renowned resort destination of Hilton Head Island and the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, the charming...

The May River: Watershed Action Plan

November 13, 2025December 16, 2025

The May River is a picturesque, tide-driven estuary located in the heart of the Lowcountry, flowing alongside the historic Town...

Crabs on the Move: Exploring Crustacean Encounters in Bluffton, SC

November 2, 2025January 31, 2026

Bluffton, South Carolina, nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a haven for a variety of fascinating creatures. Among...

The Growth Dilemma: Is Bluffton’s Environmental Action Waiting for the “Build-Out”?

July 3, 2025January 22, 2026

Bluffton, South Carolina, is a town undergoing a profound transformation. What was once a sleepy fishing village has blossomed into...

Juvenile Shorebirds in the Lowcountry of South Carolina: A Tiny Treasure

March 28, 2025January 31, 2026

The Lowcountry of South Carolina, a coastal region renowned for its pristine beaches, salt marshes, and abundant wildlife, is a...

The May River: A Jewel of the Lowcountry

March 12, 2025November 11, 2025

The May River, a serene and picturesque tidal river, gracefully meanders through the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina, contributing significantly...

May River Watershed Action Plan: 10 Point Analysis

December 13, 2024December 13, 2025

1. Introduction and Environmental Significance The May River is an essential ecological and recreational resource in South Carolina, designated by...

Septic Systems Only a Small Part of the Problem with the May River

October 6, 2024October 8, 2024

About a decade ago, as part of an environmental restoration grant application, about 500 homes near the river were reported...

Understanding Hurricane Flooding with Storm Surge Maps

July 7, 2024July 21, 2024

When hurricanes threaten coastal communities, storm surge is often the most dangerous aspect. This powerful rise in ocean water levels...

Is the May River Sparkling Clean? Examining Microplastic Concerns in Bluffton’s Jewel

July 7, 2024July 7, 2024

The May River, a jewel winding through the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina, is known for its beauty and its...

The Majestic Great Blue Heron: A Patient Predator

July 6, 2024November 28, 2025

The Great Blue Heron, with its statuesque posture and piercing gaze, is a familiar sight across North America. This magnificent...

Where Have All the Seabirds Gone? A Look at South Carolina’s Dwindling Populations

July 5, 2024July 21, 2024

South Carolina’s beautiful coastline has long been a haven for a variety of seabirds. Pelicans, terns, skimmers, and gulls have...

May River Blues: Bluffton Grapples With Water Quality Decline

June 15, 2024June 15, 2024

The May River, a scenic waterway that graces Bluffton, South Carolina, faces a challenge. Over the past two decades, rapid...

PFAS Detected in Bluffton Drinking Water

June 1, 2024July 21, 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been a growing concern across the United States due...

The Enduring Embrace: A Lowcountry’s Fight for Ecological Survival

May 6, 2024July 21, 2024

The Lowcountry – a tapestry of emerald marshes, ancient live oaks, and sinuous waterways – thrums with life. Yet, beneath...

The Bottlenose Dolphin: A Smart and Sociable Swimmer

March 21, 2024July 21, 2024

The bottlenose dolphin, with its playful grin and impressive intelligence, is perhaps the most recognizable dolphin species. These fascinating creatures...

The Spectacle of Strand Feeding: Dolphins Outsmarting the Tide

March 19, 2024March 19, 2024

Imagine a scene straight out of a nature documentary: dolphins purposefully driving fish onto a shallow sandbar, then leaping out...

The Enchanting May River: Heartbeat of Bluffton, SC

March 18, 2024July 21, 2024

The May River winds its way gracefully through Bluffton, South Carolina, serving as a vital artery and beloved landmark. Unlike...

Bluffton Fights for the May River: A Watershed Protection Plan

March 16, 2024March 19, 2024

The May River, a vital waterway in Bluffton, South Carolina, has faced challenges due to rapid development. To combat declining...

“The River, The River, The River” – Bluffton’s Vow to the May

January 1, 2024February 1, 2026

In Bluffton, the May River isn’t just a body of water; it’s a heartbeat. Longtime locals recall the words of...

The Science Is Undeniable!

February 24, 2023October 4, 2023

The science is easy to understand and long-proven. “The clearing of land for sprawling suburban development is directly linked to the...

Septic Systems Are Only A Small Part Of The May River Problem

February 24, 2023February 7, 2026

About a decade ago, as part of an environmental restoration grant application, about 500 homes near the river were reported...

Save The May River

February 24, 2023October 4, 2023

Recent decades of development have brought an influx of impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and roads. Now that impervious surfaces...

Picture of the Day

October 7, 2022

May River Science Is Undeniable!

September 14, 2022January 31, 2026

The science is easy to understand and long-proven. “The clearing of land for sprawling suburban development is directly linked to the...