Education and Outreach
Education is the connecting thread that weaves through everything we do. Through education, we are ambassadors cultivating an appreciation of the natural world around us and fostering a conservation ethic. We believe an understanding of our complex ecosystems and rich histories promotes a desire to protect natural and cultural resources. Our diverse set of educational programs provide a foundation for becoming effective stewards of the Lowcountry environment.
“In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”
- Baba Dioum, Senegalese conservationist
PROGRAMMING
Lecture Series
The Conservancy’s Brown Bag Lunch and First Friday Lecture series are a way for people to learn more about Palmetto Bluff, the Lowcountry, and the Southeast from the comfort of the Conservancy Classroom. Lectures are given by Conservancy staff as well as guest speakers, and cover a wide range of topics, including history, ecology, and wildlife of the Southeast. You may join most lectures remotely via Zoom.
Research Excursions
Ecological research is an important part of the Conservancy’s mission and helps us evaluate the health of our local ecosystems. Research excursions allow participants to experience firsthand the ecological studies, surveys, and citizen science efforts the Conservancy undertakes throughout the year.
Explore PBC
Explore PBC programs introduce participants to the cultural and natural history of the Bluff from our vast outdoor classroom. These excursions take you to various locations around the property – from the Headwaters Nature Trail in the north to Anson Village in the south. They include cemetery walks that discuss the history of those laid to rest as well as hikes that focus on specific habitats or taxa.
PBC Birding
In our PBC Birding programs, we take both new and experienced birders throughout the property in search of our avian residents and migrants. With over 220 species documented at the Bluff, and with more left to be seen, these outings can help familiarize participants with common and uncommon birds, along with the natural features of the land that draw these species to Palmetto Bluff.
Burn Watch
Prescribed fire management is one of the most important land management techniques in the Southeast. During January and February, we take a lucky few to see either a burn in progress or an area that was recently burned, depending on weather-related burn conditions for that day. Participants learn the ecological benefits of fire and the decisions prescribed fire managers make when putting fire on the ground.
Edibles, Medicinals, and Other Uses of Plants
Sustenance, herbal remedies, and materials for clothing are some of the many wonderful goods derived from plants. Join us as we explore historic and modern uses of plants that are found around the Bluff.
Lowcountry Flora
Even though plants form the base of terrestrial ecosystems, they are often ignored and overlooked. Take a casual stroll around some of the Conservancy team’s favorite places at the Bluff and learn more about the common and unusual plants we see along the way.
Nature Crafts
We use items found in nature – mixed with our own creativity – to create something wonderful! Activities include creating a dye out of natural materials, fabricating rope out of various fibrous plants, and using leaves to create art of your choosing.
Camps
Naturalist camps are a way for the Conservancy to provide educational experiences for children in a fun and informal setting.
VIEW 2024 CAMPS
Breaking It Down
In this dissection-based program, we take a closer look at the internal anatomy of oysters and squid while discussing life history traits that are indicated through these internal parts.
Discovering the Past
Join Palmetto Bluff and hear tales of the lives of those who lay at rest.
PROGRAMMING
The Conservancy’s Brown Bag Lunch and First Friday Lecture series are a way for people to learn more about Palmetto Bluff, the Lowcountry, and the Southeast from the comfort of the Conservancy Classroom. Lectures are given by Conservancy staff as well as guest speakers, and cover a wide range of topics, including history, ecology, and wildlife of the Southeast. You may join most lectures remotely via Zoom.
Ecological research is an important part of the Conservancy’s mission and helps us evaluate the health of our local ecosystems. Research excursions allow participants to experience firsthand the ecological studies, surveys, and citizen science efforts the Conservancy undertakes throughout the year.
Explore PBC programs introduce participants to the cultural and natural history of the Bluff from our vast outdoor classroom. These excursions take you to various locations around the property – from the Headwaters Nature Trail in the north to Anson Village in the south. They include cemetery walks that discuss the history of those laid to rest as well as hikes that focus on specific habitats or taxa.
In our PBC Birding programs, we take both new and experienced birders throughout the property in search of our avian residents and migrants. With over 220 species documented at the Bluff, and with more left to be seen, these outings can help familiarize participants with common and uncommon birds, along with the natural features of the land that draw these species to Palmetto Bluff.
Prescribed fire management is one of the most important land management techniques in the Southeast. During January and February, we take a lucky few to see either a burn in progress or an area that was recently burned, depending on weather-related burn conditions for that day. Participants learn the ecological benefits of fire and the decisions prescribed fire managers make when putting fire on the ground.
Naturalist camps are a way for the Conservancy to provide educational experiences for children in a fun and informal setting.
Native Plant Garden
The Conservancy’s goals is to encourage the use of native plants in landscaping. We established a demonstration native plant and pollinator garden in 2019 to highlight some of the wonderful native plants you can use in your own yard.
We welcome volunteers! If you would like to volunteer in our native plant gardens, please contact the Conservancy at info@pbconservancy.org.
Palmetto Bluff Conservancy
Photo Contest
Photo Contest
The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy hosts a monthly photo contest that highlights the flora and fauna of the Lowcountry. Each month will celebrate a different, Conservancy-related theme. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Photos must be submitted to info@pbconservancy.org to participate.
Each month, our top three participants will receive raffle tickets (three tickets for first place, two tickets for second place, and one ticket for third place) that will go into a pot for the chance to win a pair of Burn Fest tickets. The drawing will occur following the last Brown Bag Lunch of October.
Submitting a photo to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy photo contest gives the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy permission to use the photo for posts, publications, products, website, and advertising.
Each participant may submit one photo per month related to that month’s theme. The photo does not need to be taken within that month.
All images must be taken in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
All photos must have complete information attached, including subjects, dates, and locations.
Animal and plant photographs must be wild; no captive animals or planted specimens.
The animal must be alive, the photo taken under natural conditions, and taken in an ethical manner that places the welfare of the subject above the photographer’s desire to get an image.
Photos modified with AI will not be accepted.
July 2024 – Lowcountry Nature
August 2024 – Reptiles & Amphibians
September 2024 – Lowcountry Mammals
October 2024– Life in the Trees
November 2024 – Birds at the Bird Feeder
December 2024– Sunrise & Sunset
Previous Winners
Wildlife Sighting Chalkboard
Have you seen an exciting animal or plant? Share it on our chalkboard in Moreland Village – located next to the Canteen.
We Appreciate Your Support.
The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, focuses on outreach, education, research, land and wildlife management, and conservation of Palmetto Bluff’s natural and cultural resources. Our team includes land and wildlife managers, a biologist, a full-time educator, and seasonal interns.
Your donation helps us expand our environmental research, conserve resources, and keep our programs free and accessible. Contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
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