SOUTH CAROLINA’S

HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK

June, 2011

Program Descriptions

●Alligator Talk: Meet at the Park Office. Discover modern-day dinosaurs during this enlightening look at our largest reptile. (All ages, 30 minutes)

●Beach Walk: Meet at the Lighthouse for an interpretive talk about the physical changes that occur on a barrier island while exploring the biological aspects of the beach environment. (All ages, 1 hour)

●Birds of Prey: Meet at the Nature Center for an enlightening look at some of the most amazing hunters in the animal kingdom-Raptors!  (All ages, 1 hour).

●Carolina Explorers: Meet at the Nature Center for arts and crafts while learning about Hunting Island. All projects are nature-based. $5 per person. For ages 3-7.  Pre-registration is Required!!! (3-7 year olds, 1 hour)

●Cast Netting: Meet at Lagoon Parking Lot “J” to gain a skill you can apply to everyday life in the Lowcountry-catching shrimp and bait!  After learning the technique, participants will practice their new skill.  Pre-registration is required!  (6 years and up, 1 hour).

●Crabbing: Meet at the Nature Center. Learn about the life history of the Blue Crab, the methods of crabbing and the responsible use of this natural resource. $5 per person. Pre-registration is required! (All ages, 1.5 hours)

●Dreamcatchers and SC Native Americans: Meet at the Nature Center for an inside look at the life and culture of the Native Americans who once lived on the island.  Build a dreamcatcher to scare off any bad dreams and make a unique souvenir.  Pre-registration is required!!  Must be at least 6 years old.  $5 per person.  (6 years and up, 1.5 hours)

●Fishing Tournament: Meet at the Nature Center. Come one, come all to Hunting Island State Park’s first ever Father’s Day Fishing Tournament.  Kids ages 15 and younger fish for free.  Tournament will be located on the Paradise Pier, located next to the Nature Center.  Must register fish before 3:00pm.  $5 per adult.  (All Ages, 6 hours)

●Fish Printing (Gyotaku): Meet at the Nature Center. Learn the art of gyotaku and create a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your visit.  $5.00 per person. Must be at least 6 years old. Pre-registration is Required and you must bring your own t- shirt!!! (6 years and up, 1 Hour)

●Green Living: Meet at the Nature Center to learn easy steps towards a healthier body and wallet.  Reduce your carbon footprint while saving money.  A recyclable craft is optional at the end and $3 per person.  Pre-registration is NOT required.  For all ages. (All Ages, 1 Hour)

●Lighthouse Tour: Meet at the Lighthouse. A fascinating look at how it was built and how it was moved over one hundred years ago! There is a $2.00 per person fee to climb the lighthouse. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 44 inches in height. (All ages, 30 minutes)

●Pier Fishing: Meet at the Nature Center. Learn how to cast like a pro, and how to catch “the big one”. Naturalist will be on hand to talk about the common fish caught off the Hunting Island pier. $3.00 per person, pre-registration is required! (6 years and up, 1.5 hours)

●Pirates of the Carolinas: Meet at the Nature Center. Alas, ye dirty land lovers.  Throw up the Jolly Roger and join me for a look into the dirty rotten scallywags who used to visit these shores.  Arggh Matey! (All Ages, 30 minutes)

●Reptiles of the SC Lowcountry: Meet at the Nature Center. Prepare yourself for a close encounter with our native reptiles, including snakes, turtles, alligators and lizards. Live animals will be on hand. (All Ages, 1 Hour)

●Salt Marsh Kayaking: Meet at Russ Point Boat Landing. Learn the technique of kayaking while getting a unique look at the salt marsh behind Hunting Island. Guided tour offers a look into the five habitats of hunting Island.  Please bring sunscreen, drinking water, a snack and clothes and shoes that can get wet.  No flip flops.  No one under 8. Children ages 8-12 must be in a tandem with an adult.  Children ages 13-17 must be accompanied on the trip by an adult. $40 per person. Pre-Registration is Required!!!  Limited to 14 people. You must call the Kayak Farm (843) 838-2008 to register. (8 years  & older, 2 hours)

● Sea Safari: Meet at the Lagoon Parking Lot “J”. This program will allow participants a chance to view the marine creatures that live under the sea and the diversity of animal life found in the waters surrounding Hunting Island. (All ages, 1 hour)

● Sea Turtle Tracks: Meet at the Nature Center: This program will give visitors the opportunity to learn about sea turtles in general (body structure, different species, and life cycles) and sea turtle conservation on Hunting Island. (All ages, 1 hour)

●Secrets of the Salt Marsh: Meet at the Marsh Boardwalk for an enlightening interpretative walk through the wonderful world of the Salt Marsh; one of the four ecosystems on Hunting Island. (All ages, 1 hour).

●Sharks of SC: Meet at the Nature Center Sleek design, powerful swimmer, and a bad reputation…  We’re talking about sharks!  Join us in the Nature Center classroom to see what the buzz is all about. (All ages, 30 minutes)

●Walk in the Woods: Meet at the Nature Center. Join a Naturalist for a hike through the Maritime forest. View ancient dunes, learn about the edible plants of the island and possibly see some of the creatures that call our forest home! (All Ages, 1 hour).

● What’s on the Menu?: Meet at the Nature Center. Join us as we feed our animals.  Help a staff member catch crabs for the turtles and watch a snake hunt its prey. (All Ages, 30 minutes)

● Woodland Birds of Hunting Island: Meet at the Nature Center to learn about the diversity of birdlife found in the maritime forest of Hunting Islands. (All Ages, 1 Hour).

● For a fee of $99, the Passport Plus will afford the same admission privileges as an annual Park Passport, but will also include free admission for up to 4 persons for programs costing $8 and under.

Nature Center Hours: 9am-5pm Sunday-Saturday

PROGRAM INFORMATION: 843.838-7437

For more information,

www.southcarolinaparks.com