Hunting Island State Park Nature Center March naturalist programs
All programs are free with park admission. Call 843-838-7437 for information or reservations.
Monday: Secrets of the Salt Marsh – 4 p.m.
Tuesday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m., Nature Center. Discover some of the wildlife found around Hunting Island as represented by the animal ambassadors. (all ages); Traces of Wild Ruffians – 12:30-1:30 p.m., Nature Center. Find ut what mammals are rummaging through Hunting Island and learn how to identify mammal tracks. (ages 7 to 12); Beach Walk – 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse. Walk along the beach with a naturalist to learn more about the treasures from the ocean. (all ages) (not held on Feb. 8).
Wednesday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m.; Turtle Talk – 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Learn about the variety of turtles on Hunting Island. (all ages); Walk With a Naturalist – 2:30-3:15 p.m., Nature Center. Enjoy a 0.7-mile scenic walk that ends at Little Hunting Island, which you can explore on your own. Wear walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. (limited to 15 walkers) Call by noon the previous day for reservations.
Thursday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m.; Gator Gab – 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Congregate around our modern-day dinosaurs and watch our vicious hunters eat a delicious meal. (all ages); What a Wharf – 2:30-3 p.m., Nature Center. Walk down the pier and learn how Hunting Island and its ecosystems came to be. (all ages).
Friday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m.; Serpent Exploration – 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Get a chance to fight your fears and touch a snake or two. (all ages); Beach Walk – 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse.
Saturday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m.; Sea Turtle Discovery – 2-3:15 p.m., Nature Center. Four species of sea turtles are found on the S.C. coast, and one is the state reptile. (all ages); Walk With a Naturalist – 2:30-3:15 p.m., Nature Center.
Beaufort County Library Ongoing Programs
These are the ongoing programs available at the Beaufort Branch Library Downtown: 2:30 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month, Knitting/Crochet Class; all day during business hours, 1st Thursday each month, Chess Club; 2:30 p.m., last Tuesday each month, Book to Movie Club; daily during library hours, Escape Quest Games.
Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers. The first 20 shoppers of the night at the March 3 Bluffton Night Bazaar will get free market tote bags filled with surprises from our sponsors. Participating vendors for March 3: Miss Katie’s Sweets (food truck), Lite Foot Company, Kara Artman Art, Cottonwood Soap Company, Southern Botanica, Barb’s Boards, Pet Wants, Woodsman’s Wife & Co., Tout Sweet Macarons, 7th & Palm, The Herb Room Apothecary, Marsh View Candles, Kilted Bee Mead, Juke Joint Sweets, Palmetto Kettle Corn/Crescent Moon Macaroons, River Dog Shop, Fabula Collective, SH’ THAT’S HOT!, Lowcountry Livin’, True South, Mystic Mates Pillows.
The Historic Port Royal Museum
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email unionchurch1004@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Fort Fremont History Center, Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Docent-led tours are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday. Travel back in time to the 1800s and the Spanish American War. Visitors to Fort Fremont can learn about the fort’s history by reading interpretive panels, taking a self-guided tour with a smart phone, visiting the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more information, visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks manager Stephanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
A War on Two Fronts: African Americans Fight for Victory at Home and Abroad
Through Saturday, Aug. 13, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland. A traveling exhibit adapted from an original exhibition and book developed by the Athenaeum Press at the Horry County Museum. The exhibition and book explore how African Americans in the 92nd and 93rd Army infantry divisions fought for racial equality during wartime, and then went on to be active participants in the Civil Rights Movement. It traces the little-known stories of soldiers on the front lines, and how segregation affected their training, service and recognition. The exhibition draws from the work of Maggi Morehouse, Burroughs Distinguished Professor of Southern History and Culture at Coastal Carolina University and a daughter of a commanding officer in the 92nd infantry division. To learn more about “A War on Two Fronts” and other Athenaeum Press projects, visit www.ccu.press or www.warontwofronts.com. Morris Center is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.morrisheritagecenter.org or call 843-284-9227.
Lowcountry Made Markets
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., first and third Saturday of each month through December, Buckwalter Place Park, next to Kroger off Buckwalter Place Blvd., Bluffton. Each market includes local vendors, live music, food and drink. The events are free. Participating vendors include: Gullah Express LLC (food truck), Declan’s Delights, Pick N Paint Pottery, Preservation Tree Art, 7th & Palm, Kara Artman Art, Southern Botanica, Hedone (bath & body), Blue Door Boutique, The Herb Room Organic Apothecary, Juke Joint Sweets, BPC Custom Furniture, Back to Eden Self Care Products, LLC, Shutterbug Custom Designs LLC, Pet Wants Hilton Head, Grind Coffee Roasters, LLC, Fabula Collective, The Artsy Girl, KODA Glass Designs, Lowcountry Livin’, Legacy Art Gallery, Cottonwood Soap Company, Marsh View Candles and Crafted With A Purpose.
Lowcountry Made Markets in Port Royal
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., fourth Saturday of the month through May; second and fourth Saturday through November, Live Oaks Park, 904 14th Street, Port Royal. These markets showcase only local artists, artisans and small businesses. The open-air markets are held “farmer’s market” style with new vendors each month. Each market will also include live music, food and drink, and is free to attend. Vendors include Amidst the Alders, Preservation Tree Art, True South, Pet Wants, Meg’s Sweet Treats, Sativa Health Products, Back to Eden Self Care (Tea), Graceful Stitches, Cottonwood Soap Company (Bath & Body), Sweet Carolina’s Clothing Boutique, B&E Rustic Designs, Blue Door Boutique, Clayed by Reena LLC, Kara Artman Art, The Herb Room Organic Apothecary, Bliss Bites Cookies, Kilted Bee Mead (Soap), HandMade Beaufort, Lovin’ My Skin, LLC, Purely, Inc. and KODA Glass, Lovely Olive Designs, Gone Gullah, Tout Sweet Macarons, Moonlight Crow Creations, Fabula Collective, Finch Sign & Design Metalworks LLC and Honey Bunny Boutique.
“Pull Yourself Up” Group Exercise Class for women
9:30 a.m., select Saturdays, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. This multi-generational women’s group training is a 5-week program taught by Kelly Blackston. It is designed for females who wish to be stronger especially using back muscle shoulders and arms plus build camaraderie and make new friends. Free for ages 13-19; $10 per class for YMCA members; $20 per class for adult non-member. Questions should be directed to Denice Davis, YMCA Healthy Living Program Director at 843-521-1904 or beaufort-jasperymca.org.
Power of the Purse
6 p.m., Thursday, March 24, Saltus River Grill. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres, open bar, silent auction. Tickets are $80 per person, $150 per couple. Purchase tickets at uwlowcountry.org/POP. Proceeds benefit United Way of the Lowcountry Women United’s Breaking Barriers to Education Fund. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Wendy Jones at wjones@uwlowcountry.org.
The Birds of Prey
7 p.m., Thursday, March 24, Fripp Island Community Center, 205 Tarpon Blvd. As part of the Fripp Audubon Club’s Ten Eyck Lecture Series, Stephen Schabel, Education Director for the Avian Conservation Center, (Birds of Prey) in Awendaw, will get up close and personal with live hawks, owls, vultures and more. During his live demonstration, attendees can learn about how these beautiful birds live, where they live and what is so unique about them. There will be no Meet and Greet due to setup for the birds. Donations to the Avian Conservation Center are welcome. For more information, visit www.islc.net/audubon/ or email the Fripp Audubon Club at frippaudubonclub@gmail.com. Off island visitors are welcome – receive a pass at the gate.
Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands guided tours
9 a.m., Friday, March 25; Saturday, April 9. Sunset walk from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 22. The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands (501c3) offers free tours with Master Naturalist Jill Moore as guide. Learn about the different types of wildlife, birds, and plants that inhabit this special place. Tours are approximately 90 minutes and limited to 12 participants. To sign up for a tour please email Kat Bray at info@foprcw.org. For more information, visit www.foprcw.org, follow us on Facebook at FriendsofPRCypressWetlands, or on Instagram at friendsofprcypresswetlands.
CPR training
8 a.m to noon, Saturday, March 26, April 9, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. Cost is $35 for YMCA certified course. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net.. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page.
Beaufort County Youth Conference virtual planning session
10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 26. Youth planners (middle and high school) needed. To pre-register or for more information, call Carrie at 843-812-4399 or Janie at 843-592-0013.
Virtually Speaking: Standing Up to Hate
5 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland. Author and journalist Mary Cronk Ferrell examines the roles that black women who enlisted in the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) played in WWII. Visit the Facebook page at the date and time listed for the live premiere. Virtually Speaking programs are archived there and on the website. For more information, visit www.morrisheritagecenter.org or call 843-284-9227.
Technical College of the Lowcountry Health Sciences Job Fair
4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 31, Technical College of the Lowcountry Beaufort Mather Campus, Building 12, 104 Reynolds Street, Beaufort. More than a dozen employers from across the Lowcountry and beyond will be on hand for the event. The job fair is free and open to the public. In addition, representatives from TCL’s health sciences program area will provide information about its programs in Surgical Technology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Phlebotomy, Patient Care and Emergency Medicine.
Friends of Fort Fremont Oyster Roast
5:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 1, Live Oak Park, Port Royal. Tickets are $35. Purchase before March 28. Oysters, chili, appetizers and dessert. Live music by the Sweet Ferns and a silent auction. Bring your own chairs and adult beverages. For more information, email oysterroast@fortfremont.org. Make checks payable to Friends of Fort Fremont, P.O. Box 982, St,. Helena Island, S.C. 29920. Or purchase tickets online at fortfremont.org. Include your email address for receipt.
Memory Matters Save the Memories Spring Soiree
6 p.m., Friday, April 1, Poseidon, Hilton Head Island & Hampton Lake, Bluffton. $200 per person. An evening of chef tastings, wine pairings, live and silent auctions and more – all to benefit Memory Matters. Memory Matters raises funds for local families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Space is limited at both locations. This will be a taste-and-mingle event. There will not be assigned seats. If special seating accommodations are necessary, email joy@mymemorymatters.org. Purchase tickets at mymemorymatters.org.
Race for Life Fundraiser 5K Run/2-mile Walk
8 a.m., Saturday, April 2, Live Oaks Park, 904 14th Street, Port Royal. Hosted by Radiance Women’s Center. Check in time from 8 to 8:30 a.m. 5K race takes runners down to The Sands and then through the historic district of Port Royal. Race medals will be awarded for best race times. Race starts at 9 a.m. Walk begins at Live Oaks Park, journey to The Sands, and return to Live Oaks Park. Prize awarded to individual/team that raises the most money. All riding in strollers will receive a colorful gift. Walkers depart at 9:15 a.m. Register at https://radiancewomenscenter.com/2022-race-for-life/. Registration before March 18 is $35 for adults and $25 for ages 18 and under. Registration Fee includes run and T-shirt. Race T-shirts are not guaranteed for registrations after March 18. Registration March 19 and after is $40 for adults and $30 for ages 18 and under. T-Shirt/packet pickup is from noon to 6 p.m., April 1, at Radiance Women’s Center, 21 Marshellen Drive, Beaufort.
Maye River Quilters
10 a.m., Saturday, April 2, Church of the Palms, 1419 Okatie Highway. The wearing of masks is encouraged. For more meeting dates and times, and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-530-1244. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com.
Race Relations and Unity lecture series
1:30 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 2 at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 901 Craven Street, Beaufort. The Beaufort Republican Women’s Club and the Tabernacle Baptist Church are hosting a three-part lecture series. Reverend Kenneth Hodges will begin with a lecture entitled “Robert Smalls-Founder of the S.C. Republican Party,” followed by Al Jenkins with Senator Tim Scott’s Office with a lecture entitled “An Uncomfortable Conversation With A Black Man,” and the final lecture entitled “Can We Be Different and Respectful At The Same Time?” The program will end with a panel discussion. The event is free; however, donations to the Harriet Tubman Memorial fund will be accepted. Seating is limited. RSVP to handyabc@gmail.com by March 30.
The Gospel Truth: Stories Behind Your Favorite Hymns
2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 2, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland. Event is free. Musicologist Dr. Eric Crawford from Benedict College will present the stories behind some traditional gospel hymns. Then, the songs will be performed by members from the local gospel group Pastor Elijah White and the Blessed Ones. Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Jasper County will be onsite to check voter registration status or to register people to vote. Please register to attend by March 31. For more information, visit morrisheritagecenter.org or call 843-284-9227.
Bridges Block Party
5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 2, Port Royal Community Beer Garden. Tickets are $25 through March 30 at https://bit.ly/3trYBHA. Entry included ballot to vote in Shrimp and Grits Cook-Off. Live music by Mike Ponder and Steel Rail Express. Tickets $30 on day of event. Adult celebration only.
Beaufort County Library Special Programs
These are the special programs available at the Beaufort Branch Library Downtown: April 6, Pat Conroy’s Love of Libraries; 2:30 p.m., April 12, Poetry Slam; 4:30 p.m., April 26, Pat Conroy’s Love of Poetry; 2:30 p.m., May 4, May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Celebration; 2:30 p.m., June 14, Hurricane Preparedness; 2:30 p.m., July 12, Comic Con; 2:30 p.m., Aug. 16, Local Art Display; 2:30 p.m., Sept. 13, Civic Awareness; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 20, Friends of the Library Celebration; 2:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Beekeeping; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Gingerbread House Contest.
Bridges Prep Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament
Saturday and Sunday. April 8-9. Captains meeting, TBD. Weigh in at Butler Marine Dry Stack. Species include spottail bass, spotted sea trout and flounder. Cost is $150 per boat. All funds raised support Bridges Prep athletic programs. Cash prizes for combined weight. Great opportunity to fish and help support the school. Those interested in sponsoring the event, contact Coach Gruel (bgruel@bridgesprep.org) or Gaylets (sgaylets@bridgesprep.org). To register for the tournament, visit https://bit.ly/31JnBi9.
Intermediate Indigo Workshop
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 9, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland. Event is $40. Dying to improve your indigo dyeing techniques? Leanne Coulter of Daufuskie Blues Art Gallery leads this “hands-in” workshop. Participants will dye a bandana in a natural indigo vat and experiment with more intricate relief methods. Designed for past indigo workshop participants. Please register to attend by April 7. For more information, visit morrisheritagecenter.org or call 843-284-9227.
Soft Shell Crab Festival
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 16, Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Free and open to all ages. It will feature the Lowcountry’s soft shell crabs prepared in a variety of styles by area chefs in addition to street festival favorites such as burgers, funnel cakes and more. There will be a kids’ zone for children, a craft/artisan fair and a car show by Beaufort’s Classic Car & Truck Club. Two live acts will be featured during the event – Campfire Tyler will perform on the main stage from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Guitar man Chris Jones will perform from 2 to 5 p.m. Two ATMs will be on site for those who do not bring cash with them. No pets permitted; only service dogs are allowed. The event is organized by the Old Village Association of Port Royal. To have a booth or sponsor the Soft Shell Crab festival, contact OVA by visiting www.portroyalova.com
