2022 Nemours Wildlife Foundation - Fall Gathering

Biologist Beau Bauer presented with a surprise from
Mike McShane and Dr. Andrew Bridges

The Friends of Nemours group gathers to monitor the progress at the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, especially with Dr. Andrew Bridges taking over as CEO in 2022. The 10 a.m. social hour in northern Beaufort County may seem early to some, but to the sporting crowd many mornings begin much earlier. The 11 a.m. program was succinct with Board Chair Mike McShane introducing Dr. Bridges, and he explained how he is tasked with creating the first ever comprehensive plan for Nemours. "I have been doing a lot of listening for the last six months," said Bridges. "We are nearing the time for implementation and I thank everyone here today for their contributions, and I assure you that more opportunities to stay involved are on the way."

Tours of the brand new Wiggers Science Lab

Friends of Nemours Fellowship

Two announcements from Dr. Bridges included recognition of biologist Beau Baeur for his ten years on staff at Nemours, surprising him with the presentation of a Red-cockaded woodpecker print, a reminder of the successful translocation of RCW's to Nemours. Next Dr. Bridges introduced his colleague Dale James who is the CEO at the

Plantation Managers at Nemours Wildlife Foundation

Welder Wildlife Foundation in Texas, and they announced a unique partnership between Nemours and Welder that will enable the science efforts at both properties to 'cross-pollinate' and bear the fruit of habitat conservation and research. A southern lunch served by Jimmy Fitts catering afforded everyone a time of fellowship. Then a short list of activities were offered, including a tour of the new science lab, a wagon ride through the Nemours property, or enjoying the fire pit and vista of the Combahee River wetlands. Lucky for me, I completed all three!

Jessica Loring and Larry Rasmussen 
from Old Combahee Plantation

To view past blog entries from Friends of Nemours click on Spring 2022 - 2021 - 2017- 2014- 2013 - 2012 - 2009

To view past blog entries from Nemours Wildlife Foundation click on  2021 Spring Birding - 2011 Mottled Duck Study - 2012 Army Corps of Engineers - 2014 Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers - 2014 USDA Under Secretary   

Peachie and Jimmy are old friends

2022 S.C. Tree Farm Field Tour - Bailey Mill Plantation

Stop #1 Road Improvements, Burning Regime

The S.C. Tree Farm system held a Field Tour in Jasper County on November 2 at Bailey Mill Plantation. Owners Jim and Pam Porter planned out a tour that worked in conjunction with the S.C. Forestry Alliance convention in Hilton Head, and included representatives from the American Forest Foundation. The Porter's acquired this property six years ago, and have been actively planting pine trees in order to produce a sustainable harvest in the future. The Field Tour began with an introduction and safety talk, before attendees boarded two trolley cars to tour the property with six stopping points. Dry conditions and premium Fall weather made this day in the field extremely comfortable for all.

Stop # 6 Longleaf Pine planting with
Bob Franklin, Lisa Lord and Jim Porter

Welcome to Bailey Mill Plantation

Tour Stop Number One included two pine stands on either side of the road, approximate age of 16 years old and inherited from prior owners. After improving the road through this pine stand pine crowning and daylighting, they started two different regimes of controlled burns on each side of the road to vary the understory habitat. One acreage is only burned in winter, and one acreage is burned during growing seasons, and the visual difference between the two stands informs anyone that views it how a growing season burn keeps the understory more clear of woody vegetation. Often the implementation of fire to any landscape can produce different results, so a trial and error effort may be best, or in this case just do two separate prescriptions right next to each.

Stop # 5 Forester Wise Batten Jr. talks Clearcuts,
and replanting with ArborGen trees

Tour Stop Number Six highlighted a conversion of agricultural fields to a longleaf pine site, that was a parternship with the Longleaf Alliance. While the longleaf pines will not reach the mill as quickly as loblolly pines, it does produce the desired effect of habitat diversity on Bailey Mill which is what the owners desire. A large portion of the property has been placed under easement with the Lowcountry Land Trust, for protection in perpetuity. This Tree Farm will also be used for hunting by the family, and includes quail woods under guidance from biologist Travis Folk, and a significant hardwood drain that is home to waterfowl. The Field Tour wrapped up with lunch by Hawg Wild Barbecue under a tent, with a presentation by Dr. Barry Shiver about the financial analysis process for Tree Farm owners. The pillars of a certified Tree Farm are Wood, Water, Recreation and Wildlife.

To view past blog entries from the S.C. Tree Farm click on 2016 Field Tour - 2016 Lobby Day - 2014 Tree Farm Changes - 2012 District 12 Winner - 2010 Volunteer of the Year 

To view past blog entries from the Lowcountry Landowners Association click on 2022 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 

To view past blog entries on landowner meetings click 2016 Kershaw County Landowners - 2016 Longleaf Alliance - 2014 Quail Habitat Workshop - 2011 Tri-County Forestry Association - ACE Basin - S.C. Prescribed Fire Council - Savannah River Preserve - Herbicide - Mayfield Garden Club

2022 Birding Journal Observations - September / October

Female Rose-Breasted Grosbeak on Oct. 10

Warm and dry conditions in September kept the birding activity levels normal, but a sharp drop off came after the passing of Hurricane Ian on Sept. 29. Migratory birds such as hummingbirds took that as a cue to leave and head South, which was a bit earlier than usual. Other backyard songbirds got dispersed, and while some eventually returned to backyard feeders, there largely remained a noticeable drop off in the quantity of bird seed being consumed. But then a few late migrants passed though in October, and with other species like yellow-bellied sapsuckers returning to their winter haunts, birds not directly affected by Ian undertook their routines.

Canada geese, barn swallows, blue jays, and an assortment of woodpeckers have been easy to spot. Brown-headed nuthatch and yellow-billed cuckoo now occupy the places where the summer tanager relinquished following Ian. An increase in Bald Eagle sightings and other hawks also seems typical for their annual Fall migration patterns. Dry conditions remain in place in the Lowcountry, and mild temperatures have been widespread, as the extreme heat of summer dissipates. The last days before the switch to Daylight Savings Time affects man far more than the birds or critters of the natural world.

Female Painted Bunting on Oct. 22

To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations clic on July / August 2022

To view past Birding Journal Observations for September / October click on 2021 - 2018- 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009