New Year's Eve Toast to 2022

Sitting in a Swampy Dove Field in September '22

My 14th Annual Toast to following the outdoors trail, includes the sense of relief that everyone felt from a more normal calendar of events from start to finish in 2022. Events like SEWE were up and running again, and conservation group fundraisers were back too, all of which adds up to a more balanced immersion into  all things outdoors. Hunting and Fishing are time honored pursuits that can only take a day, but overnight trips for birdwatching or professional golf coverage were back to normal. Joining together with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts is great, and I look forward to hunting for more outdoor stories in 2023.

While the economy in general continues to hum along, the challenges to publishing remain constant, with newsprint coverage often shrinking or disappearing altogether. So I am continually grateful for those publications that regularly carry my byline including Mossy Oak Gamekeepers Magazine, Trilogy Outdoors Media and The Edisto News. Other online publications that recognize my contributions along the way are also appreciated, and Lowcountry Outdoors is glad to partner with organizations like Master Naturalist, S.C. Tree Farm System, Nemours Wildlife Foundation, and SCDNR to name a few.

Birding on Cumberland Island by 'Corkscrew' Live Oak

To view past blog entries from my New Year's Eve Toast click on 2021 - 2020- 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

To view Field Trips from 2022 click on  Palmetto Bluff -  Bailey Mill Plantation- Niederhoff Seed Orchard - Hunting Island State Park - Botany Bay WMA - Nemours Wildlife Foundation - Cumberland Island - Harbor Island - Silver Bluff/Audubon - Phinizy Swamp - Oldfield Plantation - Dolphin Head Beach - Bear Island WMA - Widgeon Point Preserve - Port Royal Sound Foundation - Parris Island 

2022 S.C. Sea Turtle Nesting Season a Sandy Success

To view past entries on Trilogy Outdoors click on Sea Turtle Season - Navigating an S.C. Public Draw Deer Hunt - Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father

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To view past blog entries from Turtle Patrol click on 2021 Town of Edisto Beach - 2019 Town of Kiawah Island - 2016 Seabrook Island 

To view past blog entries on Sea Turtles click SCDNR Sea Turtle Trawl - TurtleFest at Edisto Beach State Park -  Leatherback Sighting - World Sea Turtle Day - SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Release 

To view past blog entries from Hunting Island click on 2021 Lighthouse / Beach - 2021 Wildlife Sightings - 2017 Reopens after Matthew

To view past blog entries about S.C. State Parks click on  Barnwell - Hickory Knob - Huntington Beach - Hampton Plantation - Edisto Beach 
  

2022 #WhoYouWhit Benefit and Redfish Tourney

2022  #WhoYouWhit  Artwork

The 2nd Annual Redfish Tournament to benefit Mental Health causes was held on October 8 at the Marina at Edisto Beach. Elisabeth and Carter Nelson lost their 18-year old son Whit Nelson in 2021, and he was a fixture on the beach and worked at Pressley’s Restaurant. His parents honored Whit’s memory and his passion for saltwater fishing by creating the #WhoYouWhit Benefit in the Fall of 2021, with the help of Edisto residents like Sandy Hanks and Lindsey Morrill. After a weigh-in for the 52 fishing teams, it was Team Yank ‘N Crank that won the 2022 tourney for catching the heaviest redfish. Anglers Johnny Sanders, Cal Young and Madison Utsey repeated their 2021 win, and were all friends with Whit.       
    

Team Yank'n'Crank win Back-to-Back Years!

The #WhoYouWhit benefit raises funds via $200 sponsorships, which are displayed on banners down on the docks. A silent auction during the Captain’s Meeting on the night before the tourney allows bystanders the chance to get involved and bid, independent of the tournament. T-shirt sales, unique artwork and a variety of other endeavors show the spirit behind this event. Pleasant weather on the tournament day helped the anglers to have a safe and productive day of fishing. The only hiccup came when the after-party menu had to be changed from oysters to shrimp on short notice, after Hurricane Ian caused SCDHEC to close the shellfish banks from oyster harvesting. 

            

Community Support at Benefit Auction

“This was an amazing weekend, and we could feel the love from everyone and the desire to help those who struggle with mental health,” said Elisabeth Nelson. “A huge Thank You goes to the spectators, anglers, sponsors, donors, volunteers, local businesses and the Town of Edisto Beach. New this year is the placement of a large white cross in the marsh across from the marina with the inscription, Fly High Whit. Our message remains to raise awareness for those who might be hurting, that there is help available.” The 2nd #WhoYouWhit Benefit was special, and Facebook posts from attendees are creating ripples of success on social media, offering images of what close ties and community support looks like on Edisto.

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2022 click on Land Trust Oyster Roast - Edisto Belles Beach Walk - Edisto Billfish Tourney - I Love Edisto Auction - Botany Bay WMA Birding - Edisto Dolphin Slam 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2021 click on #WhoYouWhit Benefit - Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

2022 Navigating a Public Land Draw Hunt for Deer

 To view the entire feature article click on November Edition of Trilogy Outdoors

To view past blog entries from Trilogy Outdoors click on Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father

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2022 Edisto Land Trust - Oyster Roast / Sand Creek Farm

 

As Published in the December 2022 edition of The Edisto News

To view past blog entries from the Edisto Island Open Land Trust click on 2022 I Love Edisto Auction -  2021 Queen Quet Gullah Blessing / Hutchinson House - 2018 I Love Edisto Auction - 2018 Coastal Geology Lecture - 2017 Oyster Roast - 2017 Lowcountry Landscape Lecture with Richard Porcher - 2017 I Love Edisto Auction - 2017 Tomato Open - 2016 Oyster Roast - 2014 Oyster Roast - 2014 Spring Birding - 2013 Oyster Roast - 2012 ACE Basin Mtg. - 2009 Spring Birding with Patrick McMillan

2022 Palmetto Bluff - Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Great Egret roost at dawn, plus one GBH

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is in its 123rd Year! I joined the Bird Count team at Palmetto Bluff in 2021 and was glad to assist again in 2022, and we met at 6 a.m. on Dec. 14 and completed eight hours of birdwatching. Team leaders compile the numbers, which is into the thousands of birds, and then they submit that data to Hilton Head Audubon for inclusion in their regional report. The data from the South Carolina 2021 CBC and the 2021 National CBC are both available now for Birders to review and enjoy. For the images and report from our group click on 2021 Palmetto Bluff CBC.  

To view Field Trips from 2022 click Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - Bailey Mill Plantation - Niederhoff Seed Orchard - Hunting Island State Park - Botany Bay WMA - Nemours Wildlife Foundation - Cumberland Island - Harbor Island - Silver Bluff/Audubon - Phinizy Swamp - Oldfield Plantation - Dolphin Head Beach - Bear Island WMA - Widgeon Point Preserve - Port Royal Sound Foundation - Parris Island 

2022 Palmetto Bluff CBC Team

To view Field Trips from 2021 click  2021 Botany Bay WMA Birding - 2021 Tillman Sand Ridge- 2021 Nemours Plantation / Fall Birding - 2021 Coastal Exploration / South Fenwick Island - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Lighthouse and Beach - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Wildlife Sightings - 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point- 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park -  2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding

2022 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - Master Naturalist Walk

Master Naturalist Newsletter Clipping

The Alumni from the Lowcountry Master Naturalist Association met in Walterboro on December 3 for a tour of the Great Swamp. Having graduated in the Fall of 2021 I was glad to lead this walk for fellow alumni, but in particular for those who had hosted me previously on other nature outings. The weather was just fine for our hike into the hardwood bottomland in search of wildlife and to learn about the braided streams that comprise the headwaters of the Ashepoo River in the ACE Basin. The boardwalk through the Beech Hill Trail allowed us to witness wood ducks, swamp chestnut oaks and free-flowing blackwater. 

To view past blog entries from the Wildlife Sanctuary click on 2021 Future Plans - 2019 Beech Hill Trail - 2018 Winter Weather - 2011 Boardwalk Dedication 

To view Field Trips from 2022 click on Palmetto Bluff -  Bailey Mill Plantation- Niederhoff Seed Orchard - Hunting Island State Park - Botany Bay WMA - Nemours Wildlife Foundation - Cumberland Island - Harbor Island - Silver Bluff/Audubon - Phinizy Swamp - Oldfield Plantation - Dolphin Head Beach - Bear Island WMA - Widgeon Point Preserve - Port Royal Sound Foundation - Parris Island 

To view Field Trips from 2021 click on 2021 Botany Bay WMA Birding - 2021 Tillman Sand Ridge- 2021 Nemours Plantation / Fall Birding - 2021 Coastal Exploration / South Fenwick Island - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Lighthouse and Beach - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Wildlife Sightings - 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point- 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park -  2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding

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 

2022 Lowcountry Landowner Association - Niederhof Seed Orchard

The Lowcountry Landowner Association was formed in 2018 to serve Colleton, Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper Counties in the field of forestry. The 2022 meeting at Niederhof Forestry Center in Tillman, brought together private landowners to learn about the S.C. Forestry Commission's seed orchard work. Subjects including the grafting of pine trees to produce superior seed, and how they gather the pine cones each year in order to extract a crop of seed to sell to anyone planting pine trees. They conduct test plots of planted pines all across this large tract of land, and evaluate which methods work the best. The subject of flex planting in a pine plantation, and pine straw raking were also covered. 

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

2022 LLA Mtg. attendees by Longleaf Pines

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

To view past blog entries about Tall Timbers Field Day click on 2017 -  2013 - 2011 - 2010

To view past blog entries about controlled burning click  2015 Prescribed Fire Council Meeting - 2015 Prescribed Fire - Plowing Firebreaks - 2014 Dry Weather Fire Threat - SCDNR Prescribed Fire - 2013 Prescribed Fire - 2012 Prescribed Fire - 2009 Wildfire - 2009 Prescribed Fire Council