2025 Edisto Flora and Fauna Guidebook

While Volume One of this new book is hot off the press, the work going into it dates back seven years for author Tom Austin. As Director of Land Conservation for the Edisto Island Open Land Trust, Austin has been creating a weekly homage via social media, to a specific biota he encountered while surveying protected lands on Edisto. The book titled The Flora and Fauna of Edisto Island is a treat for naturalists, birders and for anyone who marvels at the ecosystem found on this Lowcountry sea island.

 

This is Austin’s first book, and he already has enough material ready for a Book Two. Anyone spending time in the field with Austin during the Edisto Christmas Bird Count, on South Carolina Naturalist Association walks, and during Edisto Land Trust events, knew that this book was in the works. The photo of a male painted bunting on the cover was one of the last images Austin made before it went to Evening Post Books for publishing. “There had been some delays on my end before publishing, and I was able to continue compiling images and knowledge for the book,” said Austin. “And I’m glad how it all worked out because printing the best product possible is my goal.”

To view this feature article in the Post and Courier click on Tideline.

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on Horseshoe Crab Research -  Bird Banding Conference - ACE Basin Refuge -  2025 SE Wildlife Expo - S.C. Master Naturalist - CHS Outdoor Adventures - CCA oyster recycling -  SEWE / DU conservation -  Search for Shed Antlers -  Save The Light - Christmas Wish List - 2025 Christmas Bird Count -  December Saltwater Forecast - Fall Hunting Seasons -  2024 Red Trout tourney -  Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station -  Beidler BioBlitz