Dutch Fork Elementary Magnet School's park visit February 9, 2015

 Taking the temperature of two different bodies of water.



Measuring the height of the tree that students are tracking through the year.

Examining seeds using magnifiers and recording comparative information.

 

Trout Stocking in the Lower Saluda River

SCDNR stocks Brown and Rainbow Trout every year into suitable lakes and rivers including the Lower Saluda River.  Over 300,000 catchables are distributed under this program annually along with as many as 100,000 fingerlings. SCDNR does not release the time and location of stocking runs. These efforts are aimed toward perpetuating South Carolina’s trout resource and providing a satisfactory angling experience for the sportsman. Healthy trout fisheries are the priceless reward for all South Carolinians for proper trout management. To see a weekly trout stocking summary, visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/stocking/results.

Here is a video of SCDNR releasing Rainbow and Brown Trout at Saluda Shoals Park.

Dutch Fork Elementary School 5th Grade Ornithology Program.

Saluda Shoals Park staff presented our Ornithology Program to 5th Graders from Dutch Fork Elementary School on December 1st, 2014. As part of the outdoor Data Tracking experience, our park resident birders Patricia Voelker and Irvin Pitts took small groups  around the wetland area to identify birds that visit the park. This is a cumulative list of birds seen or heard.
Click on the  following  website and find the birds sightings that were recorded for the day. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20782064

The ebird website (below) explains the importancce of sending bird sighting data to the site. You can set up your own school account,  keep track of your bird lists, explore maps and graph regarding bird data and learn  so much more.
(http://ebird.org)

Happy birding everyone!!

Adult Coyote

Up Close

The pictures below were taken with one the new Ipads and microscopes that were bought for the Park Rangers using money donated by the Saluda Shoals Park Foundation.  The equipment will be used for education programs when school groups visit the park for a Park Ranger led program.  The mosquito and scorpion in the photos were collected and cataloged by Saluda Shoals Park resident scientist Dr. Lou Rigley.  The mosquito was collected in the park during Dr. Rigley’s mosquito study but the scorpion was collected elsewhere and saved for research purposes.  Dr. Rigley has completed his mosquito study using the park as his primary research facility and has plans to conduct other studies within the park.  For more information research projects in the park be sure to visit our website at www.icrc.net.

Mississippi Kite Release

Mississippi Kite release

From time to time, as Park Rangers, we have an opportunity to release rehabilitated wildlife back into their natural habitat. Our most recent release, two Mississippi Kites, came from Carolina Raptor Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raptor Center wanted to have these Kites released further south since this is the time they begin their southern migration.  It is always a pleasure getting to see these majestic creatures take flight back into the world.

Mississippi Kites are migratory birds of prey that have about a three foot wingspan and a migration range from Southern US to mid South America. They are insect eaters and can actually eat their prey in flight. You will often see them in woodland areas on the edge of meadows where they can easily find prey.

Unfortunately, birds of prey are not always this lucky and sometimes become permanent captive birds or have to be humanely put down.  But, there are things YOU can do to help!  Picking up litter or not littering at all decreases the amount of mice and rodents on the side of the road. That in turn decreases the number of hawks or owls that come to hunt and may get hit by a car. A bird house or feeder in your yard offers migrating birds a place to stop and rest along their route.

A Season of Events and Change

A season of events and change

As summer begins to wind down most parks around the country see the number of visitors decrease from peak use during the warmer months.  The sight of the leaves changing color at Saluda Shoals Park means that the busiest time of the year has really just begun for our staff.  To complement the beautiful scenery created by Mother Nature, visitors will begin to notice the work being done to prepare for some of the most popular special events held in the park.  Each of these events are celebrations of the coming seasons and offer visitors the chance to see all of the wonders of Saluda Shoals Park.  Even on days when there is not an event taking place, the change in seasons offers many opportunities to experience the beauty of nature as plants and wildlife prepare for the cold winter ahead.  Whether you are a bird watcher, nature lover, art enthusiast, or just enjoy viewing Christmas lights with your family, Saluda Shoals Park is the place for you this autumn and holiday season.

 

Special Events

Unearth:  A celebration of naturally inspired art.  Sunday October 6, 2013 1:00-5:00 PM.  This annual celebration of the arts held at Saluda Shoals Park showcases visual, performing and literary arts. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in art, nature and the creative process. Art demonstrations and instruction, a variety of musical performances and hands on art activities will engage visitors in a unique art experience.  $5 parking fee, unearth event is Free.

Will o’ the Wisp:  Saturday October 26, 2013 6:00-9:00 PM.  This fun Halloween celebration is for children ages 2–8.  Children can stroll along the boardwalk gathering candy and visiting with Nature Interpreters to learn about nocturnal animals; play games, decorate a cookie, make s’mores, and enjoy some hot cider! This year, lighted Jack-o-lanterns will sing songs and tell stories!  Come in costume and bring a flashlight or lantern.  $5 per child.

Holiday Lights on the River:  November 27-December 31, 2013, 6:00-10:00 p.m.  From November 27th through December 31^st, Saluda Shoals Park will come alive in a blaze of more than a million sparkling lights. Holiday Lights on the River features over 400 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the Park!  Enjoy the Dazzling Dancing Forest with it's dancing, lighted trees synchronized to classical and whimsical holiday music. See the three dimensional Victorian Village, Old Man Winter, the holiday classic Twelve Days of Christmas and much more, all in sparkling lights.  Holiday Lights Admission:  Cars: $15; 15-Passenger Vans: $25; Buses: $40 

 

For more information on these and other events please see our website:  http://www.icrc.net/events