Celebrate The South Carolina Coast And It’s Wildlife At This One-Of-A-Kind Event This April

It’s time for a big 50-year celebration, South Carolina! Half a century is a long time that the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Marine Resources Center has served as a regional hub for marine science and management, providing biologists easy access to our state’s wonderful estuaries and offshore waters. Every year, so many people within and from outside of our state enjoy our beautiful coast, probably without giving a single thought to all that it takes to protect it. Take some time to enjoy the Marine Resources Center Open House, a unique event in Charleston, South Carolina, and to appreciate those who work to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the treasure of our coast and its wildlife.

Our gorgeous coastline stretches for 2,876 miles from the northernmost point at the beautiful, uninhabited Waites Island (which can be reached on horseback or by kayak for exploring) all the way down to the southernmost point of Jones Island, also uninhabited.

Thousands of archaeological sites around the world are being lost due to coastal erosion, which is accelerated by weather events such as hurricanes. SCDNR archaeologists monitor the erosion caused by conducting shoreline surveys along South Carolina’s coast as needed, allowing them to track shoreline loss and plan for future excavations to preserve state history.

SCDNR biologists have decades of experience building living shorelines, which was helpful for a project made possible by a $1.2 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, whereby they built oyster reefs to improve the resilience of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island.

This Open House event allows you to learn more about the water and wildlife that make the coast such a desirable place to live – and the people who safeguard those resources such as in these examples. It's an event that people of all ages will enjoy, with booths for everyone and special activities and prizes for kids.

You'll have the opportunity to tour the research vessel, Palmetto, as well as take harbor trips aboard the education vessel, Discovery, and go on guided history tours.

Kids will enjoy learning fishing and casting basics, especially if it helps them catch a record-breaking fish like the gigantic world-record-breaking catfish caught in Lake Moultrie!

Did you know there's a Fishing Tackle Loaner Program with sites throughout the state where anyone can borrow a rod, reel, and tackle box? Our Department of Natural Resources does so much to serve our communities! To find a location near you, visit the SCDNR website.

Our sea turtles are one of the species that certainly need continued protection. Thankfully, 2022 was an excellent year for nesting sea turtles in our state. You can experience watching baby sea turtles hatch at Edisto Island State Park to see firsthand why the efforts of the SCDNR are so critical.

This incredible Open House event takes place at the Marine Resources Center on Fort Johnson Road in Charleston on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is made possible through the sponsorship of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, a private, nonprofit organization that promotes natural resources conservation in South Carolina. Admission is free and no tickets are required to attend.

Food will be available for purchase, and parking will only be available at James Island Charter High School, with shuttles provided to the Marine Resources Center (with the exception of ADA parking, available on site). The last shuttle will leave James Island Charter High School at 3 p.m.

Visit the

%22%7D" target="_blank">Marine Resources Center Open House Facebook event page for more details, as well as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Facebook page for other great information and updates.

Will you be able to attend this unique event in Charleston, South Carolina? Which part of our coast is your favorite to visit and enjoy and why? Share with us in the comments section below.