Canoeing at Francis Beidler Forest

So during the training classes, the interns have been learning all about the different regions of South Carolina. Our canoe trips in March focused on visiting a key habitat in the Coastal Plain - the blackwater swamp. This was a fun trip to get the kids outside and see a habitat that they have been reading about - and they got a chance to go canoeing! For many of them, this was their first time in a canoe and so it took some time to figure the right way to paddle and steer - they quickly learned how important communication is with your canoe partner. Otherwise, you just end going in circles or running into trees :)

The weather was great both days that we went canoeing last month and it gave us a chance to see some of the wildlife in the area - we saw birds, turtles and even alligators! Luckily, the gators were seen from a distance but we probably scared them more than they could have scared us.

Our training classes are more than half way over! We only have one more class left, which is in April. We are finishing up by visiting a habitat in the Coast region - something very well known in Charleston - the salt marsh. We are going to head out to Old Village Mount Pleasant and go crabbing to learn more about the saltmarsh, why it is so important and the different organisms that live there. I'm sure it will be another great day and fun experience for all the interns.

-Kathy