Conservation, outreach and education
The programmatic activity of the Charleston Natural History Society encompasses a social component of education and outreach and a conservation component comprised of initiatives directed at supporting the integrity and preservation of natural systems. These components coalesce through citizen science and volunteer activities within our community.
Bird Walks
Charleston Natural History Society tries to lead at least one field trip per month during the programming season. Typically, the outing chair sets the schedule, when possible, three to six months in advance. The trip leader guides the group around the site, pointing out items of interest, especially the bird species we observe but also various plants, animals and other natural features. At the conclusion of the trip, the leader will often, but not always, compile a list of bird species that were observed during the day and later share that list (through ebird or other means).
In recent years, the McAlhany Preserve has hosted a local high school field trip, the Boy Scouts of America, Carolina Bird Club, the Eastern Native Grass Symposium, and the Santee Birding Festival, Master Naturalists, among many others.
Lectures
The lecture series brings together members for talks by experts in various aspects of natural history. See our events page. Lectures, when docents are available, run once a month from September through May.
Seniors and Songbirds
Seniors and Songbirds is a partnership with Wild Birds Unlimited designed for people in assisted living and residential communities. Our volunteers provide feeders and bird baths visiting the sites to do outreach. Residents welcome the interaction and stimulation of learning about local birdlife. As we are able, we offer field guides and other materials as gifts.
Small Grants
We provide small grants of $500 – $2000 for student research and conservation projects. Our recent contributions have included support for masters student’s research at the College of Charleston. Funding for educational materials on beach nesting birds, construction and maintenance of bluebird houses along the West Ashley Greenway, and natural history signage for Eagle Scout projects in North Charleston.
McAlhany Preserve Restoration Projects
Many of our conservation activities are focused on McAlhany Preserve, a private sanctuary and refuge for native wildlife. A beautiful 367-acre property located on the Edisto River near St. George, SC, McAlhany was donated to the Charleston Natural History Society (CNHS) in 1986 and was dedicated as a nature preserve in honor of Marvin McAlhany on January 18th, 1987.
We are proud of our successful efforts to restore long-leaf pine and an ephemeral wet meadow habitat to the land, which had been diked and drained at some point in the past. Our long term plans for restoration on the preserve include restoring a local population of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) and fox squirrel (Scurius niger).
Birding 101
Birding as a hobby is a gateway to nature and conservation. Studies have shown that birding has many health benefits including stress relief, increased awareness, and improved mental health. As a chapter we strive to make birding for everyone and offer a free introduction to birding course 1-2 times a year. Check out our events page for the next Birding 101 course!
BIRD Trivia
One of our successful FUNdraisers is Bird Trivia night! Thanks to sponsors Wild Birds Unlimited, Driftwood Co., and Palmetto Brewery, trivia is now for the birds. This event is scheduled 1-2 times a year, sign up for our email newsletter and follow us on socials to hear when the next great battle of the bird brains will be!
Charleston Natural History Society 