Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Welcome

Officially designated in 1936, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres throughout South Carolina. These lands are managed by the USDA Forest Service for multiple uses including watershed protection and improvement, timber and wood production, habitat for wildlife and fish species (including threatened and endangered ones), wilderness area management, minerals leasing and recreation.

The forests provide the American people with a diverse set of outdoor opportunities on four ranger districts in South Carolina (Andrew Pickens, Enoree, Long Cane and Francis Marion). Whether you enjoy hiking or riding trails, paddling, fishing, hunting, camping, birding or simply relaxing at one of our picnic areas, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests have something special waiting for you!

Events

Francis Marion National Forest

Feb. 7, 2009  8 a.m. Forest Litter Cleanup: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Join Palmetto Pride and the US Forest Service to clean up the coastal forest! Last year, 150 volunteers removed 33 tons of trash, three boats and entire households of furniture from the Francis Marion National Forest.  The efforts of those volunteers helped to improve and protect wildlife habitats and protect our water and soil from damaging run-off pollution.

Meet at the Sewee Visitor Center at 8 a.m. for registration and safety instruction. Cleanup begins at 9 a.m., lunch is at noon. To volunteer or learn more about the program call 877-725-7733 or visit www.palmettopride.org.

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center    

The Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center offers a variety of unique interpretive opportunities for the public. Operated jointly by the Francis Marion/Sumter National Forests and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and in partnership with the South Eastern Wildlife and Environmental Education Association, the center provides visitor information and environmental education focusing on the natural and cultural history of the nearly 300,00 acres of public land that comprise the national forest and wildlife refuge.

The center features an auditorium, classrooms with a wet lab, a visitor orientation area, an exhibit hall, and a gift shop. Its grounds offer freshwater ponds for fishing and education, a mile-long loop trail, a butterfly garden and a live red wolf enclosure.

Open Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw South Carolina

Phone: 843-928-3368      TDD: 843-928-3833                    

There's so much to do! Check out the wide variety of experiences available to volunteers on the Francis Marion National Forest, Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and the Sewee Center in the December issue of the Sewee Volunteer Newsletter.

Red Wolf Feeding 4 p.m. on Fridays

Come watch the red wolf feeding each Friday at 4 p.m. Be at the wolf enclosure on the viewing platform to see the feeding and read the story of red wolf recovery on the interpretive panels at the Center. Free.

Jan. 10, 10:30 AM Bull Island Beach Exploration, Coastal Expeditions  

Naturalist Guided Beach Exploration on Bull Island with beach drop-off and pick-up. Naturalists will focus on the ecology of the beach and shelling. Meet at Garris Landing at 10:30 am for 11:00 am ferry departure. Participants should dress for the weather. Wear shoes that can get wet - like old sneakers, water shoes or sport sandals. Participants should bring along a windbreaker or rain jacket, snacks/lunch, bottle of water and dry clothes and shoes for after the walk. For more information: www.coastalexpeditions.com. To register, call Coastal Expeditions 843-884-7684.  Minimum 12/Maximum 43, $30.00 per person.

Jan. 17,  2 PM Lowcountry Discovery, Song Bird Feeders

Learn about the songbirds that inhabit the forest and your own backyard. Make a gift for wildlife and have the fun of building a feeder! This workshop has no age limit. The class is limited to 15 but will need a minimum of 5 participants. Pre-registration is required by 1/16; call 928-3368 to register. $5 for one feeder, other feeder kits, $5 each.

Jan. 17, 10 AM Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail Hike, Natures Adventures

This is a wonderful waterside and maritime forest trail that winds along beautiful Awendaw Creek.  Pristine saltwater marshes, long leaf pine forest, sandy bluffs and subtropical vegetation are seen along the way.  Once home to the Sewee Indian and coastal Native American tribes, our wildlife biologist and master naturalist guides show you ruins and artifacts along the way.  This is an easy three-hour, 5 mile hike for everyone.  Bring your lunch and enjoy the day with us! $30/ ages 13 and up, $20/ ages 12 and under. No experience necessary, beginners welcome!  Call 843-928-3316 or 800-673-0679 for reservations and details.  Visit our website at www.natureadventuresoutfitters.com for more information.

Jan. 17,   2-6 PM Music and Oysters for Wildlife ’09, A Benefit for the SEWEE Association

The Fourth Annual fund-raising event for the SEWEE Association, the Friends Group for the National Wildlife Refuges and National Forests of Coastal SC, will be held at the Sewee Outpost on Hwy. 17 in Awendaw, 15 miles north of Mt. Pleasant. Music will be provided by the Hank Futch and the Blue Dogs, Danielle Howle, Doug Jones with Craven Melon, the Whisperjets, Jeff Norwoods and others. Donation of $30/person gives you all-you-can-eat oysters along with the wonderful music. Beer, wine, sodas and other food will be available for purchase. A great silent auction will be held. Tickets will be available at the Sewee Outpost after January 1st. Limited number of tickets; get yours early!

For information and e-tickets ordering, visit www.seweeassociation.org.

Jan. 24,  2 PM   Sewee Presentation, Red Wolf Recovery in the Southeast

A presentation and update on the red wolf recovery program and the 25 year history of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge wolves. Learn about the recent arrival of the new female wolf, No. 1403, transferred from the captive breeding facility at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Following the program, walk down the trail to see the upgraded habitat and the red wolves at Sewee Visitor Center! Free.

Click on the map above to see a larger map.

Wild Side Activity Book

Mark Trail Living on the Wild Side Responsibly is an activity book about living near wildlands. The activities address the National Achievement Standards and can be completed as outlined or expanded upon. Suitable for grade levels 3-6.

For more resources in environmental education for students and teachers visit http://eelink.net.