The North Inlet-Winyah Bay Reserve provides a variety of educational programs for all ages that focus on the estuarine environment and the research conducted by University of South Carolina’s Baruch Institute and Reserve scientists. Programs and activities open to the public and students are scheduled on site, and Reserve staff also travel to local classrooms and public events to bring the wonders of estuaries into the community.  Public access to the reserve and Hobcaw Barony is limited, but one way to experience the North Inlet – Winyah Bay Reserve is to participate in one of the scheduled public programs that are led by Reserve staff. Opportunities are available to explore the flora and fauna of the marsh while biking, kayaking, seining, or strolling along our boardwalk. Programs are also offered that allow volunteers and students to assist with current research projects being conducted at the Reserve.

Programs for K-12 students include both in-school programming as well as field studies conducted on site, which feature salt marsh field studies led from the reserve’s marsh boardwalk and other creekside locations.  Teacher professional development opportunities including workshops and trainings are also offered through the North Inlet-Winyah Bay Reserve and other local education partners.

The public outreach component of the education program includes participation in festivals and international events such as Earth Day and Beach/River Sweep. Open house events at Reserve and Baruch facilities on National Estuaries Day feature current research and programs. The Reserve is a core education provider in the Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium, which coordinates K-12 and public education and outreach activities related to stormwater and water quality in Horry and Georgetown Counties.  The education program also partners with local organizations such as Keep Georgetown Beautiful, Waccamaw Riverkeeper, and Service Over Self to promote the reserve’s mission in our local communities.