FT12 - Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary
The National Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary in Four Hole Swamp includes approximately 690 ha of the largest old growth cypress-tupelo swamp forest in the world. Tree ring analyses have shown some of the cypress to be over 1,000 years old. The swamp forest is made up of three communities that exist over a three foot range of elevations. A bald cypress – tupelo gum forest is present on the lowest sites, a mixed pine – hardwood forest is on low ridges, and a mixed bald cypress – hardwood forest is on intermediate elevations. In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo passed directly over the sanctuary, with dramatic effects on the forest. Some research had been done on the old growth forest prior to the hurricane. However, much more detailed studies after the hurricane have documented how the hurricane affected the three forest community types, each of which will be visited on this trip. This work has provided an understanding of the role that a major natural disturbance has had in shaping the characteristics of this old growth forested wetland, which has proved critical to the appropriate long term management of this ecosystem. Studies and observations since 1989 are documenting the recovery of the old growth forest and the responses of some of the forest fauna to changes following the hurricane. Faunal studies have included breeding birds, spotted turtles, benthos, big-eared bats, and reptile and amphibian populations associated with coarse woody debris. There are three possible species of poisonous snakes there, so the sanctuary would like the visitors to wear snake chaps, which the sanctuary will provide. It is difficult to predict water depths. So far this summer, even the deepest sites have been almost dry. Even if water levels were up, at least one site should have no more than a few inches of water, although the deeper sites could have several feet of water. One site is near and parallels the boardwalk, so even the least adventurous could see at least one site without getting off the boardwalk. The usual mosquitoes, deer flies, chiggers, and ticks will be there, but I’ve never encountered lots of them, and repellants usually deter even those. Long sleeved shirts and pants also help. It can be hot and possibly rain, so a hat, sunscreen, drinking water and a raincoat are recommended. We recommend footwear and clothes that can get wet, rather than rubber boots, which can be uncomfortably hot, given how warm it can be in June. Not recommended for children. Lunch is included.
Leaders: Mike Duever, South Florida Water Management District and Norm Brunswig, Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary

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FT14 - Wambaw Creek Wilderness Area
The Wambaw Creek Wilderness Area Swamp is a 770 ha preserve nestled among 101,000 ha of National Forest deep in the heart of a protected wilderness area. See ancient baldcypress tress in excess of 1,000 years of age, rice era canals dug by slaves, alligators and an abundance of birds. Enjoy the shaded and cool canopy while paddling during hot summer months. Different views around twists and turns in a beautiful flooded forest. Participants should expect heat, sun, rain, and insects (wasps not uncommon). Bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, raincoats and wet-shoes or sandals w/ heal straps. No children under 4 years of age. Lunch is included.
Leader: Staff, Nature Adventures Kayak and Canoe Outfitters, Inc.

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FT15 - Black River Kayak Trip
Experience South Carolina’s beautiful blackwater rivers via kayak on the Black River. This trip will travel the Georgetown County canoe trail, a network of protected river corridors. A low elevation Coastal Plain river, the Black River is a combination of easy paddling, beautiful scenery, and peace and quiet. The trip will be hosted by a local outfitter with an abundance of kayaking experience and knowledge of native flora and fauna. Trip participants will paddle through extensive bottomland hardwood forests pocked with oxbow lakes, side channels, and freshwater marsh. View an abundant bird and reptile fauna and rare Sarvis holly bushes, and finish the trip with a shore lunch of genuine southern barbeque.
Leader: Louis Nexxun, Blackwater Adventures

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FT16 - Horry County Bays
Carolina bays are isolated wetlands in elliptical depressions that are largely fed by rain and shallow groundwater. These bays have a northwest to southeast orientation, and are found primarily in Georgia and the Carolinas, but range from Florida to Delaware. Lewis Ocean Bay is actually a matrix of habitats that includes 23 Carolina bays in a pine flatwoods matrix, and contains one of the last coastal populations of the black bear. Trip participants will walk among fire-maintained pine flatwoods, bays, and unique shrub wetlands known as pocosins. View a variety of carnivorous plants including Venus’ fly trap and several species of pitcher plants, native orchids, and possibly the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. On the way to Lewis Ocean Bay, the trip will make a short stop at Vandross Bay, a mitigation bank and Carolina bay restoration site. Here, the mitigation bank operators are restoring natural hydrology, removing pine plantations, and restoring natural bay vegetation. Be prepared for bugs, heat, and thunderstorms. Lunch is included.
Leader: Jim Luken, Coastal Carolina University

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FT17 - Bull Island
Visit Bull Island, the gem of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Just a half hour's drive from downtown Charleston and another half hour by passenger ferry, Bull Island is one of the nation's top 50 birding locations. Migratory water-fowl stop on Bull Island on their travels south because of its huge freshwater impoundments and its abundance of wild bird seed. As a Wildlife Refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bull Island is ideal for critters--thus a refreshing lack of visitor's concessions, pavement and motor vehicles. Accessible only by boat, the ferry ride itself is breathtaking as it meanders through 26,000 ha of pristine marsh--dolphin territory. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is abundant here, and several pairs of American bald eagles may be seen nesting starting in November. Each year nearly 300 species of birds are spotted, and families enjoy the clean beauty and open beaches where sand dollars, whelks, and moon snails may be found in abundance. Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes and bring sun protection and drinking water. Suitable for children of all ages. Lunch is included.

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FT18 - Salt Marsh Dynamics Kayak Trip
Come and paddle back behind Folly Beach and explore the expansive saltwater marsh ecosystem that it offers. We will depart from Bowens Island Restaurant, a local's favorite for fresh seafood, oysters, and crabs. With the tide, we will ride through a maze made up of quiet creeks and waterways where otters, dolphins, and other marine creatures thrive. We will kayak past several verdant hammock islands where deer, raccoons, feral hogs, and even goats call home. At low tide our paddling adventure will also include an up close look at the vast King's Flats area, an oyster breeding ground where the oysters outnumber humans. We will lunch on Apron Island, where we will discuss ongoing salt marsh and maritime forest ecology research (Citadel Plant Ecology Lab) along the Carolina coast. Standard warm-weather boating clothing/gear needed. Not suitable for children. Lunch is included.
Leader: Dr. Danny J. Gustafson, Plant Ecologist, Department of Biology, The Citadel

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FT19 - ACE Basin Kayak Trip
Part of the ACE Basin, a 142,000 ha protected watershed, the Combahee River and Cuckolds Creek offer an excellent opportunity to paddle in tidal black water through abandoned rice field canals and waterfowl refuges. You will wind past the heavily forested banks of Cuckolds Creek that then open up into a maze of once cultivated rice canals and eventually into the narrow and beautiful stretch of the Combahee River with its tidal shrub/scrub and herbaceous wetlands. This tidally dependant trip offers many leisurely twists and turns both on the creek, river, and in the now abandoned rice fields.

FT20 - Charleston Harbor Kayak Trip
This tour departs from our shop on dynamic Shem Creek where we paddle a salt marsh creek to Crab Bank Island located in a sheltered corner of Charleston Harbor. Enjoy as we pass by Mt. Pleasants' scenic fleet of shrimp boats where we may encounter playful dolphins, sea turtles and even manatee. Crab Bank is a State Bird Sanctuary and Eastern Brown Pelican Rookery. This small island is a rich breeding ground all summer long for a variety of shorebirds including herons, egrets, gulls, Oyster Catchers, Black Skimmers and Brown Pelicans. Also, while strolling its beach, we may find an assortment of seashells and other interesting marine creatures. This island, which was once a dredge-spoil island, offers an excellent opportunity to look for fossils such as vertebra and sharks teeth. After a relaxing time on the island we will ride the tide back up Shem Creek to our shop. Please wear standard warm-weather kayaking clothing/gear. Suitable for children over age 12. Lunch included.
Leader: staff, Coastal Expeditions