Statewide SCNPS News

Nature’s Toolbox: Rick Huffman Unpacks Biodiversity and Conservation on the Nature-Based Exchange Podcast

Photo Credit: naturebasedexchange.org

In a captivating new episode of the Nature-Based Exchange podcast, Rick Huffman, esteemed landscape architect and a founder of Earth Design and the South Carolina Native Plant Society, delves into the significance of native plants and biodiversity in South Carolina’s upstate region. Rick’s advocacy for environmental education and his firsthand experiences underscore the urgent need for connecting with nature to ensure a sustainable future.

Throughout the podcast, Rick’s enthusiasm for science, native plants, and applied ecology is palpable as he discusses his transformative work within the landscape industry. His commitment to actionable sustainability practices shines through, providing listeners with a blueprint for environmental stewardship.

For an enriching experience and to gain a deeper appreciation of our local natural heritage, listen to Rick Huffman’s insights on this episode of the Nature-Based Exchange podcast. Tune in here and join the South Carolina Native Plant Society to actively participate in local conservation efforts.

SCNPS Fall Symposium: Book Your Accommodations Now!

Photo Credit: DALL-E\Jesse Freeman

As we approach the South Carolina Native Plant Society Symposium on October 18-19, 2024, it is important to book accommodations soon, as they are filling up quickly. While there are still vacancies, they are expected to be fully booked in the coming months. The area near Table Rock State Park is a popular destination, especially during event periods. Here’s a list of recommended accommodations near Table Rock State Park, curated by the park staff, each offering unique amenities and convenient access to the park.

Palmetto Cove RV Park (864) 836-6221: Located at 521 Table Rock Rd, Cleveland, SC, this RV park is just 2 miles away from Table Rock State Park, offering a comfortable setting for RV travelers.

Table Rock Inn (864) 633-6511: Positioned at 4515 SC-11, Pickens, SC, this inn is merely 3 miles from the state park, making it incredibly convenient for park visitors.

Laurel Mountain Inn (864) 878-8500: Situated at 129 Hiawatha Trail #9548, Pickens, SC, this inn is approximately 5 miles from the park, providing a cozy mountain ambiance.

Solitude Pointe (864) 836-4128: This quiet retreat at 102 Table Rock Rd, Cleveland, SC, is only about 2.5 miles from the park, ideal for guests seeking solitude amidst nature.

The Rock Golf Club & Resort (864) 878-2030: Located at 171 Sliding Rock Rd, Pickens, SC, this resort is around 4 miles from the park, combining leisure with luxury and offering golfing alongside comfortable lodging.

Keowee Toxaway State Park (864) 868-2605: Approximately 20 miles from Table Rock State Park, this site at 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC, offers rustic camping and cabin rentals in stunning landscapes.

Devil’s Fork State Park (864) 944-2639: About 30 miles from Table Rock, located at 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC, visitors here can enjoy the pristine waters of Lake Jocassee with various accommodations.

Oconee State Park (864) 638-5353: At 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC, roughly 25 miles from Table Rock, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities and rustic accommodations.

Hampton Inn (864) 834-5550: For a more traditional hotel experience, this location at 593 Roe Center Court, Travelers Rest, SC, is approximately 25 miles from Table Rock State Park, offering modern comforts within a short drive.

Forget “later” – Upstate lodging for the Fall Symposium is vanishing fast. These options won’t last – grab your pick now!

Nature-Based Exchange Training: A Must-Attend for Environmental Professionals

The South Carolina Native Plant Society is excited to highlight an exceptional upcoming event for our community: the Nature-Based Exchange Training. This all-day event, scheduled for April 25, 2024, at Moore Farms Botanical Garden in Lake City, SC, focuses on Native Plants, Soils, and Habitat Features, offering a deep dive into the essentials of nature-based design.

Event Essentials:

What to Expect: Engaging sessions on the integration of native plants, soil science, and habitat features into sustainable designs.
Professional Development: Earn continuing education credits while expanding your expertise.
Collaborative Initiative: Supported by The Nature Conservancy, Clemson, the City of Charleston, and others.

Registration Opens: March 25, 2024, with a fee of $125 (plus $25 for an optional compendium).

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and network with peers. For more details, visit the Nature-Based Exchange website or contact Nicole Pehl at nicole.pehl@tnc.org. Join us in fostering a more sustainable and resilient future through informed and innovative environmental practices.

Cullowhee Conference Scholarships Available: Apply Now!

The Cullowhee Native Plant Conference returns this July for its 40th anniversary — and if you’re a student, emerging professional, or K-12 teacher in the natural sciences, there are scholarships to be had!

Or: Sound like anyone you know? Please spread the word!

Applications for scholarships are due Sun, April 14th.

What you will need in order to complete the scholarship application:

A summary about why attending the Cullowhee Conference would be of value to you, your background/ research goals/ past experience/ current interest or involvement with native plants, and how your attendance would contribute to the conference;
a Statement of Financial Need; and
the contact information for your Recommendation. Only one recommendation is required. Recommendations should be submitted via the form on the Cullowhee Conference website. Applications without recommendations received by the deadline will be deemed incomplete and considered late.
- Students, please submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in your degree program.
- Interns, beginning professionals, and nurserymen/women are asked to provide a letter of recommendation from an adviser, employer, mentor, professional colleague, or client.
- Educators are asked for a letter from a fellow educator or their supervisor or principal.

If a mailing address or a paper application are needed, please email Preston Montague at naturalistnc@gmail.com.

Save The Date: 2024 SCNPS Symposium in the Upstate

Photo Credit: southcarolinaparks.com/hmdb.org

We are thrilled to announce that the South Carolina Native Plant Society will be hosting its eagerly awaited annual symposium in the beautiful Upstate region this year. This event is a cornerstone of our efforts to promote awareness, education, and conservation of native plants across South Carolina. Mark your calendars for an engaging and inspiring weekend dedicated to our state’s rich botanical heritage.

Event Details

When: October 18/19, 2024 (Friday/Saturday)
Where: Table Rock State Park’s Pinnacle Pavilion, Upstate South Carolina

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Table Rock State Park, the Pinnacle Pavilion will serve as the perfect setting for our gathering. This event promises to be a unique opportunity for members and guests from across the state to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Upstate and engage with the native plant community.

About the Symposium

Each year, the SCNPS Symposium brings together enthusiasts, experts, and conservationists to celebrate South Carolina’s native flora. The 2024 symposium aims to showcase the environmental and conservation efforts of the Upstate chapter and provide a platform for learning, sharing, and networking.

While details on the event’s program, including speakers, hikes, and outings, are being finalized, attendees can look forward to a weekend filled with engaging activities that highlight the importance and beauty of native plants.

Why Attend?

Discover: Learn about the native plants of South Carolina, especially those flourishing in the Upstate region.
Connect: Meet fellow native plant enthusiasts, conservationists, and experts from across the state.
Explore: Enjoy the natural beauty of Table Rock State Park through guided hikes and outdoor activities.

Stay Tuned

More information on the symposium, including registration details and a schedule of events, will be shared in the coming months. Keep an eye on our website and newsletters for updates.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Upstate for a weekend of exploration, education, and celebration of South Carolina’s native plants. See you at the symposium!

Midlands Spring Native Plant Sale April 13, 2024

The 2024 Midlands Spring Native Plant Sale will be Saturday, April 13.
We return to Canoeing for Kids HQ in Lexington, a gem of a spot on the Saluda river.
Come shop for the South Carolina plants best to bring beauty and wildlife to your garden. The plant sale focuses on blooming perennials, grasses, and our favorite smaller blooming shrubs and trees.

Get all the details, including plant list and how to volunteer at the Sale page.
Text reads Midlands Spring Native Plant Sale, Saturday, April 13, 2024 Where: Canoeing for Kids, Lexington, SC Volunteers Needed Email: mnpsplantsale@gmail.com

Job Openings with the National Wildlife Federation

The National Wildlife Federation is beginning an exciting program in South Carolina and has opened up four new positions on the project team. The program is funded by a 5-year grant, and there are opportunities to expand the program beyond the grant term.

Grow Outdoors South Carolina aims to transform early childhood outdoor spaces into naturalized environments that spark play and learning. The Design and Engagement Manager will provide leadership for the ECHO Grow Outdoors South Carolina multi-disciplinary education and design team to implement the program’s overarching initiatives.

For more information, visit their website

On Our Radar: 50 Years of the Naturaland Trust

As we anticipate having the Naturaland Trust’s Frank Holleman as the Upstate’s November speaker, Special Correspondent Doug Lockard dug this one up: the Greenville Journal’s Jay King on the founding (by the Upstate’s own Tommy Wyche) of the Trust, and the history and evolution of the organization. Fascinating and inspiring stuff!

Read the full story HERE.

On Our Radar: Tiny Libraries, Tiny Houses, and… Tiny Forests?

First, there were tiny libraries cropping up all over. Then, tiny houses became all the craze. (Don’t get us wrong. We definitely approve of both.)

But, oh, man. This next one really gets our juices flowing!

From the New York Times (yes, sorry, behind the paywall), an amazing article about the growing trend toward the planting and tending of “Tiny Native Forests.” Wow!

To quote the article, this is “a sweeping movement that is transforming dusty highway shoulders, parking lots, schoolyards and junkyards worldwide. Tiny forests have been planted across Europe, in Africa, throughout Asia and in South America, Russia and the Middle East. India has hundreds, and Japan, where it all began, has thousands. Now tiny forests are slowly but steadily appearing in the United States.”

If you’ve got access, go read the article. Whether you do or don’t, get inspired! We’ve all got a postage-stamp-sized something. Let’s jump on the Tiny Tree Train!

Greenville County Council Vote on Riparian Buffers*…

WE DID IT! We got the waterway buffers we need. (But with an asterisk…)

We offer so many thanks to everyone who called, emailed, and showed up to the Greenville County Council meeting on November 7th. Because of you, the Greenville County Council voted to enshrine 50-foot riparian buffers on our waterways — for the time being (that’s the asterisk part).

Our work here is not done. But meanwhile, kudos to everyone who fought for this one. Onward and upward, together, always!

We’ll have a full report next month, including a deep dive into the details of how this all works and what comes next, courtesy of our newest editor and contributor, Cindy Clark. Keep your eye on this space!