Each program in this series explores a different aspect of the Lowcountry's plants, animals, and habitats. Learn about local species and the important roles they play in coastal ecosystems. Combining presentations, observations, and hands-on activities, Nature Up Close inspires a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Butterfly Discovery
September 2, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Learn about butterflies through an interactive presentation and guided tour of the Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Habitat. Explore all four stages of the butterfly life cycle—egg, larva, chrysalis, and adult—and learn about local species, their role as pollinators, and simple ways to attract butterflies to your yard.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
The Salt Marsh
September 9, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Explore the salt marsh and learn why this coastal ecosystem is essential to healthy shorelines and waters. Examine the marsh as a nursery, refuge, and feeding ground for coastal wildlife, and learn how it filters water and helps protect the shoreline. Meet some of the animals that depend on this habitat, from wading birds and fiddler crabs to fish, snails, and other coastal wildlife.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
Native Plants of the Lowcountry
September 16, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
The Lowcountry is a biologically rich landscape shaped over millions of years and home to a wide variety of native plants and wildlife. Explore how native plants contribute to local habitats and why protecting them matters. The program also offers practical ways to restore habitats at home, from adding native plants to creating conditions that allow nature to return.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
The Hidden World of Plankton
September 23, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Examine the hidden world of plankton and learn why these tiny organisms are essential to the health of marine ecosystems and the balance of our oceans. Take a short walk to the marsh creek to collect plankton samples and then get a closer look under a microscope.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
Horseshoe Crabs: Living Fossils
October 7, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Learn about the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, and its long history on Earth. Explore its biology, adaptations, and role in coastal ecosystems, as well as its importance to modern medicine. Then observe and interact with live horseshoe crabs for a hands-on look at these ancient marine animals that have been around for more than 400 million years.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
Prickly Pears and the Cactus Moth:
A Conservation Story
October 14, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
South Carolina is home to several species of native prickly pears that grow on dunes, barrier islands, and sandhills. Learn how these plants support wildlife and contribute to coastal ecosystems—and how they are threatened by the invasive cactus moth, habitat loss, erosion, and beach renourishment. Learn more about conservation efforts to protect native prickly pears and the habitats they support.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
Turtle Time
October 21, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Compare the differences among turtles, terrapins, tortoises, and sea turtles, including where they live and how they have adapted to different habitats. Learn about species found in the Lowcountry and the characteristics that distinguish them. Along the way, uncover some surprising turtle facts and gain a better understanding of these long-lived reptiles.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
Lowcountry Owls
October 28, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Learn about the owls found in the Lowcountry and the special features that help them see, hear, fly, and hunt at night. Participants will also dissect a real owl pellet to identify clues about an owl's diet and the connections within our local food web.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
All About Alligators
November 4, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Separate fact from fiction as you learn about the biology, behavior, and ecology of the American alligator. Explore how alligators are related to other crocodilians, their role in Lowcountry ecosystems, and ways humans and alligators can safely coexist. Participants will also have the opportunity to safely touch a live baby alligator.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
Marine Invertebrates
November 18, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
Meet some of the Lowcountry's marine invertebrates, from horseshoe crabs and hermit crabs to sea anemones and sand dollars. Learn how these animals live, grow, and survive in coastal waters, and why they are important to the ecosystems they call home. Get a close look at several live marine invertebrates and observe their behaviors firsthand. Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
Lowcountry Reptiles
November 25, 2026 | 3 to 4 pm
How much do you really know about Lowcountry reptiles? Separate fact from fiction as you learn about turtles, alligators, snakes, and other native species. Find out how they live, where they are found, and how they contribute to local ecosystems. The program also covers safe ways to share our surroundings with these often misunderstood animals, with opportunities to see—and possibly touch—live reptiles.
Ages 7 and older only, please. $15 per adult (ages 13+). $7 per child (ages 7–12). $10 per member (ages 13+).
