Black River Cypress Preserve

10/28/2026

Did you know...... that we participated in several Fall Festivals this year just to meet YOU? We did!

From Georgetown's Wooden Boat Show to Moore Farms' Bark and Boooooze and Beerfest Events. We visited the Georgetown YMCA's Back to School Bash and Fun Run, the Black River Info Fest at all 3 locations, and we have plans for Saturday in Andrews!

We will have a table at the Andrews Heritage Festival starting at noon! Come see us!

10/28/2026

We are excited to be at this festival on Saturday! Come see us and enjoy a good good time!

2026 Heritage Festival Schedule of Events

10/23/2026

November Happenings!

We have 2 public events scheduled for November, one a bike ride and one a hike.

Nov. 7 - Biking the Swampside Tract - Don't be afraid! We supply cruiser bikes and take you out on the gravel trails for an easy ride. Frequent stops are made to look at flowers, chat about the forest, and to absorb the peace and quiet of the preserve on a Saturday morning.

Nov. 14 - Integrated Forestry at the Swampside Tract - Take a walk with a Forester and a Master Naturalist to learn how people manage the forests for humans and wildlife at the same time. You'll be looking at changes in the woods as Mother Nature takes us into winter.

Both activities are suitable for all ability levels. Pre-registration is required on our website under the Events tab. Web address in our Bio! 🌲🌳🚴‍♀️

10/21/2026

Did you know.....

That beautiful Golden Rod, Solidago sp., does NOT cause hay fever? Please don't blame your fall allergies on it!

It is an easy-to-grow perennial plant that you can buy from a native plant sale. Its flowers attract butterflies, like this tiger swallowtail, and the seeds are eaten by birds. It will spread with rhizomes, underground roots, and make a gorgeous fall display!

Photo credit - John Kester

10/14/2026

Did you know.....

That box turtles are adorable? Well, they are! But look from a distance because, like most wild animals, they really don't like being picked up.

They live in all habitats of South Carolina and are great at wandering around, but are terrestrial (land) turtles. They will go in a puddle or pond edge to cool off, but then they come back out.

They get their name because their plastron (lower shell) has a hinge and they can close their shell to 'box up' for protection. Their carapace (upper shell) is quite domed, making them look different from water turtles.

Fun Fact: All turtle shells are made up of vertebrae and ribs that have flattened out to make a protective shell. They can not leave their shells behind like in cartoons. 😆

Photos from the National Wildlife Federation and NC Wildlife.

10/14/2026

Thanks to the much-needed storms last weekend, we have rescheduled our fall migratory birding walk for Saturday, October 16! If you need some nature time with your camera or binoculars, or just need to get outdoors, register for the event on our website under the 'Events' tab!

photo credit: Barred Owl by Bill Wingfield

10/13/2026

Wondering about all those beautiful butterflies you see flitting around these days? Well, some of them are moths! Join us Friday to learn some of the differences and see just how many have been viewed on the Swampside Tract since spring.

Visit our website's Events tab to see the details and sign up!

photo credit: Sleepy Orange Butterfly by Scott Hartley

10/12/2026

Oct. 17 - Need some flower time? Join us at the Peninsula Tract for a close look at the fall flowers out right now. Maureen and Mathilde are looking forward to sharing their knowledge with you!

Pre-registration is a must for this FREE walk. Details here:

Oct. 17, 2026 10:00 - 12:30, limited to 15 participants. Guided by local botanist Maureen Mulligan and Master Naturalist Mathilde Dumond, come along for a fall hike focusing on fall wildflowers. Participants will hike a portion of the preserve and visit some of the diverse ecosystems it has to offer...

10/07/2026

Did you know....

Andrews native Savannah Barrineau Rufus is one our favorite guides? She brings a wealth of natural sciences knowledge, is a snake-whisperer, and always has a smile for the group. We have a diverse group of guides to help make your visit special!