To pluff mud, with love

What is pluff mud?

This smelly substance is found in local salt marshes. | Photo by @billy_ellison

P.U. — we bet you can smell this photo. Across the scenic marshland of the Lowcountry is pluff mud, and it smells like home. Okay, it’s more like rotten eggs, but this stinky substance is a key part of our local ecosystem.

Here’s some stuff about pluff.

What is it?

Pluff mud is a soft, clay-like substance found in Lowcountry salt marshes that’s made up of decaying matter.

Why is it so smelly?

When marsh grasses and marine life decompose, bacteria in the mud release hydrogen sulfide, which smells like eggs gone bad.

Screenshot 2023-01-18 at 2.47.05 PM.png — Spot pluff mud at low tide. | Photo by @roysplacehhi

How did it get its name?

The name “plough mud” dates back to the early 19th century when planters started plowing the substance into the fields as a fertilizer. At the time, “plow” was spelled “plough.” “Pluff” is an alternate spelling.

Why is it important?

Pluff mud is full of nutrients that keep the marshlands healthy and provides a food source for many organisms. The mud also supports oyster beds.

Next time you’re near the marsh, see if you can catch a whiff of pluff mud and fall a little more in love with Charleston. Note: Be careful not to get stuck in the muck.

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Jan. 19

Taylor Swift Night at Uptown Social | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 9 p.m. | Uptown Social, 587 King St., Charleston | Free | The event will feature two La Marca Prosecco drinks “Champagne Problems” and “Bad Blood” as well as a DJ playing Taylor Swift all night long.

Friday, Jan. 20

Grady Hendrix & How to Sell a Haunted House | Friday, Jan. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | The Riviera Theater, 227 King St., Charleston | $40-$85 | Celebrate the latest and final Grady Hendrix novel set in Charleston, a horrifyingly fun exploration of death and grief and a love letter to family.
The Last Five Years | Friday, Jan. 20-Saturday, Jan. 21 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St., Charleston | $28 | This acclaimed one-of-a-kind mini musical explores the five-year relationship between Jamie, a rising novelist, and Cathy, a struggling actress.

Saturday, Jan. 21

South Carolina Stingrays vs. Atlanta Gladiators | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 6:05 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston | $21-$37 | Cheer on the Stingrays on Pride Night — pride-inspired jerseys will be auctioned off benefiting the Alliance for Full Acceptance.
Oysters on the Point | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 2-6 p.m. | Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | $10 | Head to the beach at Harborside for this annual oyster roast series featuring $13 buckets of oysters, live music with Dave Landeo Band, and beach games.

Sunday, Jan. 22

Cinema Sundays - The Age of Adaline | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 2:15 p.m. | Charleston Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., Charleston | Free | Join the library every other Sunday for popcorn and a flick — no tickets required.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Have the party without the hangover

Athletic Brewing Jan 2023 Mini Article (Cropped)

Every beer is non-alcoholic (0.5% ABV or less). | Photo by Athletic Brewing Company

You might even have more fun.

Athletic Brewing Company makes non-alcoholic beer you can drink without sacrificing feeling your best. It tastes great, has all the variety from IPAs to goldens, and has even won awards. (Read: Even beer snobs think it’s good.)

Ready to give dry a try? Use this easy tool to find out where you can snag a six-pack around Charleston. Cheers. 🍻 *

BOTTOMS UP

Weather

73º | Mostly cloudy | 8% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:20 a.m.
Set: 5:41 p.m.

Tide

Low: 11:58 a.m.
High: 5:34 a.m. + 5:45 p.m.

Open

Earlier this month, Jibe Cycling Studio opened in downtown Charleston near the Gaillard Center. This indoor cycling studio at 48 Alexander St. features an upstairs lounge, showers, lockers, and a large spin room with 45 bikes.

Civic

A proposal to remove two trees on James Island was recently approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals to clear the way for the construction of a traffic circle. The roundabout will be located at the corner of Camp and Fort Johnson roads. 🌳 (WCSC)
The City of North Charleston is seeking community input on a proposed redistricting plan that will take into account changes in population. A public hearing will be held at City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. Submit your comment ahead of the meeting. (WCBD)

Coming Soon

REI Co-op, an outdoor gear shop, is set to celebrate its grand opening from Friday, Feb. 17-Sunday, Feb. 19 in Indigo Square Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant. Look forward to coffee and camp mug giveaways and an outdoor social at 1720 Shoremeade Rd. 🥾 (The Post and Courier)
Mexican restaurant and grocery El Molino Supermarket plans to open a new location next month in North Charleston. The market, which also has a location in West Ashley, will offer a scratch kitchen, pantry items, produce and beverages, and an in-house tortilleria at 5900 Rivers Ave.

Development

Share your thoughts on the proposed 1,700-acre mixed-use development off of Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston. Be sure to include notice number SAC-2022-00571 with your comment. Learn more about the project. 🏗️ (WCIV)
SC Ports recently voted to enter into $100+ million contracts to create a new facility at the former U.S. Navy base. The $400 million railyard has broken ground in North Charleston and these newly-approved contracts are the next step for the project. (WCSC)

Number

$1 million. That’s how much was gifted to the International African American Museum by Lynne Dobson and husband Greg Wooldridge. Courtesy of the donation, an exhibit gallery will be named after Jim Clyburn, the first chair of the museum’s board of directors. Stay tuned for a museum opening date. 💰

Answered

On Tuesday, we asked our readers to find 10 local buzzwords in our newsletter word search, and y’all delivered. Big congrats to winner Karen B., the sixth person to send us every correct location. Thanks for playing, everyone, and stay tuned for more games in your inbox. 🔍

Health

Need healthcare treatment, but don’t know whether to go to the emergency room or urgent care? Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s symptoms chart decodes it for you, so you know what to do + where to go when illness or the unexpected happens. 🏥 *

Travel

Scott’s Cheap Flights is going, going...Going. The travel membership that saves you hundreds on flights has a new name, and in honor of the rebrand, you can get 30% off a Premium membership with code 6AMCITY30. What you’ll get: last minute weekend trips, mistake fares, and early deal alerts. ✈️*

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The Mills House Curio Collection by Hilton

Walk this way

Weigh in on a proposed trail in Mount Pleasant, SC

Screenshot 2023-01-18 at 12.21.58 PM.png

Check out this rendering of part of Mathis Ferry Trail. | Screenshot via Charleston Moves Facebook

The Town of Mount Pleasant is calling for community feedback on the Mathis Ferry Trail Project, a proposed walking and biking trail that’s part of the larger Mount Pleasant Way plan.

The trail would run approximately one mile along the north side of Mathis Ferry Road. Take a look at more renderings.

The town hopes to gain funding for the project through the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, which preserves and enhances local greenspace.

Share your thoughts on the trail with the survey below.

TAKE THE SURVEY

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Tatum.

Editor’s pick: Did y’all know National Fish Taco Day is next week? Let’s taco ‘bout it. 🌮

Celebrate on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina with the “Thunderbomb” taco filled with fried seasonal fish, guacamole sauce, and pineapple salsa.

Here’s the best part: $1 from every taco is donated to Warrior Surf Foundation, which works to support the well-being of veterans and their families through surf therapy.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out 11 upcoming concerts, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

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