Shem Creek is home to many water birds. | Photo by @bonniemariie
Whether you enjoy spotting them on your walks along the beach, watching them play around your backyard birdfeeder, or have made a trip to The Avian Conservation Center & Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, here’s a guide to help spot our feathered friends from land to marsh this fall.
Join the experts
Charleston County Parks has an extensive birding program and several regular events you can join to learn about the local species.
Early Morning Bird Walks
Wednesdays + Saturdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m | This regular bird walk takes place at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center. You’ll explore ways to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. Pro tip: The route is a flat loop + benches are available along the trail route. The trails are unpaved.
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve Bird Walks
Second Friday of each month | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Focused on the Northeast end of Folly Island, this walk explores protected maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh wildlife habitats. Fun Fact: This site is a leader in a number of bird species seen in South Carolina.
Get wild
Avian Conservation Center + Center for Birds of Prey
This is a conservation center in Awendaw that’s home to ~50 species of birds. You can get up close to wild birds through flight demonstrations and the center’s educational programs.
Navigate on your own
If you’re looking to bird-watch a little closer to home, you should know that putting out a tube feeder is just the beginning. Get started in the wide world of bird feeding with our guide to keeping you popular with the local birds. Here’s a look at what you might expect on the patio.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 24
Herbal Walk in the Park| 12 p.m. | Hampton Park | $10 | As you wander along scenic trails, you’ll learn to identify various herbs, their medicinal properties, and their practical uses in everyday life.
Oktoberfest at the Carriage | 1 p.m. | The Charleston Place | Free entry | Embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest with Bevi Bene’s Marzen brew on draft.
Friday, Oct. 25
Life After Supper: Candlelight Tour| 6 p.m. | Aiken-Rhett House Museum | $40 | During this special autumn experience, visitors will learn about the preserved-as-found 1820s house + enjoy authentic period-correct punch.
Lucie’s Fall Wreath Workshop | 10:30 a.m. | A Maker’s Post, Sullivans Island | $88+ | Craft your very own Fall wreath — all materials, supplies, and detailed instructions are provided.
👏 This inspiring podcast is celebrating 300 episodes
Presented by AMPLOS
You can listen to all past and upcoming episodes on the AMPLOS website, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. | Photo provided by AMPLOS
Did you know? Only 1% of podcasts make it past their 20th episode. That’s why it’s a big deal that “The Growth Project” just hit its 300th episode.
This podcast was launched in 2017 by experts in sport and performance psychology from AMPLOS, and is an inspiring resource for personal + professional growth.
It offers practical advice for everyone from CEOS to athletes, and features interviews with guests like Clemson Tigers’ coach Dabo Swinney, Georgia Bulldogs’ coach Kirby Smart, NYT bestselling author Ryan Holiday, and many more.
The Medical University of South Carolina is set to break ground on a new medical facility off Clements Ferry Road next week. The four-story, 80,000-sqft facility is expected to open in late 2025. Take a peek inside. (WCBD)
Number
$205 million. That’s the estimated economic impact that Patriots Point has on the tri-county, according to a study by the Darla Moore School of Business. The research economist who prepared the study said the naval museum supports ~1,756 jobs. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Outdoors
IOP could see two new ipe wood beach access boardwalks by May. Isle of Palms city council members approved the ~$261,340 boardwalks for the 26A and 36A beach access paths. The city has asked to use funds from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program + Charleston County Council will consider the request next month. (WCSC)
Concert
Ready to rock? Mark your calendars, because ZZ Top will bring its “Elevation Tour” to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 19. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m.
Seasonal
Fun, fright, and fairways — oh my. This Sunday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., The Bays is hosting a family-friendly Halloween par-tee. Pro tip: No reservations or bookings are required.
Ranked
Charleston, you are just the sweetest, and others are taking note. A LuvLink survey polled ~3,000 seasoned travelers asking where in America the warmest and most kindhearted residents were. The Holy City was named the top city in South Carolina + landed eighth overall. (The Post and Courier)
Cause
Thanks to your support and donations, we have surpassed our goal of raising $20,000 to provide support recovery efforts across Western NC. 100% of donations will be sent to BeLoved Asheville, supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across the region
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Finance
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History
History
Project aims to protect Black burial grounds
This side-by-side picture shows the Nelliefield Creek Cemetery on the 1958 USGS topographic map + the headstone marking the burial of Kittie Mills, who died in 1932 at the age of 90.
| Photo provided by Preservation Society of Charleston
The Preservation Society unveiled a new interactive map to support the Mapping Charleston’s Black Burial Grounds project, which received funding from the National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant Program.
What | This mapping project is a community-led initiative to identify threatened gravesites citywide through a digital map.
Who | The Preservation Society, Anson Street African Burial Ground Project, and the community are working together to document and collect research from dozens of sources to create a comprehensive guide to help strengthen local protections for these sites.
Why | The map aims to increase public awareness of Black burial grounds and protect them as development and growth continues in the Lowcountry.
The Buy
The Buy
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Did you see? For one night only, Hominy Grill will return for Charleston Wine + Food. Check out your other favorite features on the schedule and the new culinary village venue. Tickets go on sale today, Oct. 24 starting at 11 a.m.
