June 1, 1996
Dear SCAN members,
On May 25 we were treated to two very different Carolina Bays in Horry County, varying tremendously in the previous treatment and current appearance. First we went to the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority’s treatment area near North Myrtle Beach. There many bays had been previously corrupted and are being used as test areas where partially treated sewage effluent is pumped into the bays and the natural system purifies the water before it is released into waterways. We did not observe original bay vegetation here, but rather lush second growth willows, elderberries, and small trees standing in a foot or less of water. All sorts of insects were seen as we traversed the boardwalk, and we all agreed it was a great place.
After lunch we drove a few miles south toward Conway to Lewis Ocean Bay, where Natural Resources naturalist Matthew Schlaefer conducted us to some pristine bays. Here we saw the typical insectivorous plants of an acid bay, including beautiful stands of Venus Fly-trap in bloom and bud with healthy-looking “traps” up to two inches long, two species of pitcher plant in bloom, and lots of sphagmun moss. These bays had little or no surface water, but the moisture-loving plants were nourished by a wet layer between the surface and an underlying mineralized-sand hardpan. So how did some of us manage to get our feet soaked with no surface water?
We thank the cooperative efforts of the Grand Strand Water and Sewage Authority, Matthew Schlaefer, Julie Finlayson for arranging the the details and conducting the morning trip, and Eastern Regional Director Alex Ciegler.
It is with great sadness that I report the sudden death of Gene Melton, a long-time member especially interested in human artifacts, an artist depicting natural-history subjects on driftwood and shellk, and maker of objects using handtools and old methods. He had recently displayed at our annual meetings glass and stone “arrowheads” and hand-made brooms from wild grasses which he had made using traditional methods. We shall miss him.
Our June trip to the foothills of Greenville County promises to be a bit cooler. Why not join us on the 22nd? Details and map elsewhere in the newsletter.
Sincerely,
Janet Ciegler, President
ERRATUM: Last month’s newsletter implied that Andre Michaux had removed thousands of Bigleaf Magnolias from what is now the Stanley, NC area. The facts seem to really show that Michaux only removed a few plants in 1796; it was the nurseryman-botanist entrepeneur John Lyon who removed 4,160 plants between 1803 and 1809. We don’t want to slander Andre!
NATURALIST NOTE: Among the many insects seen along the boardwalks of the wastewater treatment area was a lovely red and black true stink bug about the size of a largish lady beetle (Anchor Stink Bug). It was mostly on the willow, and it was assumed it was feeding on it….true, but on only in a mechanical sense. It was feasting on other insects, especially larva of beetles and butterflies. Some of the willows were loaded with viceroy caterpillars. Draw your own conclusions.
June 22, 1996 FIELDTRIP
ASHMORE HERITAGE PRESERVEThe Ashmore tract of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area is a special area that contains a cataract bog. For this unique habitat to occur, a certain balance of topographic and geologic conditions must combine. A permanant stream must flow over a steeply sloped rock outcrop producing a water-slide. The sheeting of the water over the rock keeps the edges wet without eroding into the soil; the thin soil prevents sun-blocking trees from becoming substantially established allowing small wet places to act as havens for unusual plant species.
The trail follows an abandoned road that loops around Lake Wattacoo and returns to main gate after crossing two small streams. A segment along the dam offers some spectacular views of the rock outcrops and a waterfall. Below, there are beaver ponds.
As usual be there and ready to walk by 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22nd. Plan to carry your lunch and lots of liquids. Rain gear and sun screens are both wise equipment in the mountains.
DIRECTIONS: US 276 out of Greenville and Traveler’s Rest….or your shortest access to SC 11. After the junction with Route 11 at Cleveland, SC proceed west about 3.3 miles. On the right are several roads. Look for Persimmon Ridge Road, turn right onto it (unpaved) and proceed to the green iron gate on the right (at least one mile). Parking is tight, but adequate.
If coming east from the direction of Table Rock State Park, start looking for Persimmon Ridge Road on your left about two miles after the intersection with 276.