November 9, 1998
Dear SCAN members,
Fifteen SCAN members enjoyed the George H. Aull Natural Area in Anderson County and Wild Cat Creek in Pickens County on Saturday, October 24. Both of these areas are part of the Clemson University Experimental Forest that currently covers about 17,000 acres. The Aull Natural Area is not open to the public but can be accessed by special permission. The unusually good weather that SCAN has enjoyed for the field trips this year was again present for this trip. There was not a cloud in the sky and the temperature ranged from 55° F in the morning to the mid 70s in the afternoon. Many magnificent 150+ year old tulip (yellow poplar) trees were present in the Aull Natural Area as well as dense thickets of young Paw-Paw trees. A highlight of the afternoon visit to Wild Cat Creek was a salamander that Rick held for all to see. The creature was very quick and initially didn’t want to be held. It was black with brown diamonds on its back.
See the Flora/Fauna ListSpecial thanks are due to Dr. David Van Lear from the Clemson Forestry Department for taking the day to lead the trip to the two areas of the Clemson Experimental Forest. We are also grateful to Ted Cottingham, the Northern Regional Director, for a well-planned and conducted trip.
SCAN Officers for 1999: For the last 10 years, the officers of SCAN have basically been drawn from a group of 10 people. For an organization with approximately 150 members, it is time that other members took a turn. The nominating committee is initiating the effort to identify new blood for 1999. The chairman of the committee, Dee Hope, would greatly appreciate hearing from you if you would consider serving as an officer of this organization. He can be reached by email at deehope@frontiernet.net, by mail at 4 Pretorius Street, Statesboro, GA 30458, or by phone at (912) 489-5167. You can learn more about the responsibilities of the officers from the bylaws of the Association or by giving any of the current officers a call. Please let us hear from you.
Sincerely,
Ken Boni, President
Sad News: On November 5, 1998, one of the earliest members of SCAN passed away. Dr. Oscar LaBorde, along with his late wife Oleta, was one of the best botanists SCAN has been able to count as a member. He was a strong supporter of SCAN and its objectives. When I was president, the president was responsible for the newsletter including the flora/fauna list, and there was not a computer to help prevent mistakes. Oscar kept me straight! And he caught some mistakes I was making because I had ‘learned’ a name incorrectly. He was a special person and we will miss him. (Lynn Smith, Secretary)
Emily Schultz Heritage Preserve, Horry County10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 21, 1998
Our November field trip will take us to the banks of the Waccamaw River in northern Horry County. We will be exploring old upland farm fields, edges and wooded areas along the river. There are no developed trails, but we will make good use of old roads. We will do the upland open areas in the morning, eat lunch at our cars and explore the wooded areas in the afternoon. Be prepared for sun and insects. Do plan to join us as we explore a site new to SCAN.
Directions: We will meet at a BP station and convenience store at the northwest corner of the intersection of SR 57 and SC 9, the highway into North Myrtle Beach. An obvious landmark is Bell and Bell Pontiac that occupies the northeast corner of the intersection. The store will be on the left as one approaches from the west about two miles after crossing the Waccamaw River; there is a traffic light marking this intersection known as Stephens Crossroads. See the map below.
