March 1999

March 2, 1999Dear SCAN Members,“The perfect SCAN trip!” That was our February excursion to Woods Bay State Park. All the elements were present: gorgeous weather, 24 attendees (!), a well-planned itinerary, and a rich natural wonder to explore. To top it all off, the first-timers, guests, new members, and seldom-seen members out numbered the regulars 2 to 1! Highlights included superb views of a nesting great horned owl, who kept a close watch on her dominion, especially its 24 guests. A little farther along, a diminutive forest orchid, southern twayblade, had sent up its delicate maroon flowers, which were closely admired and captured on film. After lunch, the Carolina bay’s sand rim was explored. There, a relic from the past, spike moss (Selaginella), was found after much searching, growing among the abundant sandwort (Arenaria.) Woods Bay is a fascinating destination at ANY time of year, which is proven by our unusually lengthy (for February) observation list.

See the Flora/Fauna List

Thanks to our Eastern Area Co-Directors, Loree Gandy and Pat Chaplin, for arranging for this alternate site in such a short time, and orchestrating the whole day so beautifully. We all benefited from their considerable prior experience with Woods Bay and in leading field trips.

Dee Hope, President

ETV Solicitation: On Saturday, March 20 SCAN members will be answering the phones from 7 to 11 PM during ETV’s Spring fund-raising drive. In addition to helping ETV, it is very good publicity for SCAN. If you are available for this service, please call Lynn Greenlee at her home phone 787-7494 or work phone 736-0866.

Spring Overnight: Two dormitories with 4 bedrooms each (4 beds to a room) and a cottage with 2 bedrooms (3 beds to a room) for a total of 38 beds have been reserved for SCAN on April 23 and 24 at Hobcaw Barony. The bed cost is $10/night per person. Couples will not sleep together in order to keep each bedroom for a single gender. An alternative to the dorms/cottage is to stay at the local Hampton Inn (Tel No. 843-545-5000). Ed has gotten us a reduced rate of $70/night as opposed to $80 – $95/night. Anyone making a reservation at the hotel should do so soon because there is another event in Georgetown on the SCAN weekend. You must mention SCAN when making your reservation in order to get the reduced rate. Since last year’s spring overnight attracted 48 participants, I recommend that you make your reservation early for the exciting weekend being planned by Ed Ruppert, Jennifer Frick, and Pat Chaplin. Reservations for the dorms or cottage should be made by sending a check to Pat Chaplin for the entire amount for the nights that you intend to stay and will held on a first-come first-served basis. Her address is: 3520 Hartsville Highway, Darlington, SC 29540

Dues: If you still have stars on your mailing label, this is the last newsletter that you will receive if we do not receive your dues payment. Also, your name will be deleted from the Membership List that will be included with next month’s newsletter. The SCAN post office box was checked on March 6 for any late payments of dues.

Saturday March 27, 1999 at 10:30 AM

Manchester State Forest

Sumter County

Manchester Forest has a 20-mile section of the Palmetto Trail, a trail which aims to traverse South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. The first part of our day will be exploring the section of trail that cuts through hardwoods, ridges, streams, fields, and sandhills.(2 or 3 miles). Then we’ll drive to an area recently acquired by Manchester Forest, where we’ll have a key to get into this restricted area and explore it along the fall line. The area includes coquina mines, fullers earth, and tupelo swamp. Bring a snack but join us for a late lunch/early dinner at Battens in nearby Wedgefield. Try their fried alligator platter.

Directions to Manchester State Forest

From the junction of Hwy 378 and Hwy 261 South (which is 28 miles from Columbia and 16 miles from Sumter), travel ten miles south on Hwy 261 to County Road 63 (you’ll see a Poinsett State Park sign). Turn right (west) and go 1.2 miles to the “day-use” parking area on the left. A