Belle Baruch

Directions
Low tide is around 9. The Salt Marsh trail is best viewed at low tide. Let’s meet at 10:00 to help us get an earlier start.

We will meet at Hobcaw Barony, 22 Hobcaw Rd, Georgetown, SC. This address works with GPS receivers. From Georgetown, drive 1.3 miles east of the Waccamaw River bridge on US 17. The entrance is on the right.

What to Bring
As always bring what you wish to eat and drink. We will return to the cars at lunch so you can leave the food in your vehicles. We will be walking in maritime forest and beaches so a change of shoes is not a bad idea, but the trails should be mostly dry. I understand the main pest is gnats but that could change with the weather. Check with the Georgetown forecast to plan your attire.

Agenda
Bruce Pfirrmann with the Baruch Institute has worked out a good agenda for us. Be sure and scan through the
https://sc.edu/…/baruch…/documents/siteprofile3nov14.pdf .

It includes a great deal of information regarding the area and research conducted there through 2014 (the
publication year). Also check out this YouTube video with a historical account and current use of the Barony at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrzSaUMXkbA

• Arrival – Meet at Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center (immediately off highway 17): Short overview of
Hobcaw Barony and the National Estuarine Research Reserve, see exhibits/aquaria, speak to NERR
Education Coordinator Beth Thomas.

• Morning – Salt marsh and pine forest trail loop: – Walk along the edge of North Inlet estuary along our educational trail, and loop through coastal mixed pine forest. Joined by NERR Stewardship Coordinator Jen Plunket (for this, and likely the remainder of the day).

• Lunch @ the Baruch Marine Field Lab: Likely on our screened back porch. Brief overview of the field lab, our research, history, facilities, assets. Water, restroom facilities, etc., available here.

• Afternoon – Estuary creeks and barrier islands: Drive to Clambank Landing through coastal pine forest and salt marsh. Birding opportunities along route. From Clambank, we’ll travel via boat to either Hobcaw Beach or North Island (coastal barrier islands), passing through the salt marsh creeks of North Inlet estuary. Depending on the group size, it will likely take 2-3 trips to ferry everyone out. However, there are ample opportunities to see flora and fauna while at Clambank Landing, and while on the beaches and dunes of Hobcaw/North Island.

Dining
There are no plans to gather for the pre-COVID traditional dining. If there are any of you desiring to do so bring it up at lunch with a suggested location.

Lodging
Litchfield Beach has off-season rates and Georgetown is a nice community with many historical sites and good restaurants. Come and spend the weekend.