Nature Walks at Walnut Creek Preserve

This walk was originally scheduled for May 15th, however with the gas crisis, it has been moved to June 12th.

Join Conserving Carolina for an interpretive nature walk will take place on Saturday, June 12. We will offer two walks, the first will be from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and the second 12:30-2:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to make this an enjoyable and educational experience for participants, space is limited to 15 for each session and pre-registration is required. Participants are required to keep a physical distance of 6 feet or more and wear a mask when that distance cannot be kept.

This walk will feature Dr. Melissa Pilgrim, Director of Research and a Professor of Biology at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Melissa will lead participants on a moderate walk through the 2,100 acre Preserve, exploring the streams to look for reptiles and amphibians! Please be prepared to catch some animals…and get wet and muddy!!

Melissa has obtained a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Biology and she completed her post-doctoral work at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory before accepting her current position with USC Upstate. Melissa’s primary research focus involves an integrative approach to investigating how ecosystems respond to environmental change.  Her research program integrates field ecology, biogeochemistry, and ecophysiology, and she uses herpetological systems as her animal models and currently has an army of students working with her in an undergraduate research group called Upstate Herpetology.

For your safety, do not attempt this activity if it is beyond your ability and experience. Participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a mask, snack, water, and any personal medication that may be required.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by e-mail, [email protected], by 8 a.m. on the day of the walk and/or check the Conserving Carolina website or Facebook page to see if the walk will take place.

Space is limited. RSVP required by email! For more information or to RSVP, email [email protected]. More information and details will follow after registration.

For more information about Walnut Creek Preserve, visit www.walnutcreekpreserve.com.  Please note, Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).