Date: July 16, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Landrum Library

Speakers: Dan Whitten, president of the SC Native Plant Society

The SC Department of Natural Resources acquired the Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve on May 8, 1990. The preserve covers 65 acres and is located near Pickens, South Carolina. One of only a few Piedmont Monadnocks in South Carolina, this unusual land form provides a spectacular view and harbors several rare plant species.  Dan will show some of the views and plants that make this such a special place in South Carolina.

Dan Whitten is a naturalist living in the Spartanburg County since 1980.  He graduated from Auburn University with a BS degree in Wildlife Management.  He retired from Michelin North America after 30 years and began to renew his study of nature by taking the Upstate Master Naturalist Class in 2008 and the Catawba Master Naturalist Class in 2010, and the Lowcountry Master Naturalist class in 2016.  He became a SC state certified naturalist in 2014.  He serves on the boards of the SC Native Plant Society (currently as state president), Friends of Jocassee, the Tyger River Foundation, and has served on the Foothills Conservancy from 2012 until 2018.  He works part time as a pontoon boat guide with Jocassee Lake Tours, a hiking guide and as a Pole Manager with Spartanburg Co. Election Commission.

Dan has led hikes for many organizations including the Upstate Master Naturalist Association, SC Native Plant Society, Foothills Trail Conservancy, Palmetto Conservation Foundation and Jocassee Lake Tours.  He also teaches classes on Tree ID and survival.

The Landrum Library Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Spartanburg County Public Libraries.

Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information.