Celebrate Native Plant Week with the Conservancy of the Sea Islands through a week of engaging experiences that bring our natural world to life, with daily opportunities to discover local native plants, explore nature, and learn more about conservation. All programs are free to attend and open to the public. Registration is required.
Monday, October 19 Small but Mighty: The Extraordinary Caterpillar Terrace Theater (1956 D Maybank Hwy, Charleston)
6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Kick off Native Plant Week with a special screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a fascinating documentary that reveals the surprising connections between native plants, caterpillars, birds, and the wider web of life. Discover why these tiny creatures are essential to healthy ecosystems—and why protecting native plants and habitats is critical to the future of wildlife and our communities.
Concessions available for purchase.
Tuesday, October 20 Native Plants, Caterpillars, and Healthy Ecosystems John’s Island Library (3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island)
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Caterpillars are diverse, fascinating, and essential to the healthy functioning of local ecosystems! In this talk, Sharleen Johnson, founder of Native Plants to the People, will share photos and information about the native plants in our area that support the most species of caterpillars, how songbirds are dependent upon abundant sources of caterpillars to feed their young, and specific native plants that support specific butterfly and showy moth species.
We’ll explore how plants defend themselves, why native caterpillars depend on native plants, and how keystone plants support the local food web. We’ll also discuss the impacts of insecticides and why caterpillars—and even a few nibbled leaves—are signs of a healthy ecosystem.
Wednesday, October 21 Nature in Focus: The Gathering Ground BioBlitz The Gathering Ground (4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island)
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Become a citizen scientist with Conservancy of the Sea Islands! Lee Bundrick, the Conservancy's Senior Ecological Health and Conservation Coordinator, will lead an engaging BioBlitz across the hummock islands of The Gathering Ground, the Conservancy's nature preserve on Johns Island.
A Bioblitz is a community-driven effort to identify and record as many species as possible within a designated area and time period. Participants will explore the property, observe local plants and wildlife, and help generate valuable data that supports science and conservation.
No experience is necessary, however, participants are encouraged to become familiar with iNaturalist and download the app before the activity. Waterproof boots/shoes are strongly recommended as this BioBlitz will take place on the hummock islands that will be accessed by foot through the marsh. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature, meet new people, and contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity found throughout The Gathering Ground!
Thursday, October 22
Birds, Blooms, & Habitat
St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center (2810 Seabrook Island Road, Johns Island)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Explore the connection between native plants, birds, and the wildlife that depend on them during a guided bird walk. Along the way, discover how native plant communities provide food, shelter, nesting habitat, and other essential resources for both resident and migratory species.
Led by Kristina Wheeler, Natural History Interpretation Coordinator with Charleston County Parks, this walk will offer a closer look at fall birdlife along the South Carolina coast while highlighting the important role native plants play in healthy ecosystems—and how thoughtful choices at home can support conservation.
Friday, October 23
Wildflower Meadow Walk
Kiawah River
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Take a guided walk through Kiawah River’s beautiful wildflower meadows to discover how these vibrant landscapes are established and stewarded. Led by Morgan Farah, Conservancy of the Sea Islands' Horticultural Specialist, and Jeff Snyder, Chief Environmental Officer at Kiawah River, you'll learn to identify the native plants found throughout the landscape and discover the vital role they play in supporting wildlife and healthy ecosystems. Come experience the meadow up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and importance of native landscapes.
The group will park at Rosebank Farms Market located at 5018 Kiawah River Drive and walk from there.
About This Event
Celebrate Native Plant Week with the Conservancy of the Sea Islands through a week of engaging experiences that bring our natural world to life, with daily opportunities to discover local native plants, explore nature, and learn more about conservation. All programs are free to attend and open to the public. Registration is required.
Monday, October 19 Small but Mighty: The Extraordinary Caterpillar Terrace Theater (1956 D Maybank Hwy, Charleston)
6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Kick off Native Plant Week with a special screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a fascinating documentary that reveals the surprising connections between native plants, caterpillars, birds, and the wider web of life. Discover why these tiny creatures are essential to healthy ecosystems—and why protecting native plants and habitats is critical to the future of wildlife and our communities.
Concessions available for purchase.
Tuesday, October 20 Native Plants, Caterpillars, and Healthy Ecosystems John’s Island Library (3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island)
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Caterpillars are diverse, fascinating, and essential to the healthy functioning of local ecosystems! In this talk, Sharleen Johnson, founder of Native Plants to the People, will share photos and information about the native plants in our area that support the most species of caterpillars, how songbirds are dependent upon abundant sources of caterpillars to feed their young, and specific native plants that support specific butterfly and showy moth species.
We’ll explore how plants defend themselves, why native caterpillars depend on native plants, and how keystone plants support the local food web. We’ll also discuss the impacts of insecticides and why caterpillars—and even a few nibbled leaves—are signs of a healthy ecosystem.
Wednesday, October 21 Nature in Focus: The Gathering Ground BioBlitz The Gathering Ground (4360 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island)
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Become a citizen scientist with Conservancy of the Sea Islands! Lee Bundrick, the Conservancy's Senior Ecological Health and Conservation Coordinator, will lead an engaging BioBlitz across the hummock islands of The Gathering Ground, the Conservancy's nature preserve on Johns Island.
A Bioblitz is a community-driven effort to identify and record as many species as possible within a designated area and time period. Participants will explore the property, observe local plants and wildlife, and help generate valuable data that supports science and conservation.
No experience is necessary, however, participants are encouraged to become familiar with iNaturalist and download the app before the activity. Waterproof boots/shoes are strongly recommended as this BioBlitz will take place on the hummock islands that will be accessed by foot through the marsh. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature, meet new people, and contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity found throughout The Gathering Ground!
Thursday, October 22
Birds, Blooms, & Habitat
St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center (2810 Seabrook Island Road, Johns Island)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Explore the connection between native plants, birds, and the wildlife that depend on them during a guided bird walk. Along the way, discover how native plant communities provide food, shelter, nesting habitat, and other essential resources for both resident and migratory species.
Led by Kristina Wheeler, Natural History Interpretation Coordinator with Charleston County Parks, this walk will offer a closer look at fall birdlife along the South Carolina coast while highlighting the important role native plants play in healthy ecosystems—and how thoughtful choices at home can support conservation.
Friday, October 23
Wildflower Meadow Walk
Kiawah River
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Take a guided walk through Kiawah River’s beautiful wildflower meadows to discover how these vibrant landscapes are established and stewarded. Led by Morgan Farah, Conservancy of the Sea Islands' Horticultural Specialist, and Jeff Snyder, Chief Environmental Officer at Kiawah River, you'll learn to identify the native plants found throughout the landscape and discover the vital role they play in supporting wildlife and healthy ecosystems. Come experience the meadow up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and importance of native landscapes.
The group will park at Rosebank Farms Market located at 5018 Kiawah River Drive and walk from there.
Conservancy of the Sea Islands is a land trust and leader in science-based education, environmental restoration, and conservation across Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands. Founded in 1997, we forever safeguard the lands, waters, and wildlife that define our distinct way of life. Working with property owners, community members, and a wide range of public and private partners, we forever protect vital assets and inspire residents and visitors alike to champion the land’s enduring legacy through meaningful, everyday actions.
Conservancy of the Sea Islands is a nationally accredited land trust through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, meeting the highest standards for protecting land forever. To date, we have preserved 88 properties totaling more than 3,900 acres of ecologically significant land across Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands.
