February 2020 events and programs at Charleston County Parks
February Special Events
Save the Light 5K & Half Marathon
Sat., Feb. 1, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Entrance at Folly Beach Pier
Join us on Folly Beach for the Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K. Both USATF certified races start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier. Participants ages 8-15 can register for this course, but must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Awards and post-race food provided.
6567 5K Fee: $28 Ages: 8 and up
6581 Half Marathon Fee: $54 Ages: 10 and up
February Programs
Ongoing Programs
Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw
Wednesdays and Saturdays, Feb., 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Every Wednesday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Free for Gold Pass Holders. Registration is not required.
Fee: $10; free for Gold Pass holders
College Days
Wednesdays, Feb., 5, 12, 19, 26, 12-5 p.m.
Climbing Wall Classroom at Outdoor Zone at James Island County Park
Climbing is a fun way to get into shape and to meet new people. It is also a great social activity. Students with a current ID will receive a free harness and shoe rental with the regular price of admission. Registration is not required.
Fee: $12
Ages: Any
Daily Programs
Nature Ramble
Tue., Feb. 4, 1 – 3 p.m.
Laurel Hill County Park
Join a Master Naturalist instructor and see the natural wonders of our parks in a new light. Discover plants and animals while learning about their connections to the world around them and how that connectivity may circle back to you! Pre-registration required.
Fee: $9
Ages: 12 and up
Homeschool in the Parks: Carolina Gold
Fri., Feb. 7, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Classroom at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Explore former rice fields and walk through the various steps required for the cultivation of rice. Examine the cultural roles and influences of enslaved Africans and African Americans in coastal South Carolina.
Fee: $5
Ages: 7-12
Sunset Moonrise Canoe Tour
Sat., Feb. 8, 3 – 6 p.m.
Exhibit Area at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Witness the sun as it slips below the tall trees of Caw Caw Swamp, and watch the moonrise over Tea Farm Creek while you paddle alongside trained naturalists. Opportunities abound to view wildlife that will be settling in for the night or just waking up.
Fee: $35
Ages: 9 and up
Lowcountry Senior Series: Archery
Tue., Feb. 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Challenge Course at Outdoor Zone in James Island County Park
In partnership with the Lowcountry Senior Center, this program empowers adults 50+ to continue to explore, discover, and grow. Participants will be introduced to archery at the Outdoor Zone at James Island County Park. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $20
Ages: 50 and up
Wee Wild Ones: For the Love of Nature
Fri., Feb. 14, 10-11 a.m.
Classroom at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Young children ages 1-5 will channel their inner explorers while enjoying nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art. Caw Caw is a perfect place for nature lovers, so join us as we discuss wildlife that love Caw Caw as much as you do!
Fee: $10
Ages: 1-5
SEWE Intro to Archery
Fri., Feb. 14, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Archery Range at Johns Island County Park
Maximize the “thrill of the hunt” by enhancing your archery skills on our new six target archery range and 20-target 3D course, featuring wild boar, deer, and turkey targets at Johns Island County Park. Bring the kids, enjoy some basic instruction, and take time to explore both ranges. We’ll provide the necessary equipment, but feel free to bring your own. Coffee and donuts will also be available.
Fee: $35
Ages: 8 and up
What Do Those Clouds Mean?
Fri., Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m.
Commission Board Room at CCPRC Headquarters
What do a Mackerel Sky and Mare’s Tails mean, and how do they help forecast the weather? Join us for a review of clouds and their relationships to weather patterns to aid in our own weather forecasting for being on the water. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $15
Ages: 16 and up
Cheers to the Natural World
Fri., Feb. 14, 3-6 p.m.
Garden Area at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
From gift-giving to having all the right moves, some have quite the advantage in the mating game. Celebrate this day of love by learning
what some animals go through to perpetuate their species. Light hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages will be provided.
Fee: $30
Ages: 21 and up
SEWE Combing The Caw Caw Wilderness
Sat., Feb. 15, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Exhibit Area at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
The Caw Caw Interpretive Center just south of Charleston contains a variety of South Carolina Lowcountry habitats that are known for their beauty and wildlife. Join a naturalist to explore a cypress/tupelo swamp, freshwater marsh, saltwater marsh, bottomland hardwood forest, and more. Eagles, turkeys, otters, waterfowl, and more are often observed from the trails at Caw Caw. There’s no better way to learn about the wilds of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Fee: $35
Ages: 12 and up
Intro to Sport Lead Climbing
Sun., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone in James Island County Park
Our lead course is for those that have been top rope climbing and are ready to take things to the next level. Learning to lead climb gives you access to more walls as well as better prepares you for outdoor climbing. In this course, you will learn about the risks involved in lead climbing, risk management, lead climbing equipment, clipping techniques, lead belaying, and falling skills. Pre-requisites: Lead climbing is not a beginner skill set. We require a base of experience to take our lead course. You need to have been climbing regularly for several months. You need to be top rope certified in our gym prior to registering for the course. You need to be able to climb 5.8 routes in our facility numerous times in a row.
Fee: $25
Ages: 14 and up
Wiggly Worms
Mon., Feb. 17, 10-11 a.m.
Classroom at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Dig deep into the world of worms! Learn more about these amazing animals and how they make the world a better place through behaviors such as naturally enriching the soil they call home.
Fee: $10
Ages: 6-8
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Mon.-Fri., Feb. 17-21, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Boardroom at James Island County Park
Wilderness Medicine differs significantly from standard courses for the urban environment. Learn to deal with medical emergencies when help is miles away and dialing 911 is not an option. If you are an avid outdoor traveler or simply a weekend warrior, Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) will prepare you for emergencies that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments, and improvised gear. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is considered the definitive medical training course for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts and is also the definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators, guides, SAR team members, and others who work or play in remote areas. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including all of the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments. The 5-day format is for individuals and sponsors with less time available for on-site training and requires 25 hours of pre-course preparation. More details: http://www.wildmed.com/wilderness-medical-courses/first-response/5-day-wilderness-first-responder/. Minimum enrollment required by January 17, 2020.
Fee: $700
Ages: 18 and up
Seabirding at Folly Beach Pier
Tue., Feb. 18, 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier
Birding experts will help you find oceangoing seabirds from the amazing vantage point of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Targets include scoters, scaup, grebes, loons, gulls, terns, and more.
Fee: $6
Ages: 12 and up
Wilderness First Responder – Open Recertification
Wed-Fri., Feb. 19-21, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Boardroom at James Island County Park
This 3-day course is open to graduates of all Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses of 64 hours or longer. Upon successful completion, you will be re-certified as a Wilderness Medical Associates WFR. Minimum enrollment required by January 17, 2020.
Fee: $400
Ages: 18 and up
Coastal Navigation
Thu., Feb. 20, 6 – 8 p.m. & Sat. Feb. 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Commission Board Room at CCPRC Headquarters
This course introduces you to all aspects of coastal navigation. The basics of maps and charts, compasses, aids to navigation, declination/variation, and rules of the nautical road will be covered. Also learn more advanced navigational skills such as dead reckoning, range lines, fixes, following bearings, triangulation, and compensating for the current. Sea kayakers and other coastal travelers will enjoy learning from these informative classes. Gain confidence and skills to feel at ease knowing where you are and how to get to where you want to go. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
Homeschool in the Parks: All About Alligators
Fri., Feb. 21, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Classroom at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
The wetlands at Caw Caw Interpretive Center are the perfect home for reptiles, especially alligators. Become more familiar with this often misunderstood critter through an investigation of artifacts while searching for live alligators along the way.
Fee: $5
Ages: 7-12
Tides and Currents
Fri., Feb. 21, 6 – 8 p.m.
Commission Board Room at CCPRC Headquarters
Will you get stuck in pluff mud or breeze along to your destination? Understanding tides and currents can make a significant difference in your paddling day. This course will help you prepare for your next adventure on the water. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $15
Ages: 16 and up
High Elements and Low Level 1 Testing
Sat., Feb. 22, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Challenge Course at Outdoor Zone in James Island County Park
Test your knowledge of team building using adventure learning activities and challenge course experiences. This exam is designed for the beginner facilitator who wishes to assess their skills, written and practical. Minimum enrollment required by December 23, 2019.
Fee: $200
Ages: 18 and up
Intro to Climbing
Sun., Feb. 23, 2-3:30 p.m.
Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone in James Island County Park
There’s a lot to learn about climbing; getting your footing, learning the lingo, and starting out can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. In this class, you’ll receive expert instruction on the basics of climbing, the opportunity to meet and learn with other new climbers, and an overview of our facility. This 90-minute class will help kick off your new adventure with a 1:9 instructor to student ratio and small group and partner work. Instruction takes place on both ropes and boulders, and the class includes gear rental, too!
Fee: $20
Ages: 14 and up
Intro to Kayak Rolling
Mon., Feb. 24 & Wed., Feb. 26, 7 – 8:30 p.m. & Fri., Feb. 28, 5:30-8 p.m.
St. Andrews Recreation Pool
Have you ever wanted to learn how to roll a kayak? One of the greatest self-rescue tools a kayaker has is rolling, which also sharpens other boating skills. Increase your confidence and abilities while learning how to roll a kayak, reviewing rescue techniques, or other skills. All classes take place in a controlled environment to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $65
Ages: 13 and up
Lowcountry Senior Series: Climbing Wall
Tue., Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Challenge Course at Outdoor Zone in James Island County Park
In partnership with the Lowcountry Senior Center, this program empowers adults 50+ to continue to explore, discover, and grow. This course introduces participants to climbing at the Climbing Wall at James Island County Park. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $12
Ages: 50 and up
Practice Pool Session
Tue., Feb. 25 & Thu. 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
St. Andrews Recreation Pool
Improve or develop your paddling skills or techniques with instructors on hand to help. This is a great opportunity to learn or improve on rescues! Increase your confidence and abilities while learning how to roll a kayak, reviewing rescue techniques, or other skills. All classes take place in a controlled environment to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $48
Ages: 13 and up
Warrior’s Way Falling & Commitment Clinic with Arno Ilgner
Sat., Feb. 29, 12 – 5 p.m.
Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone in James Island County Park
The Warrior’s Way teaches how to focus attention under stress, which allows climbers to better deal with doubts and improve commitment. This clinic develops skills by practicing exercises in falling (introduced in small increments creating appropriate progressions), awareness, movement, breathing, and resting. All learned skills will be applied to a challenging route during the clinic. The take-away is a structured method for engaging risk with diminished fear.
Fee: $120
Ages: 14 and up
Secrets of the Swamp
Sat., Feb. 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Park Center at Wannamaker County Park
Experience the primordial beauty of a bottomland hardwood forest with a trained naturalist. Beneath the towering cypress trees, we’ll uncover some secrets of the plants and animals that inhabit this uniquely southern ecosystem. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $12
Ages: 12 and up
Local Paddling Destinations
Sat., Feb. 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Commission Board Room at CCPRC Headquarters
The Lowcountry is well known for its salt marshes, cypress swamps, and inland waterways. Learn about many of our great paddling destinations and how to gain access to them.
Fee: $15
Ages: 16 and up
Feb. / Winter Youth Sports
McClellanville Youth Basketball 5-8
St James Santee Elementary School
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3-5 p.m., Feb. 3 – Mar. 12
Program will concentrate on developing skills such as passing, shooting, defense/offense, rebounding, and teamwork in a fun environment. Involves league play for some age groups and may require traveling. Participants will be separated into different age groups.
Fee: $15
Ages: 5-8
Advance registration required for many programs. Call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com to register.
Many programs require that a minimum number of participants be met.
