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The Boardwalk Post | March 2025

Spring in the Swamp - Don't Miss the Magic!

Dear {{FirstName or 'Friend'}},

With our busiest time of the year fast approaching, our team has been working on an exciting slate of programs over the next couple of months. Read below for updates on Firefly Nights, kayak trips, and other exciting programs happening at Beidler this spring. And of course, we’re awaiting the return of our favorite “swamp canary” – the Prothonotary Warbler!

We hope you can make it out for one of our events, or just stop by for a stroll through the forest. If you can’t visit, here are a few other ways that you can support Audubon’s work in South Carolina this spring:

Join us in Columbia, SC on April 11 for “Audubon Night” at the Columbia Fireflies baseball game.
Advocate for the Prothonotary Warbler being named our official State Migratory Bird.
Sign up to become a shorebird steward on one of our beaches.
Visit the Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary, which will be turning 50 years old this year.

From our whole team here at Beidler Forest, we appreciate all of you who do so much to support Audubon’s work in South Carolina. We hope to see you soon!

Matt Johnson
Center Director

Donate to Beidler

Fireflies along the boardwalk. Graphic/image: Richard Covey.

Prothonotary Warbler. Photo: Mac Stone, Graphic: Richard Covey

Beidler's Spring Program & Event Schedule

We have an exciting lineup this spring. Whether you’re planning a family outing or seeking a solo adventure, there’s something for everyone this season.

Public Programs

Guided Kayak Trips: For the adventurous, join us for a guided kayak trip this spring – Hurry, these tickets sell out fast!
Spring Flower Tour: Join us for our first-ever Spring Flower Tour and discover the diverse plant life that thrives at Beidler.
Night Explorations: Experience the boardwalk after dark and learn about our nocturnal wildlife on a guided Night Exploration.
Guided Boardwalk Tours: Learn about the birds, plants, and animals that call Beidler home on one of our guided boardwalk tours – perfect for beginner birders!
Hmmm, it feels like we’re missing something...oh yes, our Firefly Nights at Beidler! Read on to the next section for details about how to sign up.

Events

Audubon Night at the Columbia Fireflies Baseball Game: Come out and see us as the Columbia Fireflies face off against the Charleston RiverDogs on April 11. Thanks to a local grant, we have a limited number of tickets available for free – click here to be the first to know when tickets are available!

Check out our full calendar of spring programming & events

Prothonotary Warbler. Photo: Mac Stone, Graphic: Richard Covey

Don't Blink! Firefly Nights Sell Out Fast!

Back by popular demand – Firefly Nights returns for 2025! This one-of-a-kind experience offers a rare glimpse into the enchanting world of synchronous fireflies. Tickets are extremely limited and sell out fast, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Want to be the first to know when ticket sales open? Sign up for our Firefly Nights Interest List today and stay in the loop!

Tours run late April – early June! Stay in the ✨glow✨ by checking out our Firefly Nights webpage for the full schedule and updates.

I want to see fireflies!

Firefly Nights. Graphic: Richard Covey

Prothonotary Warbler. Photo: Mark Gallerani

Urge your elected officials to support S. 383

Help make the Prothonotary Warbler South Carolina’s State Migratory Bird!

A new bill (S. 383) has been introduced in the South Carolina Senate to designate the Prothonotary Warbler – our beloved ‘swamp canary” – as the official State Migratory Bird. This vibrant warbler is a symbol of South Carolina’s vital role in protecting migratory birds along their incredible journeys.

With your support, we can raise awareness about the importance of preserving these birds and their habitats. Take Action: Contact your elected official today and urge them to support S. 383!

Learn more about this bill and how you can help make the Prothonotary Warbler our State Migratory Bird!

Prothonotary Warbler. Photo: Mark Gallerani

Prothonotary Warbler. Photo: Aaron Angel

It's That Time of Year - Beidler's Prothonotary Warbler First Sighting Contest

Every year, we eagerly await the return of these bright, swamp-dwelling songbirds - often called "swamp canaries" - to Beidler Forest. Think you can predict the first sighting? Take your best guess and submit a date.

Whoever picks the correct (or closest) date will win a free family membership to Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary. Hint: Prothonotary Warblers typically arrive between late March and early April.

Join in the fun and let's welcome them back together!

Prothonotary Warbler. Photo: Aaron Angel

Meet Macy, Our New Land & Facilities Coordinator

We’re excited to welcome Macy Beckman to the Beidler Forest team. A Mount Pleasant native with degrees in Environmental Studies, Anthropology, and Sustainability from Eckard College, Macy is an avid paddle-birder and photographer. Her passion for birds blossomed in Florida, observing species like Roseate Spoonbills and Green Herons. At Beidler, Macy looks forward to mastering our equipment, becoming a certified prescribed burn manager, and experiencing the upcoming spring in the swamp.

Learn more about Macy

Meet Beidler's River Otters - the swamp's most spirited inhabitants!

While Prothonotaries often steal the spotlight, our North American River Otters are equally captivating. Visitors’ eyes light up at the chance to spot these charismatic creatures, known for their playful antics like sliding in mud and snow, and their fearless curiosity. Catching a glimpse of an otter lounging, playing, or hunting in the swamp is truly a magical experience.

Special thanks to our friend Richard Hernandez for the amazing photos in this article!

Learn more about Beidler's River Otters

River Otter. Photo: Richard Hernandez

Beidler's boardwalk. Photo: David Ramage

Looking for more ways to connect with us?

We’re Hiring! Audubon South Carolina and Beidler Forest Audubon are seeking candidates for the Bird Conservation Intern position. Follow this link for more information about the position and how to apply.
Join our amazing team of volunteers that help us continue to serve an educate our local community. Tell us your interested by filling out this form and we will reach out to you.
The second Saturday of every month is always free admission! Come out and see the swamp this spring at no charge.
Become a Beidler Forest Annual Pass Holder and receive free general admission for one year, as well as discounts for both gift shop and special events. Annual passes are $50 for individuals and $125 for families.

There are a number of ways you can support the work we do! Questions? Reach out to us by sending an email to beidler@audubon.org.

Beidler's boardwalk. Photo: David Ramage

Donate to Beidler

CONNECT WITH US

Audubon Center at Beidler Forest
336 Sanctuary Rd, Harleyville, SC 29448
843-487-9988 | beidler.audubon.org

© 2025 National Audubon Society, Inc.

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