National Audubon Society

The Boardwalk Post | November 2024

Dear {{FirstName or 'Friend'}},

As the days shorten and the leaves in the swamp are falling, I find myself reflecting on this monumental year we’ve had so far at the Beidler Forest Audubon Center. With 2024 marking the 50-year anniversary of the protection of this magical landscape, it’s been gratifying and uplifting not only to look back on all the milestones over the last half century, but also to reflect on all we’ve accomplished in just the past 10 months.

Here are just a few of our highlights from this year:

First and foremost, our heartfelt 50^th Anniversary Celebration in May welcomed friends old and new.
Renovations enhanced our visitor experience with fresh updates and new technology.
Our hemispheric conservation efforts included Prothonotary Warbler migration tracking and a new global partnership with Colombia’s Ciénaga de Mallorquín.
We expanded our hours and programs, like the popular “Firefly Nights,” which brought more visitors to the swamp.
We honored International Underground Railroad Month with The Multiple Meanings of Freedom exhibit, featuring artist Brittney “Blue” Washington’s moving collection of portraits highlighting the history of the Borderland Maroons.

I invite you to explore these stories and more in our Year-in-Review blog.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue enhancing our visitor experience and celebrating conservation milestones – including Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary’s 50^th anniversary event next November.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

Matt Johnson
Center Director

Donate to Beidler | Read the Year-in-Review

Beidler's 50th anniversary event. Photo: Sydney Walsh.

A man in a wide brimmed hat is in a swamp. He is resting his head on his hand.

Multiple Meanings of Freedom - Borderland Maroons of the SC Lowcountry

This photography exhibition delves into the lesser known history of maroons—enslaved Africans who sought freedom by carving out a self-determined life in Four Holes Swamp and other wetlands. Set against the haunting beauty of the ancient cypress swamp at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest, the series features descendants of enslaved Africans embodying the spirit and resilience of these freedom seekers.

Plan your visit to Beidler and see this powerful exhibit

Multiple Meanings of Freedom - Borderland Maroons of the SC Lowcountry. Featuring photography from lowcountry artists Brittney "Blue" Washington & Joshua Parks.

A fallen tree is laying across a broken boardwalk.

Hurricane Helene Damage to the Boardwalk

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brushed by the sanctuary. While minor damage occurred in a few places along the boardwalk, the most significant break came from a large sweetgum tree that drove an entire 12-foot section of boardwalk into the mud breaking half of the lumber.

Due to the extent of the damage, it took two full days of work to repair this section, and included help from the entire Beidler team! Click here to see photos and videos of how we took on the task of fixing our boardwalk.

Read more about the break

Hurricane Helene boardwalk break. Photo: Matt Johnson.

Aerial image of Cienaga de Mallorquin Ecopark.

Audubon South Carolina's Trip to Colombia

Beidler Forest has become the first Audubon Center and Sanctuary to establish a “sister center” partnership with a Latin American counterpart. Learn how a recent trip to Barranquilla, Colombia, solidified this connection with the Cienaga de Mallorquin Ecopark, uniting efforts to protect migratory birds, like Prothonotary Warblers, and their habitats across hemispheres. From mangrove restoration to student engagement, this collaboration is a vital step in Audubon’s hemispheric conservation mission.

Cienaga de Mallorquin Ecopark.

Are you an early bird shopper? We're stocking up the gift shop for the holidays!

Stop by this holiday season and check out our one-of-a-kind gifts for the nature lovers in your life. From unique art to apparel with Beidler’s bird-themed logos, we’ve got merchandise that you can’t find anywhere else!

Check out some of our new merch!

Various birds checking out our cool merch. Graphic: Richard Covey.

Three people are standing on a boardwalk surveying.

A Recap of Beidler's First Bioblitz

On October 12th, 2024, we hosted our first Bioblitz. It was originally scheduled for August, but flooding from Tropical Storm Debby forced us to postpone it. Hosting this event was a learning experience for everyone, both guests and staff.

A Bioblitz is a communal data collection event with the goal of recording as many species as possible within a defined area. They are a useful tool that can give us a snapshot of the biodiversity of a location at a single point in time. Anyone can take part in one and they are a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow naturalists and to learn about the native plants and animals in your area.

Check out the results

Naturalist Ryan Watson with Bioblitz volunteers. Photo: David Ramage.

We're looking for help in our visitor center

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your Sundays? We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help out at our visitor center! As a volunteer, you’ll greet guests, assist with front desk support, help in our gift shop, and even lend a hand in making unique items to sell. It’s a great opportunity to connect with our community, share your love for birds, and be part of an incredible team. If you enjoy meeting new people and supporting a good cause, we’d love to have you join us.

Let us know if you're interested, and we'll be in touch.

Dwarf palmetto. Photo: David Ramage.

More ways to connect with us:

We’re Hiring! Audubon South Carolina and Beidler Forest Audubon are seeking candidates for the Land and Facilities Coordinator and Community Partnerships Manager positions. Apply today!
Tune into The Sustainable Angler podcast featuring Rebecca Haynes, Vice President at National Audubon and Executive Director of Audubon South Carolina, as she discusses conservation and sustainability efforts at Beidler Forest, Silver Bluff, and beyond. Listen now.
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.
We are working on finalizing our 2025 firefly schedule. Make sure you are signed up to receive a notification when tickets are available. Click here.

Photo: David Ramage

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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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