Free Guided Tour of Botany Bay to Highlight Wildlife, Conservation Efforts

Charleston County, in partnership with the South Carolina Native Plant Society and Edisto Island Open Land Trust, invites the public to explore the plants, wildlife, and coastal landscapes of Botany Bay during a guided field trip and native plant tour at the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area.

The free event will take place Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and will be led by Charleston County Arborist Kyle Foster and Edisto Island Open Land Trust’s Tom Austin, author of "The Flora and Fauna of Edisto Island and the Lowcountry Sea Islands."

Along the way, Foster and Austin will share their knowledge of the Lowcountry’s natural environment, help participants identify some of Botany Bay’s signature plant species, and discuss how conserving land helps protect habitat for native plants and wildlife.

Participants will learn about the Botany Bay expansion property, funded in part through the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and purchased by the Open Space Institute for transfer to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and how partnerships like this help protect important natural areas across Charleston County. Parking is limited, so participants are encouraged to carpool.

Attendees should wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing and bring sunscreen, a full water bottle, and any other personal items they may need during the walk. Registration is open now. RSVP here.