This meetup for teachers and environmental educators will include a networking session followed by a guided tour of Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve led by Cameron Foster of the SC Department of Natural Resources. This is a free event with a maximum of 30 participants, so please register soon to reserve your spot!  

Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve was purchased in 2001 and encompasses 201 acres along the Congaree River, with bluffs extending 200 feet above the river. The Preserve is in Calhoun County, directly across the river from Congaree National Park. 

Wear comfortable clothes for walking/hiking and bring a water bottle and binoculars. The hike will be along easy terrain and will last approximately 45 minutes. Trail conditions include deep sand in some places. 

Directions to Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve:

The physical address is 255 Turkey Track Lane, Saint Matthews, SC, 29135. Once you reach Turkey Track Lane (dirt road), follow the dirt road and keep left until you pass two parking lots on your left. You will come up a gravel driveway to the hill, and once you reach the hill you should see the white Education Center.

From Columbia: Take I-26 East (toward Charleston) to Exit 125. Turn right onto SSR31 (Old Sandy Run Road). Travel 2 miles on Old Sandy Run Road until you come to a stop sign at Highway 176. Turn right onto Highway 176 and then travel 7.6 miles. Turn left just past West Bethel Church on SSR24 known as Old Bellville Road and travel 7 miles. Turn left on to Purple Martin Road just past Mount Carmel Baptist Church and travel until you come to a stop sign at SSR25 known as Fort Motte Road. Turn left on Fort Motte Road and travel for 2.8 miles. The Heritage Preserve Sign will be on the right; turn left on Turkey Track Lane (dirt road). Drive past the two parking lots on your left and down to the Education Center. 

From Charleston: Take I-26 West (toward Columbia) to Exit 145 (US 601). Travel north on US 601 approximately 9 miles. Turn left on SC 419 and follow SC 419 for 2.5 miles to the railroad tracks in Fort Motte. Cross the tracks and continue straight for approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Turkey Track Lane (dirt road); follow Turkey Track Lane for approximately 1 mile. Drive past the two parking lots on your left and down to the Education Center.