Friends of Nature and Wildlife
Friends Invite You to Come to Clarendon County, South Carolina "The best birding center in South Carolina and the Southeast."
Explore
Explore Clarendon County, SC!
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature,
he finds it attached to the rest of the world” – John Muir
The purpose of the Friends of Nature and Wildlife
is to promote conservation, awareness, and appreciation of the Nature and Wildlife.
Clarendon County
Pocotaligo Nature Walk open, looking better than ever.
Thank you to City of Manning for the all new boardwalk for a close view of the swamp, flora & fauna.
See the Liberty Tree, clone of the last living Liberty Tree from Maryland. Revolutionary War patriots called themselves Sons of Liberty and rallied under a tree which was known as a Liberty Tree. The last of the original designated Liberty Trees, a tulip poplar, was destroyed by a hurricane.
On December 3, 2021, the city of Manning dedicated this Liberty Tree, propagated from the last of the original trees. This tree, as others, is a witness to history and a symbol of strength and endurance. Thank you for the support of the SC Battleground Preservation Trust, Master Gardeners of Clarendon, Azalea Garden Club, and Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society.
Ox Swamp Marker, where General Francis Marion got
“Swamp Fox” moniker, near Pocotaligo Swamp 3-2-2012:
Ms Land, Dr. Hardee, Chairman Stewart, Mayor Nelson.
Follow Pocotaligo Nature Walk signs.
Clarendon Area Events 2024 and Many more Clarendon County & area events
Jan 5, 24 National Bird Day Jan 29, 1937 Ducks Unlimited incorporated
Feb 16-19, 24 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition – Charleston
Feb 16-19, 24 Great Backyard Bird Count Weekend: To Participate
April 5-9, 2024 National Wildlife Week
April 12, 13, 2024 Puddin Swamp Festival, Turbeville
April 22 EARTH DAY
April 26-27, 2024 Annual Striped Bass Festival, Manning
May 1 – June 15 Alligator hunting application deadline on-line only for the season: Sept – Oct: SCDNR: 803-734-3609:
May 5-11, 2024 National Wildflower Week
May 17. 2024 Endangered Species Day
May 23 World Turtle Day
June 31, 2024 National Trails Day
June 2 – Aug 9, 2024 Camp Woodie, 10 camp weeks: SC Youth Waterfowl Camps: Camp Leopold: 803-452-6001
June 5 World Environment Day
Summer, Saturdays opens June 10: Farmers Market: 8 am – Noon: Manning: 803-435-8477
June 8 World Ocean Day
June 10 National Get Outdoors Day
June 21 First day of summer – Longest Day of the Year – Summer Solstice
Sept 9- Oct 7 SC Alligator hunting season by permit
Sept 14, 24 Annual International Coastal Cleanup /River Sweep
Sept 22 First day of Fall – Autumnal Equinox
Sept 21 National Public Lands Day
Sept 21 National Hunting and Fishing Day – SCDNR
Sept 26, 1774 Johnny Appleseed Day
Oct 6-12 National Wildlife Refuge Week: 553 refuges US-wide
Oct 13-19 SC Native Plant Week
Dec 6 Happy SC Arbor Day
“The Marsh Tacky Horse: History on the Hoof“, Ms. Jeannette Beranger, Research and Technical Programs Manager of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), explore the role of the once-common “Marsh Tacky” breed of horses in the American Revolution, particularly among the partisan South Carolina forces. DNA testing reveals that the Marsh Tacky is a descendant of Spanish colonial horses. By the late 1800s, Tackles likely were found as far north as Myrtle Beach, SC and as far south as St. Simons Island, GA. Significantly smaller (13.5 to 15 hands high) than Arab or Quarter Horses, the five-foot tall Tackles were reliable and good-natured work horses of the Carolina colonists. Breeders consider the modern-day Tacky a steady mount ideal for the wetlands and forests of the region. They do not panic in mud and water unlike the “blood horses” that the British imported for many of their officers. While they had a bulkier body, their long yet narrow chest efficiently functioned to release heat and increased their endurance in the sultry Carolina climate. Marion and his guerrilla warriors saw this horse as providing a distinct advantage over the more skittish and less heat-tolerant mounts of the Redcoat officers.
“See wildlife at its best” Bridge over Santee River & Lake Marion newly opened to walkers, Palmetto Trail connected again
The Lake Marion Passage of the Palmetto Trail is officially designated, August, 2000, in Clarendon County. By the end of 2006, the total mileage of the Trail across SC to more than 225 miles. This over 30 mile passage of the Palmetto Trail skirts along the high-water mark of the north side of Lake Marion. After crossing Lake Marion on Historic 301 bridge (newly opened, Palmetto Trail connected again), the Lake Marion Passage winds along the high water mark of the lake, along Old River Road, between Fludd’s Mill and the ‘hauntingly beautiful cypress lagoon’ Elliott’s Mill Pond and behind SC Waterfowl Association. Commercial campsites along the trail include Jack’s Creek Marina & Carolina King Resort, so hikers and bikers can stay on the trail for extended periods. Trail users will enjoy some of the most magnificent vistas in the Lowcountry with opportunity to spot abundant wildlife and colorful flora. Users have the possibility of encountering poisonous snakes and/or large alligators along the lake’s edge. Only hikers and bikers may use this section of trail. The Lake Marion Passage is marked by yellow blazes in Clarendon County. Hikers and bikers should wear bright colors during big game hunting season, which is from the middle of August through January.
Woods Bay State Park has 1, 541 acres, most of which are open savannah near the pointed end of the egg-shaped bay, and dense cypress swamp elsewhere. At the edge of the bay are sandy flats with loblolly pines and turkey oaks, and on the north side adjacent to the bay is the Mill Point Pond. The park was named after Andre Woods, who once owned a gristmill at the pond. Wildlife is prominent, including numerous species of wading, perching birds. The land was purchased in 1973, and the facilities include nature study, canoeing, picnicking andfishing. Located east of I-95, Exit 135 to US 301 north of Turbeville.
“Clarendon County Tour”
Clarendon History Tour App. Find Historic markers, Old cemeteries and Churches or Restaurants
Come tour in Clarendon County. Individual Tours of Clarendon, Marion sites or Museum by appointment: 803-478-2645
Clarendon County Historical Society Museum
Temporarily, visit by appointment only.
Thursday – Friday: 2:45-5:00
Saturday 10:00-2:00 (on Facebook)
803-433-0328
Alcolu Preservation Society
Original “Alcolu Mill House“: on the grounds of Clarendon Baptist Church
Visit by appointment, by the “Alcolu Preservation Society”: 803-473-7110
Lake Marion Artisans Gallery
108 Main St., Summerton
Open Thursday & Friday 11:00-3:00, Saturday: 10:00-2:00
803-478-8284
Clarendon Archives
Miniature of General Francis Marion is this lapel pin with memorial card
In the American Revolution, Francis Marion stepped forward with little but his passion for liberty and strength of Intellect.
He led a force of patriots that set the stage for the British defeat at Yorktown. Loved by his followers, respected by his enemies,
he is one of the foremost heroes of our War for Independence.
Known as the Swamp Fox for taking refuge in the forests and swamps, he is considered one of the fathers of modern guerilla warfare and credited in the lineage of the United States Army Rangers.
Miniature of the 2nd SC Regiment, Marion Crest from the leather helmet is this lapel pin
Discover nature in Clarendon County, SC
- Fludd’s Mill had grinding stones misplaced in the creek
- An eagles’ nest
- Santee Cooper Lakes – Lake Marion
- Woods Bay Park
- Pocotaligo Swamp
- Half-Way Swamp
- Palmetto Trail
The Swamp Fox Mural, “Reflections“
SE corner of Mill St & Rigby St., Manning, SC
(Prints available – Sales page)
Swamp Fox Welded Sculpture
FE DuBose Campus/CCTC, Manning, 2012
Thanks to the welding students, and Axel and Mark. Here’s the Clarendon Citizen, story & Axel who created this: See Konstantin’s Clarendon Citizen Article
Attention: 4 History wayside markers
1st marker unveiled March 2, 2012
Ox Swamp marker: where Marion got “Swamp Fox” moniker near Pocotaligo Swamp.
Ms Land, Dr. Hardee, Chairman Stewart, Mayor Nelson.
Mrs. Peggy McGill has created this painting of General Francis Marion in a South Carolina swamp, 2009.
This print, 21″ x 35″ plus a white border, was done for the Francis Marion Trail.
Loved by his followers, respected by his enemies,
Marion is one of the foremost heroes of our War for Independence. ©2009
For your golf shirt put the Francis Marion Liberty “crest” on it, order your own crest.
Order your own Liberty crest pin for any shirt, $6 each or 2 for $10.
Francis Marion lapel pin $6
Marion Liberty Crest lapel pin $6
Swamp Fox T-shirt $12
Call to order or email: 803-478-2645 or gcsummers@ftc-i.net
Send check to: Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society
PO Box 667, Manning, SC 29102
If you prefer to charge to a credit card, we can.
S&H will be added, Minimum order is $10 and $2 shipping and handling.
