SC Master Naturalist Advisory Board Retreat

The mission of the South Carolina Master Naturalist Program (SCMNP) is to provide nature-based education that inspires citizen volunteers to promote environmental stewardship within their communities. For this mission to continue to be executed effectively, the Coordinators of the program need to stay current with their professional development. On June 16-18 Kristina Wheeler attended the SC Master Naturalist Advisory Board Retreat that was graciously hosted by staff of the Lowcountry Institute of the Spring Island Trust. Spring Island is a 3,000-acre nature preserve and island residential community in Beaufort County, South Carolina with under 400 homesites, a community garden, native plant nursery and a robust nature center.

Ten of the coordinators for the SCMNP were in attendance along with the statewide coordinator Dr. James Blake of Clemson University. Coordinators of the program range from SC State Park Interpretive Rangers to National Estuarine Research Reserve Coordinators to yours truly, Keith McCullough and Kristina Wheeler of CCPRC. Spring Island Trust staff includes the Emmy Award winning host of Coastal Kingdom Tony Mills and Dr. Chris Marsh, Executive Director of the Spring Island Trust. It was Dr. Marsh who helped to spearhead the SCMNP over 20 years ago and it was fitting that this retreat took place on the eve of his retirement so that attendees could learn a few more tips from this incredible Master Educator.

Currently, the SCMNP has over 2,300 graduates with 6 class locations throughout South Carolina and has been celebrated for its popularity, success, and longevity. A major goal of this retreat was to go over the results of a comprehensive survey conducted recently by Clemson and sent to all graduates of the program for an in-depth evaluation. The results of the study will be used to modify and improve future programs and advanced trainings. The survey responses were overwhelmingly positive and graduates stated that the course inspired them to change the way they thought about use of natural resources and challenged them to become active agents in the world of volunteerism. The retreat also offered multiple opportunities for sharing best practices and experiences to advance the success of the coordinators. With appropriate permits and licenses obtained, attendees got to practice catch and release trapping methods for various reptiles and amphibians. They also got hand-on experience salt-water fishing to aid in learning more about the natural history mysteries beneath the surface of our coastal waters.

Kristina Wheeler holding a Hammerhead Shark that was eating a blue crab for dinner when it also got enticed by their bait! All involved were released safely.
Photos courtesy of Andy Jones