(And Why You Shouldn’t Either!)
By Amber Evans
When it comes to the great outdoors, it doesn’t get much better than the Carolina Lowcountry. From the towering pine forests to the sandy Atlantic coast, from the black water swamps to the salt marshes, this is a region abundant with natural beauty. The South Eastern Wildlife Expo celebrates and showcases this abundance every year, and they have promised 2015 will be a special treat. So hike, paddle, and float on down to see what’s new; but hurry! Many of these events are “first come, first served.” Trust me, you don’t want to be left behind!
Just check out what’s in store!
- The SEWE is hosting the only two tank Dock Dogs event east of the Mississippi.This fast paced, high energy sport began in 1997 and has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Dogs leap off of a long dock into a pool of water, competing for both highest and longest jumps. The event is open to all breeds, though Labrador and Golden Retrievers are common contenders. Interested in participating? Registration begins 9:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Brittlebank Park.
- For the waterfowl hunter in your life, SEWE is holding a decoy auction.Preview these beautifully crafted pieces from10:00 – 12:00 Saturday at Charleston Marriot. The auction will mainly feature Atlantic Coast waterfowl decoys, ranging in value from $200 to several thousand dollars.
- Looking for a new painting to fill that wall behind the couch? Or a figurine to adorn your mantelpiece? Look no further than the SEWE! Original art will be presented by local painters, sculptors, carvers and crafters of all sorts.You’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.
- Jim and Jamie Dutcher will be hosting a lecture entitled “Living with Wolves,” in which they recount the six years they spent living among these elusive and majestic predators in rural Idaho. The presentation will be given at the Charleston Music Hall. They will be available afterward to sign copies of their recently released book, The Hidden Lives of Wolves.
- The Center for Birds of Prey will be performing a flight demonstration all three days of the Wildlife Expo.This incredible crew rescues wild birds who have been injured and rehabilitates them on a 152-acre campus in Awendaw. A high percentage of the animals are successfully released back into the wild. Those who, for whatever reasons, cannot be released act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts during events such as this one. Come out and support the Lowcountry’s leader in avian conservation!
- The children in your life will thank you! Yes, they will be immersed in a wide range of outdoor activities, crafts, music and the culture that makes Charleston so wonderful and unique through the adult events available. But who can resist an ecological-themed puppet show, a petting zoo, or the chance to learn to use a cast net?So bring out the young-uns, as we say here in Charleston, and bring on fun for the whole family!
This list barely scratches the surface of the adventure and discovery the South Eastern Wildlife Expo has to offer. So whether you’re young, or young at heart, come on down. You’ll be glad you did!
