Our first field trip of the year will be on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, to the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina. Proposed times for both days will be from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

On Saturday, we will meet on I’on Swamp Road which is directly off Highway 17 N. The GPS coordinates are 32.972848, -79.673653. Target species are Henry’s Elfin and other spring butterflies. We will walk along I’on Swamp Road and I’on Swamp Trail. If there is interest for a Sunday walk, we will meet at the intersection of Highway 41 and Hoover Road in Huger, South Carolina.

The pace will be easy and the terrain not difficult although there are roots along the I’on Swamp Trail. No restrooms are on site. Bring binoculars, water, field guides, lunch and insect repellant.

Alison Smith and Tom Austin will lead. Contact Alison Smith if you plan to attend: sweetgrassess@gmail.com.