To commemorate Earth Day, we unveiled the Sustainable Future exhibit presented by Fluor within the brand new 30,000 square foot Environmental Science and Sustainability Center. This large exhibit is divided into five main areas related to sustainability where visitors can experience their use and impact on household energy, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, food and clothing waste recycling, composting, and biodiversity.

Open to the public beginning on June 1, the Sustainable Future exhibit’s activities and information displays will have visitors leaving with the understanding that choices matter, wise stewardship of nature is essential, and all things are interrelated. The hope is that a cultivation of awareness towards the local and global environmental and sustainability issues takes place and leaves an encouraging stewardship message for visitors to examine their personal needs and wants to make appropriate lifestyle changes to make a difference in the world.

We are excited to welcome three new hires this month. John Hurley, former Director of Education at AMIKids, comes to us as our new Natural Science Specialist in Harrison Hall of Natural Science. Joining him in Harrison as a Natural Science Teacher is Meg McKnight, who hails from Augusta Circle Elementary where she taught fourth and fifth grade while also writing science curriculum for Greenville County Schools. And rounding out the new positions is NAI-certified and Educational Interpreter III, Ashley Zalabak, our new Environmental Science and Sustainability Specialist, who joins us from the South Carolina Aquarium.

Do you have a passion to support the purpose, vision, and mission of Roper Mountain Science Center? Would you be dedicated to working toward that through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteering? Each year, the Roper Mountain Science Center Association seeks such individuals to join our Board. If you are interested in serving as a Board member, please contact us via email for more information.  

…that the Chestnut Oak trees found at Roper Mountain aren’t a common forest type in Greenville? They grow and adapt to thrive on rocky, dry ridges and are sometimes called Rock Oak. It’s also an indicator species of dry (xeric) conditions. Because it’s a ridgetop tree, it’s only found in two places in Greenville: Paris Mountain and right here! It got its name thanks to its leaf resemblance to the American Chestnut. Because it’s a source of tannin extract (used for tanning of leather, dyeing, etc.), it’s also called Tanbark Oak. 

Our Chestnut Oak forest is our climax forest here, representing the last stage of natural succession. This forest should remain essentially unchanged in terms of species composition for as long as our site remains undisturbed. Many Chestnut Oak seedlings can be seen sprouting up from stumps and roots. The large acorns of the Chestnut Oak are obvious among the leaf litter on the forest floor. The long and broad acorns are among some of the largest of American Oaks. Blue jays, gray squirrels and chipmunks feast on the acorns.

As you hike our trails this summer, enjoy the shade of our Chestnut Oaks that help make Roper Mountain so special!