The Lettered Olive: S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Education News
[ May 28, 2021 ]
"Leaflets of three, let it be..."

Along with the nursery rhymes, if you grew up near the woods, this little jingle was also something you learned early on . . . and for good reason. Featured this week is none other than the infamous, native vine: poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). This unassuming vine — classified in the same family as cashews and mangoes — tends to blend in with other plants, often surprising the most skilled nature wanderer with its unmistakable calling card when touched: an itchy rash. The leaves, when touched, rupture, and release urushiol, an oil that can irritate the skin for up to two weeks. Poison ivy is common throughout all of S.C.'s 46 counties, typically found along the coast in areas such as upland pine and maritime forests. In the winter, the vine loses its signature triple green leaves in favor of a fuzzy, brown exterior, which can also cause irritation to the skin if touched. While poison ivy is something humans tend to steer clear of, the berries of this plant are a favored delicacy for several species of birds, including woodpeckers, the American robin, and the tufted titmouse. So, while you might be itching to get outside to enjoy these warmer temperatures, be sure to notice your surroundings. And, speaking of noticing...take a look at these educational opportunities brought to you by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and our partners!
(photo credit: Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center)
Deadline Approaching!
Environmental Education Association of South Carolina Annual Conference: "Environmental Legacy: It's Our Story. Past, Present, and Future"
June 10 - 12, 2021 (hybrid)
Deadline to Register: June 4, 2021

Don't miss out learning from and networking with environmental educators across S.C. during the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina's (EEASC) annual conference, Environmental Legacy: It's Our Story. Past, Present, and Future. Enjoy virtual sessions on June 10 and 11 and then participate in one of several in-person field trips across the state on June 12. To register, please visit EEASC's conference page. Questions can be sent to Chenille Williams.

Sign up for field trips only! Interested in joining in on the outside fun but not registering for the conference? Sign up today for one of five fabulous field trips taking place across the state on June 12th: paddling trip, botanical gardens tour, history hike, barrier island wading adventure, and fishing 101. Visit the conference page for more information!
New Opportunities and Resources!
(Virtual) BioDiscovery Workshop
August 11 and 12, 2021

Are you curious about those animals and plants that grow off of docks, pylons, and other structures in the water? The BioDiscovery Project is an exciting STEM (science-technology-engineering-math)-based, citizen-science initiative designed to provide hands-on exploration of biofouling communities in aquatic environments. This training will teach you how to lead students in creating sampling devices to investigate aquatic organisms and utilize the BioDiscovery Data Portal for analysis and comparison of other sampling devices along and across watershed systems. Thanks to generous support from the Bosch Community Fund, this training is offered free-of-charge by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, Clemson Extension, and Grice Marine Lab. Participants will receive supplies to build and deploy sampling devices, educational materials, and additional resources. Formal educators will be eligible to receive renewal credits. Registration is now open. Questions can be sent to Beth Burkett or Lindsay Patterson.

Your Parks, Your Classroom!

Come learn about and the Charleston County Parks from the comfort of your own home! Thanks to generous support from the Charleston County Parks Foundation, this free program runs twice a day (10am and 1pm) every Tuesday in May and June via Zoom. The program series is designed for classroom teachers as they round out the school year and is also open to homeschooled students or co-ops. Please visit the website to learn more about the program and register. Questions can be sent to Lindsay Patterson.
Reminders!
From Seeds to Shoreline Virtual Teacher Training
July 28 and 29, 2021
Deadline to Register: July 2, 2021

The From Seeds to Shoreline® (S2S) program celebrates 11 years of helping to restore areas of S.C. salt marsh and we want you to join our team for the 2021 - 2022 school year! The S2S program is the only salt marsh restoration program in the state designed specifically for K - 12 students and teachers. By growing Spartina alterniflora, the dominant plant of southeastern salt marshes, throughout the school year and transplanting young seedlings to areas of the coastline, students not only learn about the importance of this critical ecosystem but they also serve as environmental stewards. The cost to participate in the workshop is free; however, attendance at the two-day training is required to participate in the 2021-2022 school year. The online workshop includes: pre-workshop learning engagement activities; a virtual training via Zoom (four hours over two days); and an optional, in-person, salt marsh, field experience to occur later in Fall 2021. A free workshop kit of supplies and resources will be mailed to you so that you can participate, hands-on, from the comfort of your own home. Registration opens May 1, 2021. For more information, please visit the S2S website. Questions can be sent to E.V. Bell.
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