Hannah P.
Summary of My Experience
Morning Walk/Tour of So8ths
On the morning of June 28, our class took a tour with the owner and employees of Carolina Wildlands. The property was absolutely stunning—and massive! We spent our time in a wooden building farther into the land, which is typically used for meetings or hosting guests. What impressed me most during the walking tour were the employee-led projects focused on birds, insects, and the Thompson River. I was surprised to learn that the Thompson River connects all the way from Carolina Wildlands to Hobcaw Barony, which we visited the day before. As someone who enjoys walking and learning about history and conservation work, I found it fascinating to hear about the variety of activities and research efforts taking place on the land.
Day Field Sample Collections With Sc Dec
The sample collection at the Thompson River was by far the most fascinating part of the experience. I’ve done collections in various bodies of water—oceans, lagoons, rivers, streams, and creeks—but using specific methods to gather microorganisms and aquatic invertebrates in the creek was incredibly exciting. I discovered organisms I had never seen before, including one that resembled a centipede with large, pincer-like jaws. I later learned that it eventually transforms into a flying insect, which we happened to see during the Moth Tour that evening. The team also spotted river salamanders similar to those found in Phinizy Swamp. Justin’s enthusiasm during his talk about these organisms made me even more excited to put on waders and jump into the river to search for more. Compared to Phinizy Swamp, this data collection process felt easier to follow. Although the netting technique was similar at both locations, Justin’s clear explanation made a big difference—and we ended up with some excellent specimens!
Discussion on Resilience (SCOR) – Bryan Rabon
Bryan is doing incredible work for communities across South Carolina. His efforts to rebuild homes for those who have lost them to hurricanes or other natural disasters—and to offer new locations or land buyouts—are a proactive way to lessen the environmental impact and make the land more resilient to future events. I was surprised to learn that nine other counties work with him, including Volusia County—my own in Florida. Volusia is a large area, so seeing my community involved in such a meaningful initiative was eye-opening. Bryan’s work is truly inspiring for future environmentalists and activists.
Water Sample Analysis
When we collected samples from the upstream and downstream areas of the Thompson River, we used the YSI Multi-Parameter device to measure conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. Although the YSI can measure salinity, that data wasn’t needed since the Thompson River is a freshwater source—unlike Hobcaw Barony, which is an estuary where saltwater and freshwater mix. I had prior experience using Chemetrics with Dr. Ithier-Guzmán at DSC, so I was already familiar with many of the test procedures. While there were a few I hadn’t done before, the instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. Initially, our group struggled a bit with the Chemetrics tests due to a lack of coordination and multiple tasks happening at once. However, once we focused solely on the upstream and downstream data, the group became more confident and efficient with the experiments.
Evening Walk & 3C’s Discussion – Mike Elliot
The Evening Walk and the 3 C’s activity is something I’ll never forget. The walk from our lodging out to the field was a scenic and peaceful experience. My favorite part of the tour was the horse cemetery. I’ve always loved walking tours and learning about history, and I find interactive experiences especially engaging—they help keep me focused since I prefer staying active rather than sitting still. One unexpected moment was when the Army veteran parachuted in from above. I had no idea it was part of the plan, so I was completely confused at first—was this really happening? Either way, it was incredible! Mike Elliot gave a powerful and inspiring speech about staying true to yourself, facing your fears, and having confidence. He shared the three C’s that guided him as an Army parachutist: confidence, courage, and consistency. Mike explained that if you live by these principles, they can help you achieve what once seemed impossible.
Campfire & S’mores
At the Campfire and S’mores, I want to say thank you to Dr. Howard and Dr. Ithier-Guzman for providing us a fire and the products for s’mores. I couldn’t attend the s’mores because I was busy with other activities that took place at the same time.
Night Moth Study – Kylie & Maya
During the Night Moth Study, Kylie and Maya set up UV lights at two different spots on the Carolina Wildlands property. Moths are drawn to UV light because it mimics the moon, which they use for navigation. Since moths and many other nocturnal insects are active only in the dark, they become sensitive to UV light as part of their electromagnetic spectrum. Kylie and Maya explained that this behavior might be linked to the same theory involving moonlight and electromagnetic navigation. I’ve always enjoyed learning about moths and have been fascinated by them since my time as an explorer in a children’s program back in Tennessee. I used to see only common moths there, and I rarely spotted any after moving to Florida—maybe I wasn’t looking at the right time, or maybe they were just good at hiding. Regardless, I really enjoyed exploring in the dark, learning about moth behavior, debunking myths, and discovering what makes them so unique in their ecosystems.
Highlights
The overall experience I had at the So8ths Farm and Hobcaw Baroney was an extraordinary experience. I learned so much in these two short days that I know I will take with me for a lifetime. The learning aspect is what I enjoyed the most on this trip especially the different associations that are attached to the environment. Being connected out in nature while also learning was such an opportunity to have. It is nice to have a break from the media with everyday life and quite honestly, noise. Carolina Wildlands Foundation was the perfect place to get away from everything and have a nice breather. I will be forever grateful for the hospitality of our hosts and allowing us to stay at their facility to learn, grow, and become true to ourselves with our peers and associations.
Dimmer Moments
The only dimmer I had on this experience was the first day of travel. The call time wasn’t a bother to me personally, but I was exhausted by the end of the night. I think I was over-exhausted and hot so I couldn’t focus on the CHEMetrics at the end of day 1 (Thursday). I know we had taken a break at a town but I was nauseous from the constant moving and overly hot. I think for next year, maybe more consideration for heat and a longer break (more than 30 minutes).
