Preserving Paradise: The Mission of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy
Protecting Nature and History at Palmetto Bluff In the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry lies Palmetto Bluff, a sanctuary of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant ecosystems. Since its establishment in 2003, the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy has been dedicated to preserving this paradise for generations to come. Under the stewardship of Jay Walea, who brings […]
Palmetto Bluff Conservancy 2024 Summer Camps
The Conservancy is looking forward to another summer of fun with our upcoming kid’s programs! Wild Child Camp and Junior Naturalist Camp will have dedicated weeks in June. Registration is $200 per child for the week. To participate, parents must fill out the following online form. Once the form is filled out, please email it […]
Palmetto Bluff Buffalo Run 2023: A Celebration of Endurance, Nature, and Community
A Recap of the 2034 Buffalo Run The Palmetto Bluff Buffalo Run celebrated its 10th anniversary on Sunday, December 11, 2023, drawing in a record-breaking crowd of over 500 runners. The event, nestled in the heart of Palmetto Bluff’s 20,000 acres of natural splendor, featured a sold-out roster of participants ready to take on the […]
From The Ashes
Story and Photographs by Joel Caldwell I am driving through the predawn dark, trying to find the office of Jay Walea, the longtime Director of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy. It’s a warm morning in late May, my windows are down, and I’m listening to that peculiar Southern woodland bird, the chuck-will’s-widow, chanting his name in […]
Behind the Bluff with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Educator: Aaron Palmieri
Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. As stewards of the land, […]
The Bluff – Turkey Trot
When I ask Jay Walea, the director of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, why he loves hunting turkeys, his response is quick and confident, as if the importance of the turkey was paramount. “A lot of people can go out at the right time in the season and make a turkey gobble and come in,” he […]
Stewarding This Great Land
Stewardship: The art of taking care of something, such as an organization or property Steward: A person who takes care of something, such as an organization or property The simplicity of these definitions belies their importance. The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy is the safeguard of this land. We are the voice for native inhabitants […]
Species Profile: Seminole Bat
Description Seminole bats (Lasiurus seminolus) are a medium-sized bat, measuring around 4.5 inches from head to tail with a wingspan of approximately 12 inches. They weigh between 8-15 g with females a little larger than males. This is about the same as a single AAA battery! Other species in South Carolina range from […]
Biking For Conservation
Palmetto Bluff resident, David Sebastian, has embarked on the trek of a lifetime – a 3,000-mile cross-country bicycle ride from San Diego to Palmetto Bluff. Riding solo, the six week journey will raise funds for two nonprofits close to David’s heart, one of which is the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy. […]
In the Field: August Spotlight Survey
Every year in August, on nights with no moon, the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy conducts its annual Spotlight Survey. This survey is designed to provide an accurate estimate of Palmetto Bluff’s white-tailed deer herd. It is quite an undertaking. Conservancy staff loads up into the famed tour truck and sets out into the night. The survey […]
