Courses

Join marine biologist Captain Amber Kuehn aboard the "Spartina" for a guided biology expedition on Bluffton's May River, exploring the wildlife and ecology of the Lowcountry salt marsh.

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Thursday, October 22, 2026, Offsite: Calhoun Street Public Boat Dock/Launch Area
Thursday, October 22, 2026, Offsite: Calhoun Street Public Boat Dock/Launch Area

This course offers a guided tour and presentation at the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, exploring the ecology, history, and conservation of the ACE Basin's wetlands and habitats.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Offsite: Nemours Wildlife Foundation

This tour of the SCDNR Waddell Mariculture Center introduces participants to responsible marine finfish stock enhancement in South Carolina, from water sourcing to hatchery operations and coastal release.

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Thursday, October 8, 2026, Offsite: Waddell Mariculture Center

A dolphin cruise is one of the most memorable ways to experience Hilton Head's coastal ecosystem. This morning Dolphin Cruise pairs calm waters, expert local guidance, and prime viewing conditions for a relaxed, educational outing. This is a 90-minute tour.

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Monday, October 12, 2026, Offsite: Hilton Head Kayak

This guided walk explores the USCB Living Laboratory Nature Trail. The trail offers a half-mile journey through the Lowcountry's natural beauty and history. Once a narrow-gauge railroad, it now serves as a living classroom within the Upper Okatie watershed, home to diverse native trees, plants, and wildlife.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2026, USCB Bluffton Campus Recreation Center

A full-day adventure showcasing the island's stunning natural beauty and rich history. Activities include a beach discovery walk, a docent-guided trolley tour through historic grounds, and a visit to the sea turtle hospital.

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Thursday, October 22, 2026

Ever wonder how scientists can predict (mostly) where earthquakes and volcanoes will occur? We will look at the history of how we learned that the Earth is made up of "Plates" which move relative to each other and how that translates into features on the Earth's surface.

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Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Live on Zoom

The origins of bird names, their scientific names, birds in art, sport and literature. Interesting facts and figures, myths and moments. How new species are named and how naming is controlled.

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Monday, November 2, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus

Explore the world of honey bees and learn of their remarkable behaviors, distinctive characteristics, and vital ecological contributions. You will gain insight into the close relationship between honey bees and humans, and growing threats to their survival.

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Thursday, November 12, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus

A guided walk of Pinckney Island, tailored either as a bird-focused experience or a broader exploration of the island's natural history. Discover the diverse habitats found across the island and the wildlife that depends on them. You will be walking approximately 2 miles on this tour.

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Thursday, November 19, 2026, Offsite: Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Learn about marine invertebrates, which comprise nearly 98% of all animals yet remain poorly understood, despite their abundance in waterways and their ecological and commercial importance.

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Monday, November 30, 2026, Bluffton campus
Monday, November 30, 2026, Beaufort campus
Monday, November 30, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus

Discover the unique Port Royal Sound and its wildlife with Science Program Manager Chris Kehrer at the Maritime Center.

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Monday, December 7, 2026, Offsite: Port Royal Sound Maritime Center

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until December 31, 2026.

This class will cover a variety of plants and animals you need to know about if you live here. We'll learn how to tell all those white wading birds apart, talk about reptiles, mammals, fish, and some invertebrates.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until December 31, 2026.

Amber Kuehn discusses sea turtle conservation and nesting data from Hilton Head Island.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until December 31, 2026.

Explore how non-native species and diverse communities shaped Lowcountry farming and its legacy.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until December 31, 2026.

Learn about the saltwater finfish of Port Royal Sound-their habitats, behaviors, and the vital role estuarine marshes play in sustaining both resident and visiting species.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library