Courses

(ECO218) CREATING A BIRD-FRIENDLY BACKYARD

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

This course teaches how to attract and support wild birds and pollinators in the Lowcountry by creating a backyard habitat with shelter, food, water, and native plants.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(ECO219) INCREDIBLE LOWCOUNTRY PLACES TO EXPERIENCE

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

A local master naturalist offers information on local Lowcountry excursions and what you may encounter depending on the seasons.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(ECO212, ECO213) MAY RIVER EXPEDITION

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.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Calhoun Street Public Boat Dock/Launch Area
Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Calhoun Street Public Boat Dock/Launch Area

(ECO208) EDISTO ISLAND ECOLOGY DAY TOUR

Explore Edisto Island, one of South Carolina's Sea Islands, on a small group eco-tour featuring a 2-hour boat ride with Botany Bay Ecotours and a naturalist-led walk on Botany Bay Beach. Learn about the ACE Basin's ecosystem, Harriet Tubman's Combahee Ferry Raid, and the area's plantation history.

Monday, March 16, 2026, Botany Bay Eco Tours

(ECO214) NEMOURS WILDLIFE FOUNDATION: LOWCOUNTRY CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY

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.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Nemours Wildlife Foundation

(ECO220) OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL: REFLECTIONS OF COASTAL WATERS

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

This course explores the natural history, flavor diversity, and industry of oysters, offering insights into oyster varietals, coastal ecosystems, nutrition, and shellfish safety.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(SPO201) EBENEZER CREEK PADDLE

Paddle the scenic, beginner-friendly waters of Ebenezer Creek, where ancient cypress trees and Civil War history come together for an unforgettable kayaking experience.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Tommy Long Boat Landing

(ECO200) SNAKES OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Explore the fascinating world of snakes, their diversity, ecological importance, and the reasons behind our fear of them.

Monday, April 27, 2026, Bluffton campus

(ECO201) SAVING THE SHOREBIRDS OF COASTAL CAROLINA

Learn to identify South Carolina's shorebirds and discover how you can help protect these declining species. Explore their habitats, survival needs, and why Hunting Island is a globally important birding site.

Monday, April 6, 2026, Beaufort campus

(ECO202) LOWCOUNTRY CRITTERS: ALLIGATORS TO ZOOPLANKTON

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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(ECO203) HOW DO THEY DO IT?

Join Naturalist Jill Moore for a lively look at Lowcountry wildlife-from insects to reptiles, mammals to birds-and their fascinating dating and mating habits. You'll uncover answers to questions you've always wondered about,or never thought to ask!

Monday, February 23, 2026, Bluffton campus
Monday, February 23, 2026, Live on Zoom

(ECO204) BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF WHALES IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

The session will discuss the biology, ecology, and traditional and new research techniques used to learn about whales of the North Atlantic.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus

(ECO205) EXPLORING JEKYLL ISLAND

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

Thursday, February 26, 2026

(ECO206) OYSTER SHELL RECYCLING PROGRAM AND REEF RESTORATION

Learn about the Oyster Shell Recycling Program with The Outside Foundation and bag recycled oyster shells and have fun doing it!

Monday, March 9, 2026, Coastal Discovery Museum

(ECO207) SEA TURTLES: NESTING SEASON ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

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

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Bluffton campus
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Live on Zoom

(ECO209) COWS, CROPS, AND CASH BUGS

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

Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Beaufort campus

(ECO210) RECREATIONALLY IMPORTANT MARINE SPECIES OF PORTY ROYAL SOUND

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.

Monday, March 23, 2026, Bluffton campus

(ECO211) EXPLORING THE PORT ROYAL SOUND

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

Monday, March 30, 2026, Port Royal Sound Maritime Center

(ECO215A, ECO215B) NATURE WALK - PORT ROYAL CYPRESS WETLANDS

Join master naturalist Jill Moore for a guided 1/2 mile walk through the "cypress swamp" (wetlands) to explore shorebirds, reptiles, plants, and a diverse ecosystem right at your footsteps.

Monday, April 20, 2026, Port Royal Cypress Wetlands
Monday, April 20, 2026, Port Royal Cypress Wetlands

(ECO216) LANDSCAPING FOR A HEALTHY BACKYARD ECOSYSTEM

Do you like nature, but realize you are not truly a part of it? Learn why we need to improve our backyard ecosystems, and the components needed.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus

(ECO217) INTRODUCTION TO LOWCOUNTRY BIRDS: IDENTIFICATION, BEHAVIOR, AND HABITAT

Learn to identify Lowcountry birds through vivid photography and real-world examples. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers alike.

Friday, April 24, 2026, Bluffton campus