SCDNR to host inclusive multisensory nature event at Caw Caw

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and partners will stage a multisensory outdoor program on July 22 at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel. The event is designed to give people with visual impairments and other accessibility needs a hands-on way to experience South Carolina’s natural resources.

Why it matters: - The program is built to make South Carolina’s outdoors more accessible to people with visual impairments and other accessibility needs. - The event also showcases conservation and wildlife education through a format that does not rely only on sight. - The experience is part of broader SC7 Expedition programming aimed at conservation, outdoor recreation and stewardship across the state.

What happened: - The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the South Carolina Seven Expedition and Charleston County Parks’ Caw Caw Interpretive Center for a multisensory nature experience on Wednesday, July 22. - The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon at Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Highway, Ravenel, S.C. 29470. - Admission is $2 per person. - People can RSVP or request information by emailing BradleyK@dnr.sc.gov.

The details: - SCDNR State Botanist Keith Bradley and educators from Caw Caw Interpretive Center will lead the program. - The schedule includes a guided walk on a one-mile, flat natural trail. - Participants will then move into an interactive classroom session focused on the preserve’s wildlife and habitats. - The experience will use touch, sound, smell and taste. - Participants will smell and touch native plants. - Participants will listen to the sounds of different ecosystems. - Participants will sample iced tea brewed from plants found at the preserve. - The program will include hands-on exploration of natural artifacts and wildlife specimens. - Items on display include alligator skin, Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, a deer pelt, bobcat and otter mounts, feathers, fossils and animal antlers.

Between the lines: - The event reflects a broader push to make public lands and environmental education programs more inclusive. - The multisensory format can help translate conservation messaging into a more tactile and memorable experience. - SC7’s statewide expedition gives the program a wider platform than a single local event.

What's next: - Organizers will hold the event Wednesday morning and invite interested participants to register ahead of time. - The partnership may serve as a model for future accessible nature programming tied to South Carolina’s parks and natural resources. - SCDNR will continue featuring programs during the SC7 Expedition across South Carolina’s seven geographic regions.

The bottom line: - The Caw Caw program pairs accessibility with outdoor education, aiming to open South Carolina’s natural resources to more people.