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Wild and wonderful - South Carolina State Parks brighten up for spring with amazing displays of natural beauty. This month we take you on an inviting tour through the spectacular wildflower blossoms of the Palmetto State.
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The Oconee Bell Take a Walk on the Wildflower Side Wildflowers take center stage when spring comes to the Palmetto State. From the world’s largest population of stunning Rocky Shoals Spider lilies to one of South Carolina’s earliest wildflowers, the lovely Oconee Bell. SC wildflowers are used to posing for the camera. Bring yours along and come out and play! 
Kurtis Stukes, Santee State Park Ranger II Passionate about protecting and caring for the environment, Ranger Kurtis Stukes oversees the Campground Host program and the annual Big Daddy Fishing tournament at Santee State Park. For Stukes his work allows him to help others find a way “to make lasting memories.” 
Table Rock State Park Hike the 3.6 mile trail to the top of the Upcountry’s most prominent landmark for a remarkable display of the spring plants that flourish in higher mountain elevations. What to bring? 2 liters of water and lunch. Take away? A new spring to your step and a refreshing outlook on, well, everything. 
SC State Flower - The Carolina Jessamine Where do you find the most beautiful display of wildflowers in South Carolina? Wherever you go. The Carolina Jessamine, Mayapple and coral honeysuckle thrive in the moist Lowcountry while the sweet Betsy, Canada violet and walking fern prefer the streams and hardwood forests of the mountains. Bring along this Guide to the Wildflowers of the Palmetto State on your next spring or summer adventure in South Carolina. 
Fun for all ages! How well do you know your South Carolina wildflower facts? If you read this month’s e-news articles, you’ll probably score big time on our Wildflower Trivia Test! Check out all the interactive fun including coloring sheets and the Make Your 0wn She-Crab game on our 75th Anniversary Come Out and Play State Park site. |
Lily Fest Held in mid-May, the annual Lily Fest celebrates the peak bloom period of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily. Live entertainment, food, educational displays and a hike to the overlook to view the lilies (the largest population in the world) make for a wonderful day in the great SC outdoors. 
 “Camp Carolina” at the South Carolina Aquarium For lots of interactive fun, go on an outdoor camping trip in the Carolina mountain wilderness indoors at The South Carolina Aquarium. At “Camp Carolina” you can meet native animals, climb, slide, jump and play throughout the campsite and trail. Check out the huge interactive map of South Carolina State Parks to plan your own camping adventure. 
Phil Gaines Landsford Canal State Park is the home of a beautiful blanket of spring time snow. State Parks Director Phil Gaines takes us on a stroll through the Park and into the world of the snowy white Rocky Shoals Spider Lily. 
Photo Contest Celebrates The air is bright and crisp, the scenery blooming with new colorful life. What better season to take an award-winning photo. Enter your SC State Parks photos in our 75th Anniversary State Parks photo contest for a chance to win great prizes! Monthly prizes will be awarded in professional, amateur and student divisions with categories that include landscapes, mammals, birds, other wildlife, plants and "connecting people to South Carolina state parks." Winning and other selected entries will be displayed on the Web site during the year to help showcase both the photographers' work and South Carolina's 47 state parks. For complete rules and prizes, go to: 
Enjoy the entire South Carolina State Park system with a Park Passport. The passport is only $50 and entitles the owners to free and unlimited entry into all South Carolina State Parks that charge an entrance fee. |
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SC Department of Parks, |
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