History & nature

MIDDLETON PLACE

Laura Kate Caldwell, a naturalist at Middleton Place, introduces an American alligator to a young guest.

MIDDLETON PLACE

Visitors take a trip through the tidal creeks that feed the pristine marshlands around the Ashley River near Middleton Place.

Responding to today's demand for active, eco-oriented lifestyles, Middleton Place this weekend will mark a new chapter in what it offers to locals and tourists.

Middleton, one of the famed Ashley River corridor plantations known for its history, architecture and landscape, will celebrate the grand opening of its new, albeit small, outdoor center focused on nature and fitness activities.

This weekend's events will include critter talks, scavenger hunts, animal tracking workshops, birding with kids and the release of a rehabilitated raptor from the Center for Birds of Prey.

"Though it's a small center, it's the hub of where things will begin," center Director Kristina Poole says in reference to nature walks, kayak trips and team-building activities.

Poole adds that in a world that is increasingly indoors and plugged-in, people are realizing that adults and children need to get outdoors and to be more active.

And as more outdoor centers and programs blossom across the Lowcountry, Poole says, Middleton wants to be part of the area's "green renaissance."

The focus of Middleton Place long has been on its human history and landscape, namely architecture and gardens. Nearly 15 years ago, the private Middleton Inn embarked on its first "eco-tourism" activity with kayak trips on the Ashley River and in a blackwater cypress swamp.

Through the years, the inn has branched out with biking trails, nature walks, an interpretive walking trail and science curriculum-based school programs. In 2000, a Low Ropes Challenge Course was built to facilitate groups with team building, trust and leadership development.

The only problem was that the program was somewhat hidden away.

On July 1, the outdoor program was moved from the inn to the plantation, which is managed by the Middleton Place Foundation. The staff and activities were bolstered. The center was moved to the area of the plantation property before you get to the guard house (so you don't necessarily have to pay to access it).

"There's huge potential for growth in this program. It was growing but growing in a slower manner," says Poole. "This plantation is an amazing place and this is just another thing that we can provide visitors. ... It's another way of showing how history and nature are very much intertwined."

Grand Opening

Saturday

8-9 a.m.: Early Bird Walk. Meets on steps of the lodge at Middleton Inn. Tread lightly on Middleton's lowland sanctuary as a master naturalist guides you to spectacular spots for viewing birds. Highlights may include spotting different species of wading birds, migratory songbirds and birds of prey. Reservations required by calling 266-7492. Followed by breakfast, $6 per person.

9-10 a.m.: Muffins and Moorhens. Meets at the lakehouse at the inn. Guests will receive a birding checklist and tips on field guides, binoculars and local birding hot spots. Join a naturalist for a Lowcountry breakfast to discuss and look over field guides for the birds spotted on the tour. Reservations required. Call 266-7492. Breakfast is $6 per person.

9-11 a.m.: Ashley River Kayak Tour. Meets at the Kayak Center. A trained naturalist will give basic safety and paddling instruction before leading the trip through the tidal creeks that feed the pristine marshlands around the Ashley River. The guide will interpret the flora, fauna, rice production, and the historical importance of the river. Reservations required by calling 266-7492. $35 per person.

11 a.m.-noon: Rice Walk. Meets at the portal entrance. Take a stroll through Middleton's rich history while learning about "Carolina Gold," which was the rice that made this plantation one of the most prosperous in the 18th century. Take a look at today's working rice field and also learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the fields. Free. Included with $25 gate admission for garden and stable yards.

1-2 p.m.: Animal Tracking. Meets at the Outdoor Center. Naturalists will lead you on a walking tour to learn how to spot animal tracks. You also will learn how to make molds of the tracks you find to take home. Free with gate admission.

2:30-3 p.m.: Critter Talk. Meet the residents of the Middleton Place Outdoor Center, such as the young American alligator, as a naturalist discusses the ecology surrounding these native reptile and amphibian species. No admission is required.

3-4 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt. Meets at the Outdoor Center. The naturalists have planned a scavenger hunt designed to help visitors learn about the natural world. There will be prizes for all those who successfully participate. Reservations required at 266-7492.

Sunday

9-11 a.m.: Ashley River Kayak Tour. Same as Saturday's event.

10-11 a.m.: Alligator Walk. Meets at the portal entrance. Search Middleton for the Lowcountry's quintessential cold-blooded critter. Learn about alligator fact and fiction from a trained naturalist.

11:30 a.m.-noon: Raptor Release. A rehabilitated raptor from the Center for Birds of Prey will be released back into the wild at Middleton Place. Learn the habits and migratory patterns of this bird and other birds of prey that can be found in South Carolina.

1-1:30 p.m.: Critter Talk. Meet in the Outdoor Center. Same as Saturday's event.

1:30-2 p.m.: Birding with Kids. Meets at the Outdoor Center. A naturalist will give kids and their parents insight on birding and getting out into nature more. Kids will be able to make their own special pair of binoculars to take home.

2-3 p.m.: Birds of the Lowcountry Walk. Meets at the portal entrance. A naturalist guides you to spectacular spots for viewing birds. Learn how to identify some of our common species like the anhinga or snowy egret. Look for fall migratory birds.

3-4 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt. Meets at the Outdoor Center. Same as Saturday's event.

Reach David Quick at 937-5516 or dquick@postand courier.com.