Natural History with Rudy Mancke - Aiken State Park
Spend a Friday morning exploring some of South Carolina's greatest natural treasures with renowned naturalist Rudy Mancke. Meet us at the park and enjoy an exciting and captivating lecture.
Located in Aiken County, Aiken State Park is nestled along the South Edisto River in one of nature's most beautiful areas. The South Edisto River is know for it's still, black water, where fishing and boating are popular activities. A 1.7-mile canoe and kayak trail winds down the South Fork of the Edisto River. Fishing for bream, bass and catfish can be enjoyed from along the bank.
Aiken State Park is also as rich in its history as it is natural beauty. During the Great Depression, an African American detachment of the Civilian Conservation Corps built the park. Their work can still be seen in some of the remaining structures as well as interpretive signage.
Upcoming Sessions | |
Registration Closed | Course: PD13-1622: Natural History with Rudy Mancke - Aiken State Park |
Interested in learning more? Join Our Mailing List
We will meet at the park on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 10 am. Directions will be emailed to you before the course. Each session is limited to 40 participants. The program will be hosted by Rudy Mancke and escorted by USC staff.
We will run these programs in all types of weather and will not postpone or cancel a program unless extreme conditions warrant. Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions.
Guests should be prepared with sunscreen, bottled water, bug spray, good walking shoes, and snacks to ensure a comfortable day.
Lunch will not be provided. Please feel free to bring a picnic lunch.
Meet the Instructor
Rudy Mancke
Rudy Mancke serves as a distinguished lecturer in natural history at the USC School of the Environment. He is perhaps best known as director of nature programming for S.C. ETV and for NatureScene, a nationally syndicated TV show on which he appeared for 23 years.
Before his television career, Mancke was natural history curator at the South Carolina State Museum and, before that, a high school biology and geology teacher. He earned a degree at Wofford College and did graduate work at USC, and has received honorary doctorate degrees from the College of Charleston, Converse College, Coker College, Presbyterian College, Winthrop University, and Wofford College. He writes articles, maintains a demanding public speaking schedule, and is host of Nature Notes on educational radio.
For more on Rudy, visit http://www.environ.sc.edu/natural_history.html
"I love the excitement of discovery. I’ve caught thousands of snakes, but I always want one more. And every time I share in someone else’s moment of discovery, I get excited about that.” – Rudy Mancke
If you would prefer to register by phone, please contact us at (803) 777-9444.