Brosnan Forest – cancelled due to weather

A chance to visit an wonderful property not normally open to the public!

Midlands Master Naturalist Association has the opportunity to visit Brosnan Forest on Wednesday May 16th.  Brosnan Forest is owned by Norfolk Southern and is a 14,400 acre preserve with 6,000 acres of longleaf pine (average age 125 years old) along with wetlands and other habitats. I was told the Red-cockaded Woodpecker population is the most researched and largest on private land in the world.  They have a scientist, Dr. Kappes, who monitors the RCW population and will talk with us about the work he does banding and tracking the birds as well as other wildlife on the preserve.  We’ll also be able to see some of the rare and endangered plants on the property during the visit. This pristine preserve is not open to the public and has been made possible by Milliken Forestry and their relationship with Norfolk Southern as forestry manager of this property.

We are still working out some of the logistical details and will send those out when we have a list of attendees.  We estimate arriving at approximately 8:30 AM and spending 5 hours on the site but will be firming that up with Milliken Forestry shortly.  There is a picnic area near one of the lakes where we can eat lunch (bring your own). As always,  bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray.

Important Note:

This  trip is limited to 20 persons, and open to those members who have paid dues, so if you want to sign up, please make sure dues are up to date. 

Driving time should be about 1.5 hours (off I-26 south of Harleyville) , a link is below with some additional information. If interested in attending please let Ed Siggelko know. This should be a fun and informative day for everyone!

http://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/brosnan-forest