COLUMBIA, S.C. – The half-hour nature series Coastal Kingdom has returned for Season 4 on South Carolina ETV. Host Tony Mills, a naturalist and educator with the Spring Island Trust in Beaufort County, and cinematographer Rob Lewis guide viewers through the diverse ecosystems of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The show provides a unique perspective on the region’s rich wildlife and habitats.
The six-episode series builds on previous seasons and features some of the most well-known plants and animals of the South Carolina Lowcountry. In Season 4, viewers will learn about two of the most important features along the coast - the ACE Basin and the salt marsh. Signature species of coastal South Carolina such as alligators, sharks and blue crabs will also be featured.
This season of Coastal Kingdom premieres Jan. 10 on ETV-HD at 7:30 and airs each Wednesday. Below is a glimpse into each episode of Coastal Kingdom Season 4:
- Signature Species - Part 1: The Lowcountry is a region with a wide variety of habitats. Host and naturalist Tony Mills explores some of the animals that live here that are relatively common, but iconic to the area. This episode includes Kingsnakes, Slider Turtles and sharks.
- Signature Species - Part 2: A continuation of Part 1, Tony looks at more animal species that are ambassadors for our local habitats. This episode includes American Alligators, Corn Snakes and raccoons.
- Life in the Salt Marsh: Venture into the salt marsh, a habitat teeming with diversity. Tony Mills takes viewers on a journey through marshes, creeks and rivers, encountering crabs, shrimp, sharks, Redfish and the resilient Spartina grass.
- The DIY Naturalist: Discover the art of being a naturalist with Tony's hands-on guide to creating traps and nesting boxes. From bluebirds and crayfish to Mummichogs and blue crabs, witness the process of connecting with the Lowcountry's fascinating creatures.
- The ACE Basin: Uncover the mysteries of one of the "50 Last Great Places on Earth!" Tony explores the unique natural habitat created by the convergence of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers in this awe-inspiring episode.
- Safety in the Field: In this episode, Tony Mills demonstrates techniques he has learned that will help keep you safe in nature. Segments include identifying venomous vs non-venomous snakes, looking out for poisonous plants and staying away from fire ants.
Coastal Kingdom is a public television program produced in partnership by SCETV's regional studio at ETV Lowcountry and the Spring Island Trust. ETV Lowcountry in Beaufort is one of four regional studios located across the state of South Carolina. Other locations include Sumter, Rock Hill and Spartanburg. Production funding for Coastal Kingdom is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.
Coastal Kingdom is filmed in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Season 4 filming locations include: the ACE Basin, Combahee River, Port Royal Sound, Hunting Island State Park and more.
More information on Coastal Kingdom and episodes from Season 1-3 can be viewed on the SCETV website.
