The Charleston Museum invites the public to experience the largest area of privately protected land on James Island, The Dill Sanctuary. On Saturday, October 7th, the community will have the opportunity to tour the Sanctuary and learn more about the 580-acre wildlife preserve. The event runs from 10 am to 1 pm.
Museum staff will be on site to discuss recent accomplishments at the Sanctuary including preservation of the Civil War batteries, archaeological research, and natural resource management. Attendees can take guided tours, hear special presentations on the history and ecology of the property, hike to the wildlife pond, and participate in educational children's activities.
The event is open to the public and free, but there is a suggested donation of $10. Guests can register here. This is an “off-road” location with unprepared terrain. Walking shoes/boots, sun protection and water are strongly recommended. The Dill Sanctuary is located at 1163 Riverland Drive.
FYI – The Dill Sanctuary is not open for daily visitation. The Museum offers programs throughout the year to provide public access to this protected property. The Dill Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve and pets are not permitted on the property.
Schedule of Events:
- 10:00 a.m. – Overview of the Dill Sanctuary with Charleston Museum Director, Carl Borick.
- 10:15 a.m. – Meet at the registration desk for the Tour of Battery Pringle.
- 10:30 a.m. – Tour of Battery Pringle with Chief of Collections Jennifer McCormick.
- 10:45 a.m. – Meet at the registration desk for Tour of the Dills' Slave Cemetery.
- 11:00 a.m. – Tour of the Dills' Slave Cemetery with Curator of Historical Archaeology Martha Zierden and community liaison Michele Johnson.
- 11:30 a.m. – Overview of the Dill Sanctuary with Charleston Museum Director Carl Borick.
- 11:45 a.m. – Meet at the registration desk for the Tour of Battery Pringle.
- 12:00 p.m. – Tour of Battery Pringle with Chief of Collections Jennifer McCormick.
- 12:15 p.m. – Meet at the registration desk for Tour of the Dills' Slave Cemetery.
- 12:30 p.m. – Tour of the Dills' Slave Cemetery with Curator of Historical Archaeology Martha Zierden and community liaison Michele Johnson.
Activities:
- Activities and crafts with Museum educators at the shelter.
- Bug Encounters with Entomologist, The Bug Lady Alaina Michaels.
- Curator of History Chad Stewart at Battery Tynes.
- Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson along the Tynes Trail discussing ecology.
- Dr. Walter Curry at Turquett Plantation site.
- Natural History Curatorial Assistant Jessie Peragine at the wildlife pond discussing wading bird populations.
- Tortoise Encounters with the Turtle Survival Alliance.
- Lucky Pig serving carrot dogs, chips, lemonade, and iced tea ( “pay what you can or free if you need it to be”).
- Life Raft treats available for purchase.
