SC Botanical Garden's February Events

These events are planned in the S.C. Botanical Garden at Clemson University in February. For more information or to register, visit www.clemson.edu/scbg

Saturday, Feb. 2
HUNT CABIN OPEN HOUSE: Celebrate Black History
Families and children can explore the rich cultural history of African-Americans and Southern life. The cultivation of rice, cotton and indigo was inextricably linked to the labor and knowledge of enslaved African-Americans. Hands-on projects show the everyday lives of African-Americans who grew these cash crops, including samples of foods that show strong connections to Africa.
Fee: Donations to the Hunt Cabin Renovation Fund
Time: noon–4 p.m.
Location: Hunt Cabin

Friday, Feb. 8  
CHOCOLATE: SEED TO SWEET
Families and children can take a virtual trip around the world to explore where chocolate comes from and make delicious goodies and a fun craft to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Register at least three days in advance.
Fee: $6 per person ($5 for members and volunteers)
Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Location: Hanson Nature Learning Center

Monday, Feb. 11
COMPOSTING BASICS
Join Garden Education Director Lisa Wagner to learn easy ways to turn leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps and backyard trimmings into healthy nutrient-rich compost.
Fee: $15 ($12 for members and volunteers)
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Location: Hanson Nature Learning Center

Wednesday, Feb. 13
EXPLORING NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES OF THE CAROLINA PIEDMONT
Natural plant communities provide inspiration and guidance to gardeners, from choosing appropriate plants to how to combine plants in aesthetically pleasing designs that mimic plant associations found in nature. Join plant ecologist and author Tim Spira to learn about the rich diversity of natural plant communities found in the Piedmont region of the Carolinas. A Clemson botany professor, Spira is a native plant gardener and author of the award-winning book Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Fee: Free
Time: noon-1 p.m.
Location: Hayden Conference Center

Tuesday, Feb. 19
GARDEN NATURALIST: Tracks and Traces
Find animal signs and learn to identify their sources with Garden educator Sue Watts. Begin in the classroom to become familiar with tracks, traces and signs, then complete the morning with fieldwork in the Garden, searching for traces of the most elusive garden inhabitants.
Fee: $20 ($15 for members and volunteers)
Time: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Hanson Nature Learning Center

Friday, Feb. 22
FOLLOW THE DRINKING GOURD
Families and children can enjoy Jeanette Winter’s story "Follow the Drinking Gourd" and learn how enslaved African Americans used stars to find their way to freedom along the Underground Railroad. Discover fun facts about astronomy and constellations, and each participant will make a star wheel to locate constellations in the night sky. Complete the program with some stargazing in the Garden and marshmallows by the campfire. Register at least three days in advance.
Fee: $4 per person ($3 for members and volunteers)
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Nature Learning Center

Saturday, Feb. 23
HANSON NATURE LEARNING CENTER OPEN HOUSE: Tracks and Traces
Families and children can become nature detectives as they seek clues and solve the mystery of animal footprints, food remains, homes and other signs left by critters active in winter.
Fee:  Free
Time: noon–4 p.m.
Location: Hanson Nature Learning Center

Thursday, Feb. 28
HOW TO GROW AN HERB GARDEN
Learn how to incorporate culinary herbs into your garden with education director Lisa Wagner. The workshop includes information on the best annual and perennial herbs to grow, along with information to select, grow and propagate herbs.
Fee: $15 ($12 for members and volunteers)
Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Location: Hanson Nature Learning Center

ART GALLERY
Visit the Fuller Galleries to see a rotating collection of artwork by artisans inspired by the materials, nature and beauty of the Upstate. A portion of sales benefits the S.C. Botanical Garden. There is also a permanent display of Elizabeth Belser Fuller’s extensive collection of wildflower and nature paintings. Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon.– Sat. and 1 – 5 p.m. Sun. Admission: Free Location: Fran Hanson Discovery Center

GEOLOGY MUSEUM  
The Bob Campbell Geology Museum houses an impressive collection of more than 10,000 rocks, minerals, fossils, lapidary objects (carvings, gemstones) and artifacts (mining equipment, Native American tools). Educational tours are available Tuesday-Friday. Hours are10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. Museum admission: $3 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. Admission is free on the third weekend of every month. For more information, call 864-656-4600 or visit www.clemson.edu/public/geomuseum.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The South Carolina Botanical Garden is located on the Clemson University campus at the intersection of Highway 76 and Perimeter Road. The Garden encompasses 295 acres of display gardens, nature trails, woodlands and streams, and is open year-round from dawn to dusk, free of charge. Discovery Center and Garden Gift Shop hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday.

The Garden is partially supported by the state of South Carolina via Clemson University, but relies on private funding, memberships and proceeds from educational events to support operations. Contact the Visitors Center for more information at 864-656-3405 or scbg@clemson.edu, or visit www.clemson.edu/scbg.