South Coast April Chapter Meeting

(Pictured above: Woodland Pinkroot (Spigelia marilandica) blooming in the FMNF in April 2025. Photo by Jeff Jackson)

Two hours to our north lies a vast botanical wonderand - the Francis Marion National Forest (FMNF). This natural gem will be the topic of discussion tonight, led by one of our own natural gems, Jeff Jackson, the Hell Hole Naturalist. Jeff's presentation on the botanical wonders of the Francis Marion National Forest will showcase some of the amazing flora, habitats, and even history that are to be found in South Carolina's coastal national forest. A self-described "sucker for a charismatic flower", Jeff will cover many species, especially his personal favorites, native milkweeds and orchids. 

Jeff Jackson was raised in Berkeley County, South Carolina, and has lived in the Lowcountry most of his life. Growing up, the Francis Marion National Forest was his playground, and still is to this day. He received a BS in Ornamental Horticulture from Clemson University in 1981 and has practiced landscape design professionally since. This led to him becoming involved in environmental consulting and botany for the last 30 plus years. He returned to upper Berkeley County in 2024 and has since dubbed himself The Hell Hole Naturalist, leading fieldtrips, doing lectures and workshops, and using social media as a means to educate the masses about this amazing world that we depend upon for our survival.

When: Monday, April 20th, at 6:00 pm
Where: The Clemson Extension Office at 18 John Galt Rd, Beaufort, SC 29906 (Google Maps Link Here)

Registration for the meeting is NOT required, but encouraged!