Second Chance on Some SINHG Trips

We have added limited availability of some Fall 2025 trips until September 2, 2025. If you missed out on signing up for a trip, here’s your opportunity for a Second Bite at the Apple.

DON’T TREAD ON ME (Trip # 2501)   This is a walking tour covering the actions of Patriots fighting for liberty in Charleston during American Revolution.   $42 on September 18, 10AM - Noon. 

Savor The Flavors of Charleston (Trip #2504) This is a walking and sampling tour with visits to 3 of Charleston’s Acclaimed restaurants.   $117 on September 29, 11AM – 1:30 PM.

Murrel’s Inlet Plantation River Cruise (Trip #2505) This is a plantation tour by boat focusing on the area’s nature and history.   $48 on October 1, 10AM - Noon. 

Angel of Tradd Street (Trip #2506) Susan Pringle Frost was the first president of the Preservation Society of Charleston.   She’s the reason so many of our historic homes have been saved and restored.  She was also a leader in the women’s suffrage movement.  Walking tour.  $42 on October 2, 10AM - Noon. 

Black River Cypress Bike Tour (Trip #2508) Dana Beach of the Coastal Conservation League is our host for this event.   Bikes and lunch are included. 

$82 on October 10, 10:30AM - 1:30PM. 

Black Fedora Theater (Trip #2509) “Something funny is going on in downtown Charleston”.    This is comedy mystery show where audience members can volunteer to be part of the show or just sit back and enjoy the show. Transportation time is included  $38 on October 11, 3:45PM - 8:00PM. 

Charleston Gullah Bus Tour (Trip #2512) Tour showcases Gullah history in Charleston including Catfish Row, Phillip Simmons Iron Work, and Sweetgrass baskets.   $52 on October 16, 11AM – 1PM.

Channel 2 Weather with Rob Fowler (Trip #2514).  Tour channel 2 newsroom and weather center.  Cost of trip is donated to Channel 2 charity.   $13 on October 21, 11AM – 2:30PM. 

Charleston Brews Cruise (Trip #2516).   Tour some of Charleton’s best local breweries.  Trip includes transportation to and from Seabrook and sampling.   $123 on October 23, 11:30AM – 5:30PM. 

Shem Creek to Crab Bank Island Kayak Trip (Trip #2517).  Paddle from Shem Creek to the Seabird Sanctuary on Crab Bank Island.    Property is maintained by SCDNR.   $59 on October 28, 10AM – 1PM. 

Full Moon Sail (Trip #2519) Three masted Schooner Pride departs from Aquarium Wharf for this trip.  It’s a model of a classic coastal trading schooner.   $73 on November 5, 5PM – 7PM. 

For additional details or to register for any of these trips, visit our website at https://www.sinhg.org/currenttrips.  To secure your trip selections, mail your check payment to:

SINHG Trips

PO Box 612

130 Gardeners Circle

  Johns Island 29455. 

Please note the trip number in the memo section of the check.  Trip availability varies.   If you have questions or issues, contact Paula McGill 843-813-2077 or psb2751@gmail.com or Pat Short at 410-564-4047 or Shortps@verizon.net. 

These trips are only available to current SINHG members. The membership year runs from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.  To join or renew your membership online go to https://www.sinhg.org/membership

If you are unsure if your membership is current, please contact info@sinhg.org.

Fall Trips-Time is running out!

Please don't forget to make your trip selections by Saturday, July 19, 2025. We still have a few spaces for the following adventures:

    F2504 Savor Flavors of Charleston

     F2506 Angel of Tradd Street

     F2509 Black Fedora Theater

     F2512 Charleston Gullah Bus Tour

     F2514 Channel 2 Weather w/Rob Fowler

     F2515 Paint your Pet

     F2516 Charleston Brews Cruise

     F2520 Historic 18th & 19th Century Dinner

     F2522 Circa 1886 Annual Dickens Dinner

Crab Bank Revival - How Charleston's Hidden Gem is Becoming a Wildlife Haven

Crab Bank from Above - Coastal Conservation League Website

Nestled just off the coast of Charleston, SC, lies a hidden treasure known as Crab Bank. This unique sandbar serves as a critical nesting habitat for various seabird species. However, in 2017, the island faced severe erosion, and nearly disappeared.

Why Crab Bank Matters

This small island, located in the Charleston Harbor, has historically served as an essential stopover for migratory birds and the sandy beaches, tidal flats, and shallow waters create a rich feeding ground as well as a nesting area. Its unique location and isolated nature provide a safe haven for these birds, free from the threats of predators such as rats, raccoons, coyotes, skunks and even domestic cats. The erosion and destruction of this vital place resulted in a noticeable decline in bird` populations. Recognizing the ecological significance of Crab Bank, the loss highlighted the fragility of coastal ecosystems and the urgent need for action. These restoration efforts were crucial, not only for birds, but also for other local wildlife, including fish, reptiles, and various plant species.

The Restoration Initiative

Through the dedicated partnership of State, Federal, and nonprofit organizations as well as the local community, a unique and difficult restoration project began. This initiative involved strategically placing dredged material from the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project to rebuild the island's footprint. This restored approximately 32 acres of crucial nesting habitat and the innovative approach turned an undesirable and potentially expensive byproduct of harbor development into a valuable resource for conservation. The Crab Bank restoration project includes beach renourishment, habitat restoration, and continued protective measures to prevent future erosion.

Creating a Bird Sanctuary

The first American Oystercatcher chick on Crab Bank nestled in beach vegetation, photographed by SCDNR biologist Janet Thibault.

One of the most meaningful features of the Crab Bank restoration project is its focus on bird populations. The island serves as a nesting site for several important, threatened or endangered species, including a number of Terns, Wilson's plover, the American oystercatcher, Willet, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron and the iconic Black Skimmer. To facilitate this, conservationists are creating safe nesting areas and minimizing human disturbances. This includes establishing protected zones that are off-limits during critical nesting seasons. Furthermore, the project aims to attract even more migratory species. The installation of artificial nesting sites and feeding areas will continue to enhance the habitat's usability.

Community Involvement

Community involvement is vital to the Crab Bank revival. Local residents, schools, and conservation groups are encouraged to join volunteer days to plant native vegetation and monitor bird populations. These activities foster a sense of ownership among community members. When locals feel invested, they are more likely to champion ongoing protection efforts. Educational initiatives, such as workshops and guided tours, help raise awareness about the wildlife and the importance of conservation.

Ecotourism and Responsible Recreation

Crab Banks has the potential to become a hub for eco-tourism. Birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers will enjoy observing diverse wildlife in this serene setting. However, responsible recreation is essential. Designated pathways and viewing areas will minimize environmental impact. Limiting visitation to the island to specific times of the year and certain areas are important aspects of respecting and preserving this resource. By following these guidelines, visitors can appreciate the beauty of Crab Bank while ensuring protection for years to come.

A Bright Future for Crab Bank

The revival of Crab Bank as a sanctuary for birds and wildlife is an inspiring example of how collaborative conservation efforts yield meaningful results. Focusing on habitat restoration and community involvement is vital for protecting the natural world. As public awareness increases, restoration and protection continue, Crab Bank is set to thrive as a crucial wildlife haven, enriching the ecological landscape of Charleston. The success of the Crab Bank restoration project is not only a victory for coastal birds but also a demonstration of the benefits that restoration projects can offer to both ecosystems and human communities. Restored coastal habitats like Crab Bank act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges, reducing the vulnerability of surrounding areas to the impacts of climate change and potentially disastrous weather events such as hurricanes. Crab Bank also contributes significantly to the local economy through tourism and recreation activities. By supporting ecotours and promoting educational initiatives, the restoration project has fostered a deeper connection between the community and the natural world, inspiring future conservation efforts.