Education Programs

The programs offered by the Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) are designed to connect students with nature through engaging, hands-on activities that support classroom learning and align with South Carolina science standards. From exploring ecosystems and wildlife to discovering the importance of our rivers, forests, and natural resources, students will have opportunities to learn, investigate, and experience the outdoors. There is no charge for onsite programs; however, specific times and dates must be reserved. Explore our current program offerings below or download our program guide to find the perfect experience for your group!

Most programs are designed for no more than 35 students. The EDC can accommodate groups of up to 70 students a day by dividing students into two sessions. For larger groups, multiple days will need to be booked unless prior arrangements have been made. Groups are encouraged to enjoy lunch at the park and visit our playground after their scheduled trip. Picnic areas are available for lunch on a first-come, first-served basis, or guests may reserve a shelter. See our program request form to view available dates and request a field trip or outreach experience.

Program Request

Field Trip FAQ

Wonders of Wildlife

Bring the EDC to your classroom with our Wonders of Wildlife outreach. This program features live reptile species common to South Carolina, and teaches your students about the role and importance of reptiles in the ecosystem.

Available for all grades as well as scout groups, youth centers, religious organizations, and more! Larger groups may need to be split into two sessions or multiple days. Outreaches start at $100 and follow the fee schedule below:

One to two programs (same location), up to 50 miles from LRCP: $100; additional programs: $25 per program
One to two programs (same location), 51-100 miles from LRCP: $200; additional programs: $25 per program
Programs more than 100 miles from LRCP will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and a mutually agreed upon fee will be established with program requestor.

Our Wonders of Wildlife program is also available on-site, year-round, and free of charge.

Homeschool Days

The EDC is dedicating the second Tuesday of each month (excluding May, June, July & December) to local area home school students. The tentative schedule for the 2026/2027 school year can be found below. Program times vary by class type, see each date for more information. Registration will open 30 days prior to each class date (if this falls on a weekend, registration will open the following Tuesday) and close when the session fills. Please call 843-389-0550 to sign up. Reminders will be sent out a week prior to the class.

August 11 (10AM - 11AM and 1PM - 2PM ) - Designing a Habitat

Could you build the perfect home for a native wild animal? In this hands-on program, participants will explore what animals need to survive and learn about different habitats of different types of native animals in South Carolina. Working in teams, they will receive a mystery native animal and design a habitat that provides its basic needs. Through creativity and teamwork, students will discover how habitats support wildlife and why protecting them is important. This lesson is geared towards upper elementary - middle school students, but all ages are welcome.

September 8 (10AM - 11AM and 1PM - 2PM ) - Extinction is Forever

What happens when a species disappears forever? In this interactive program, students will discover the difference between endangered and extinct species while exploring the challenges wildlife face in South Carolina. Through hands-on classification, group activities, and group discussions, students will learn how scientist study endangered species and discover simple ways they can protect wildlife and the habitats they call home. This lesson is geared towards upper elementary students, but all ages are welcome.

October 13 (10AM - 11AM and 1PM - 2PM) - Seed to Pumpkin

Registration will open September 15

Discover how a tiny seed grows into a pumpkin! This is a hands on-program, students will explore the stages of a pumpkin’s life cycle through interactive activities, storytelling, and a life cycle flip book. While examining the inside of a real pumpkin, children will learn about plant growth while engaging their curiosity through science and art. This lesson is geared towards lower elementary students, but all ages are welcome.

November 10 (10AM) - Intro to Disc Golf

Registration will open October 13

Learn the basics of disc golf, from throwing techniques and scoring to course etiquette and safety. Students will practice their skills and hit the course for a fun, active outdoor experience at our brand new Disc Golf Course! Participants can bring their own discs or limited quantities will be available to borrow. Sneakers and insect repellent are recommend. A big thank you to the Florence Disc Golf Association for making volunteering their time and making this session possible.

January 12 (10AM - 11AM and 1PM - 2PM) - Wonders of Wildlife

Registration will open December 15

Using a variety of live animals common to SC, we'll teach your students about different animal adaptations and structures and how each species uses those features to survive in their individual habitats. This class is open to all ages!

February 9 (10AM - 11AM and 1PM - 2PM) - Fashion a Fish

Registration will open January 12

What makes a fish perfectly suited to its home? In this program, students will explore the amazing adaptations that help fish survive in different aquatic habitats. By designing their own fish with unique features like body shape, coloration, and feeding adaptations, they’ll discover how each trait plays an important role in survival. Through art and science, students will gain a deeper understanding of evolution, habitats, and the incredible diversity of life beneath the water’s surface. This lesson is geared towards upper elementary students, but all ages are welcome.

March 9 (10AM - 11AM and 1PM - 2PM ) - Busy Bees

Registration will open February 9

Buzz into the world of pollinators! Discover how bees and other pollinators keep flowers blooming and helping plants grow through fun, hands-on activities and interactive games. Learn why pollinators are important and how you can help them thrive. This lesson is geared towards upper elementary - middle school students, but all ages are welcome.

April 13 (10AM - 11:30AM ) - Field Day

Registration will open March 16

Join EDC staff for a homeschool exclusive field day! We'll have a variety of different games and activities for all ages.

Pre-K & Kindergarten

Sensational Seasons - Students will learn about the four seasons and the weather that occurs throughout. We'll also discuss how animals and plants deal with the changing seasons.

K-ESS2-1, K-ESS3-2

One Tiny Turtle - Students learn about the characteristics of turtles through this interactive story. A make-n-take craft is included.

K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1

The Tiny Seed - Students are introduced to the life cycle of a plant through an interactive story. They will plant their own seeds to take back to the classroom for continued study.

K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1

First Grade

Growing Up Wild - Students will learn how different animals grow and change throughout their life cycle.

1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1

Night Sight - In this activity, students will use their artistic skills to develop a tool that demonstrates that light is necessary to explore the dark.

1-PS4-2

Animal Engineers - Put on your animal-thinking cap! Kids will investigate beaks, claws, trunks, tails, and other animal superpowers before designing their own creations inspired by the wild.

1‑LS1‑1

Second Grade

Where the Wild Things Are - Students will compare different habitats in South Carolina and discuss the differences and similarities of the animals that inhabit them.

2-LS4-1

We All Need Trees - Students are often surprised to learn how many different products we get from trees. In this activity students will learn just how much we depend on trees in our daily lives.
2-PS1-1, 2-PS1-2

Middle School

Roots to Resources - Students will explore the importance of trees, plants, and natural resources. Through interactive activities and outdoor discovery, students learn how natural resources support people, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems while discovering ways to help protect them.

7-PS1-3, 7-ESS3-4

Oh Deer - Students portray deer and habitat components in a physical activity that illustrates how limiting factors affect populations in ecosystems.
7-LS2-1, 7-LS2-2, 7-LS2-3, 7-LS2-4, 8-LS1-5, 8-LS4-4, 8-LS4-6

High School

Gilligan’s Island - Students will learn about adaptations and evolution while being "stranded" on an island. As a group, students (3-5 per group) will discuss how humans may or may not change based on their unique island scenario and then present the findings to their classmates for comparison.

E-ESS3-1, B-LS4-1, B-LS4-2, B-LS4-4, B-LS4-5

Third Grade

Birds and Worms - Students learn about characteristics and adaptations as they pretend to be birds in search of "worms" in this physically involved outdoor activity.
3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3

Fossil Discovery - Students will learn about and examine different types of fossils as well as gain an understanding of how they are formed. They will also have the opportunity to make their own fossil or fossil rubbing to take home.
3-LS4-1

Fourth Grade
Born This Way - Students will learn how different characteristics help animals survive in their environment. Students will be pushed to think outside of the box during an adaptation activity.

4-LS1-1

Sense-Sational! - Students will learn about different animal senses and how animals are able to use their perceptions and memories to guide their actions. By visiting different sense stations, students will be able to use examples from their own sensory experiences to relate how animals process sensations in similar ways.

4-LS1-2

Fifth Grade
Treemendous Trees - Using "tree cookies", students will examine a cross-section of a tree trunk to learn the parts of a tree and the resources needed to help it grow.

5-LS1-1

What’s for Dinner? - Students will learn that all animals, including people, depend on plants as a food source, either directly or indirectly.

5-LS2-1

Self-Guided

Embark on a self-guided journey through Lynches River County Park. This tour allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace, discovering its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and history along the way.

Tour Highlights:

Hiking Trails: Follow paths winding through cypress swamps, sandhills, and riverbanks.
Canopy Walk: Experience a bird’s-eye view of the forest on a 147-foot-long aerial walkway suspended among the trees.
Environmental Discovery Center: Learn about the region’s wildlife through interactive exhibits and live animal displays.
Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for native birds, deer, turtles, and other wildlife along the trails.

With no schedule to follow, visitors can immerse themselves in nature, taking time to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the park. Grab a trail map from the Environmental Discovery Center or view online to enhance your experience.

Self-guided tours do not have to be scheduled, but staff can help recommend dates with less traffic by calling 843-389-0550.