Education Programs

The programs offered by the Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) actively engage students in learning about nature and the environment and are correlated with South Carolina Science Academic Standards. Teachers are encouraged to bring their classes to the EDC to engage in standards-based activities that will further their knowledge of the natural world while they have fun outside the classroom.

Most programs are 30-45 minutes long per education session and there is no charge for onsite programs; however, specific times and dates must be reserved. Fill out the program request form to schedule 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!

This program is also available on-site, year-round, and free of charge. This program is not available on Thursdays due to feeding schedules. 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.

The EDC is dedicating the second Tuesday of each month (excluding May, June, July & December) to local area home school students. The tentative schedule can be found below. Please RSVP so staff can plan accordingly. If the session does not give you an RSVP option it is currently full.

Attendance policy: Once registered, groups must notify the EDC prior to the program date if they are no longer able to attend. If a group fails to notify us more than once, that group will be automatically placed on the waiting list for all future program dates. If spots are still available after registration closes, the group may be moved to a confirmed spot at that time.

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.

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

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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.

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First Grade

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

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Eye on the Sky - Students will gain an understanding of the features and patterns of the sun and moon. Students will also have the opportunity to safely view the sun using one of our Sunspotter scopes (weather permitting).

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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.

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We All Need Trees - Children 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.
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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.
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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.
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Seventh & Eighth Grade

Oh Deer - Students portray deer and habitat components in a physical activity that illustrates how limiting factors affect populations in ecosystems.
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Now You See Me - Students will learn about animal adaptations & survival by trying to design the perfect insect to blend in with their surroundings, trying to avoid predation by a larger organism.

7.EC.5A.1, 7.EC.5A.3, 7.EC.5B.1, 8.S.1A.1, 8.S.1A.4

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Sixth Grade

Coming Soon!

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.