Coastal Discovery Museum

New Temporary Exhibit Opens at Honey Horn

2009-12-17T16:13:00.008-05:00

Floyd Gordon: South Carolina Views

The Museum is pleased to announce that it is hosting a one-man show of oil and acrylic artist Floyd Gordon from now until March 3rd, 2010. Gordon is from Orangeburg, South Carolina and was trained at Claflin College by Arthur Rose. Gordon uses vibrant colors to depict various scenes of South Carolina. His images include landscapes, rural scenes and historic structures. A reception will be planned for January - Please look for the announcement in the New Year.

Lowcountry Reptiles and Amphibians

2009-12-16T11:25:00.002-05:00

Are you looking for an engaging and educational experience during the holidays?

Interested in getting up close and personal with reptiles and amphibians living in the Lowcountry?

Please join the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn on Tuesday, December 29th for a 'Lowcountry Reptiles and Amphibians' program with presenter Tony Mills, Education Director at the LowCountry Institute. Program participants will learn about the biology and behavior of reptiles and amphibians living in the Lowocuntry and ways individuals can help protect these unique animals. The cost is $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 5 to 12. Two programs will be offered during this one day event: 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Please call (843) 689-6767 x223 to reserve your spot today!

Lowcountry Holiday Market

2009-11-23T08:55:00.002-05:00

Lowcountry Holiday Market at Honey Horn

Share the warmth and the spirit of the
Lowcountry Holiday Market at Honey Horn

Friday, December 4, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Meet local authors as they sign their books for children and adults
Sample Lowcountry recipes made with locally-prepared seasonings and ingredients available in our gift shop
Give the gift of knowledge to children and adults from our large collection of books on the critters, history and culture of the Lowcountry
Surprise your friends with original gifts from local artists and artisans: okra pod angels, sweet grass, pine needle and swamp baskets, seashell ornaments, cotton ball angels, one-of-a-kind jewelry, photography, prints, and pottery

Proceeds from sales benefit the Coastal Discovery Museum
10% off store purchases at both locations (20% for members), excluding consignment items.

Endangered in the Lowcountry

2009-11-23T08:24:00.006-05:00

Endangered in the Lowcountry Exhibit

The Lowcountry is home to a wide variety of habitats, flora and fauna. Over the years, some of the animals that have called this region home have been impacted by changes that in the surrounding environment or by human interference with their normal ranges or habitats. Most of us are familiar with the historic plight of the Bald Eagle with the devastating effects of DDT on its reproduction. Thankfully, in recent years, Bald Eagles have made a recovery in numbers – and are thriving in South Carolina – and are nesting on Hilton Head Island. There are other stories, though, that are less hopeful. Changes in habitat and land-uses has made some animals less common on Hilton Head Island. Wild Turkeys and bobwhites are rarely, if ever, seen on the island and Bobcats are scarcely documented in this region.

Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum now through December 11, 2009 and explore this unique exhibit as it examines some of the animal and plant species that are protected federally or are noted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as being in decline, threatened or at risk. The Coastal Discovery Museum has also assembled stories about animals who are not necessarily protected by law, but are decreasing in number for many different reasons.

Mounted specimens from the Museum’s collection, from the Lowcountry Institute and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will be on display alongside photographs by local naturalists and artists. Several species of living plants that are at risk are on loan from Naturescapes. Scientific data from the Department of Natural Resources and from the local Audubon Society bird count are included in the exhibit. Hilton Head artist John Davey has created a series of 15 never-before exhibited engravings that are included in the exhibit. The Museum has created a family-friendly ‘scavenger hunt’ for younger visitors.

Programs scheduled for the public include a presentation about the Piping Plover Recovery Plan on Wednesday, December 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.

Albino Alligator "Pearl" visits Honey Horn

2009-06-29T15:31:00.011-04:00

Pearl, the albino alligator from Gatorland in Orlando, Florida visited the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn last week. In an effort to educate visitors about the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Kenny Danberry from Gatorland visits the Coastal Discovery Museum every Thursday through August 13th sharing information about the biology and behavior of alligators, their threats to survival, alligator safety tips, and ways we can help protect this species. Getting to Know a Gator programs take place at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Horn Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:0o p.m.

Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)

2009-06-26T15:34:00.007-04:00

While walking the property at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn last week, our Manager of Natural History, Carlos Chacon, came upon an Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) as it traveled through open areas on the property. Eastern Hognose Snakes occur throughout the southeast feeding primarily on toads. Natural predators of the Eastern Hognose Snake include other snakes, birds of prey, and carnivorous mammals. With numerous predators, the Eastern Hognose Snake has adapted unique responses to ward off potential threats. One of the most notable behaviors is 'playing dead' where the snake will roll over on its back pretending to be dead (seen in the picture below). Eastern Hognose Snakes will not intentionally bite people, however it is important to practice snake safety. Please be sure to keep a safe distance from snakes and please do not pursue or try to capture any snake.

Individuals can help protect snakes by being mindful of human impacts affecting their survival. Such impacts include habitat destruction, road mortality, and intentional killing of snakes. It is important to protect all snakes living in the southeast as they are vital components of the environment as both predators and prey. Snakes also serve as good indicators of the health of an ecosystem.

Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Enclosure

2009-06-26T15:00:00.005-04:00

The Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Enclosure is now open at the Coastal Discovery Museum! Featuring native butterfly species, this 1,200 square foot outdoor enclosure contains both host and nectar plants to support butterflies throughout their life cycle. Visitors can search for tiny eggs amongst the host plants, watch as caterpillars consume as much as 30 times their own body weight in food, identify species based on the unique chrysalis they form, and observe adult butterflies fluttering throughout the enclosure.

Osprey Nest Platform

2009-04-13T10:40:00.007-04:00

Ospreys build nests on tall, isolated trees near bodies of water. Man-made nesting platforms can be used to enhance osprey populations, by providing more nesting sites. Located off of Osprey Outlook boardwalk, the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn has installed an osprey nesting platform in an effort to attract nesting pairs to our property. We would like to thank Palmetto Electric Cooperative for their assistance during the installation of the nesting pole.

Marsh Tacky Horse Race

2009-03-02T14:59:00.013-05:00

It has been more than forty years since the last Marsh Tacky Horse Race happened on Hilton Head Island, however it was an exicitng day when 15 Marsh Tacky horses visited Hilton Head to compete in a Marsh Tacky Horse Race. In partnership with the Coastal Discovery Museum, the Native Island Business Community Affaris Association and the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association, created an exciting event that drew an estimated crowd of 3,000 people. The horses and their riders traveled from areas throughout South Carolina including Florence, Walterboro, and Ridgeland to compete in several races throughout the day.

Local 3rd Grade Artwork Featured at Museum

2009-02-27T11:35:00.004-05:00

Brucie Holler, a local artist, received a Distinguished Arts Program Grant to work with 3rd grade students at Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts. The project, South Carolina Legacy, was part of the curriculum studying the history and legacy of South Carolina. The students created these collages using images of the state ranging from flora and fauna, the European Exploration, industry, the people and their daily lives, recipes, lyrics of spiritual songs, Civil and Revolutionary War images and images of the Civil Rights Movement. Indigo and tea were used to tint the images as well.

These works will be on dispay through March 4th in the Sea Island Room of the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. The museum is open Monday through Saturday 9 to 5 and Sunday 11-3.

Project WILD Teacher Workshop

2009-02-03T16:33:00.009-05:00

We had a wonderful day at Honey Horn on Saturday, January 31st when 27 teachers from Beaufort County School District visited the Coastal Discovery Museum to participate in a Project WILD workshop taught by Jack Hancock. Teachers had the opportunity to learn about the Project WILD curriculum by participating in hands-on lessons featured in the Project WILD activity guide.

The Coastal Discovery Museum will host additional workshops for teachers in the upcoming months. Topics will include environmental education, forestry, and recycling. Upcoming workshops include:

Saturday, February 21, 2009 Project Learning Tree

Saturday, March 28, 2009 Take Action: Recycling

Saturday, May 16, 2009 Project Learning Tree: Forest Ecology & Issues

Daufuskie Island Exhibit

2009-01-09T11:24:00.017-05:00

Welcome to the Coastal Discovery Museum Blog!

The mission of the Coastal Discovery Museum is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage and natural history of the Lowcountry through exhibits, hands-on experiences, tours, and a wide range of educational programs for people of all ages.

We are excited to use this blog to share information about current and upcoming programs, special events, and activities happening at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Please visit our new location at Honey Horn, a 68-acre property with historic buildings surrounded by Salt Marsh and Maritime Forest. Additional information can be found at www.coastaldiscovery.org

The Hilton Head Healthcare Temporary Exhibit Gallery at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn is currently showcasing "Daufuskie Island Photos" by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. Photographed in the 1970s, Jeanne

Moutoussamy-Ashe captured this neighboring island and its Gullah residents during her visits. The exhibit will be open through the end of February.