Wednesday, December 15,2021 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
Beyond our Backyard – Biking & Birding the Greenway
Location: Meet at Parking area for West Ashley Greenway (McLeod Mill Rd. nr. Main Rd./SR S 10-20)
Max: 12
Cost None for members; $5 donation for guests
Grab your bike and join us as we bike the West Ashley Greenway! This trail stretches about 8 miles from Johns Island to the South Windermere Shopping Center on Folly Road (parking available at either end). The trail is open from dawn to dusk. It’s 100 feet wide and mostly hard-parked dirt and some asphalt. Plus, the trail is flat so it’s great for beginning bikers and kids. For the most part, the trail runs parallel to U.S. Highway 17 past neighborhoods, parks and marshes so there’s plenty to see.
On Johns Island, the dirt gives way to rough gravel and narrow bridge crossings (beach/mountain bikes are better than road bikes on this section). Here the broad wetlands flank the trail, presenting magnificent views and rewarding bird sightings. If your timing is right, you may catch sight of the tidal flow that carved these lacework channels. The agricultural heart of the region, Johns Island is the nation’s largest producer of tomatoes. In fact, much of the fresh produce served in local restaurants hails from this rural community.
The map of this Rails-to-Trails site can be found here: https://www.traillink.com/viewtrailmap/?tr=west-ashley-greenway
We hope to see shorebirds like egrets, herons and Roseate Spoonbills in the tidal marsh areas. We hope to see/hear some of our winter residents such as Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flickers and Palm Warblers. Be sure to bring binoculars, camera, hats, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks and water.
If you are not yet a 2021/2022 SIB member, you must first become a member for only $10 by following the instructions on our website: https://seabrookislandbirders.org/contact/join-sib/. You may bring the form and your dues to the event. Or you may pay the Guest Fee of $5.
Please complete the information below to register no later than Monday, December 13, 2021. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on the Sunday, the day prior to the trip. If you need to cancel, please let us know so we can invite people on the waitlist to attend.
SIB 