Keep South Carolina Wild
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Event Date: October 07, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$100
Location: Sparkleberry Landing
Join Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, and Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education and Outreach Manager, for a Pro Birder paddle through beautiful Sparkleberry Swamp, one of South Carolina’s most unique and biodiverse wetland ecosystems.
This secluded swamp habitat provides excellent opportunities to observe a variety of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife while exploring one of the state’s most fascinating natural areas. As we paddle through the swamp, participants will keep an eye out for seasonal migrants, resident wetland species, turtles, snakes, and other wildlife that call this ecosystem home.
Sparkleberry Swamp is a favorite destination for birders and nature enthusiasts, offering a chance to experience South Carolina’s wetlands in an intimate, small-group setting. Whether you are an experienced birder or simply enjoy getting outside and discovering wildlife, this paddle is a great opportunity to slow down, explore, and see what the swamp has to offer.
Where: Sparkleberry Swamp
When: Wednesday, October 7th at 7 am (Rain Date – October 8th.)
Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. This training will count for one day toward Palmetto Pro Birder certification (8 days needed total).
Jay has been a passionate nature and bird lover since his early teens. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and two boys, and has identified 95 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 160 species in Lexington county since moving back in September of 2013. He has viewed birds in Spain, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, as well as many areas in SC from the mountains to the coast. Being inspired by SCWF’s mission, he earned his Palmetto Pro Birder certification, and has led bird walks for SCWF as well as Saluda Shoals park, Columbia Audubon, and private organizations. Even when he is golfing, hunting, or fishing, he is secretly birding. At SCWF, Jay coordinates the Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program as well as leading birding classes for the Palmetto Pro Birder & Midlands Master Naturalist programs.
Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education & Outreach Manager. In this role, she manages education and outreach programs, including Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat and the Midlands Master Naturalist program. Allison has been a passionate nature lover since her childhood. She fell in love with birds when she got the chance to monitor red-cockaded woodpeckers on a military base. She earned her Bachelors in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences through Oregon State University. She lives in Eastover, SC, and has enjoyed observing birds throughout South Carolina. Allison has participated in bird monitoring, citizen science projects, and conservation work, and has viewed birds in multiple U.S. states and abroad. Even when she’s hiking, gardening, or exploring, she’s always watching and listening for birds.
Other Important Notes:
• If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.
• After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.
Cost: The cost is $100.00 per person and limited to the first 6 people that register.
IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape for this paddle.
Featured Image Credit: Sparkleberry Swamp Morning Fog by Tammie Miller.
Banner Image Credit: Audubon Art Alive! by Moss Miller.
