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NEW EDISTO BEACH INTERPRETIVE CENTER TEACHES HOW TO TREAD EARTH LIGHTLY

With the theme "Choosing to Protect Our Coast," the new Edisto Interpretive Center was officially opened by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism May 3 in a formal ceremony at Edisto Beach State Park. The services, programs and exhibits in the new facility promote the value of the ACE Basin Estuarine Reserve, the largest such natural reserve on the East Coast, and methods to live more compatibly with the environment.

"People are already fascinated with the South Carolina coast," said Chad Prosser, director of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. "This project allows them to visit and experience the coast in more enriching ways. We think it's important to provide services that promote South Carolina's unique and distinct character."

The $3.3 million building was funded by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Estuarine Reserve Research program. It will be the headquarters for Edisto Beach State Park's interpretive programs, including the Discover Carolina curriculum-based education initiative. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will use the facility for education programs and marine research services.

At least four features will help make those multiple learning projects easier. An exhibit gallery contains displays that encourage hands-on discovery, including touch tanks with live sea creatures. A classroom and wet lab are equipped with microscopes and materials that support study sessions. A boardwalk leads to a dock from which school children can interact with the environment they learn about in the center, and DNR can launch its vessels on educational cruises to study marine life.

The building also has a conference room that, with audio-visual equipment, kitchenette and lush natural setting, can be ideal for business conferences.

"We are committed to educating South Carolinians on their state's most precious resources," said John Frampton, DNR director. "This center joins other research facilities we operate in the ACE Basin region to help us study marine ecology and share our findings with the public."

Called a "green building," the center also practices the "tread more lightly" ethic it preaches. Its design uses sustainable technology for everyday utilities such as lighting, heating, plumbing and air conditioning. Its construction process also included waste reduction practices and retention of as much natural vegetation as possible. Some of the structural technology includes a rainwater collection system that stores water for use in the restrooms; a geothermal heating and air conditioning system that uses natural heat found in the soil; rot-resistant cement fiber siding that requires little maintenance; and pervious concrete that allows storm water to percolate to the ground rather than run off into nearby marshes and waterways.

The new center is located near Edisto Beach State Park's Live Oak boat landing off SC 174, 50 miles southeast of Charleston. Its grand opening marked the beginning of several projects in progress at the park, including a new campground, two new cabins and a four-mile trail that links them all together.

For more information on the center and other improvements at Edisto Beach State Park, call the park at (843) 869-2756.

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