Nature study with Joey Holmes

All of my life I have been fascinated with wildlife. The things of nature are all around us, all the time. I have found that if I look closely, and know what to look for, I can see the beautiful wonders of nature every day. Things that others only see pictured on calendars, in books, and on television I can see in person. I can feel it in my hand. I can smell it. I can hear its breath! I love being this close to nature and would love to share it with others.

Participants will have a better understanding of local invertebrates.

Participants will have a better understanding of local vertebrates: Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals.

Participants will have the opportunity to increase their vocabulary as it relates to wildlife.

Participants will practice research skills.

Participants will learn to use tools and devices designed and used for wildlife study.

Participants will learn techniques for enhancing wildlife habitats.

Participants will learn how seasons, moon phase, and weather effect wildlife activity.

Participants will be encouraged to use libraries and internet for further developing their understanding and appreciation of nature.

Lesson # 1, Monday, May 5,

Introduction, Basic taxonomy, Basic vocabulary, South Carolina geography

Lesson # 2, Wednesday, May 7,
Invertebrates, diversity, identification, body structure, hazards, local "stars" of the invertebrate world.

Lesson # 3, Monday, May 12,
Invertebrate field trip. Location: Reservoir Road, off Bethany Church road (which is off 308). A good location for aquatic invertebrates like crayfish, Dobsonfly larva, and Stonefly larva. It is also a good place for Dragonflies, Ground Beetles, and Tiger Beetles. Land Snails should be easily found in rotten wood.

Lesson # 4, Wednesday, May 14,
Vertebrates. Cover diversity, identification, and body structure of Fish, Birds, and Mammals. List the Mammal species found in Laurens County.

Lesson # 5, Monday, May 19,
Amphibians. Discuss terminology and life cycles. Make lists of Laurens County Frog and Salamander species. Discuss each (identification, seasonality, food, size, range, hazards, how to observe, conservation).

Lesson # 6, Wednesday, May 21,
Amphibian Field Trip. Location: private property on the Enoree River off SC 49. This location is good for many species of Amphibian (also a good location for invertebrates, mammals, and birds).

Lesson # 7,Tuesday, May 27,
Reptiles. Discuss characteristics of Reptiles. Make lists of Laurens County’s Lizards and Turtles. Discuss each (identification, seasonality, food, size, range, hazards, how to observe, conservation). Briefly discuss Crocodilians.

Lesson # 8, Monday, June 2,
Snakes. Discuss characteristics of Snakes. Make lists of Laurens County’s Snakes. Discuss each (identification, seasonality, food, size, range, hazards, how to observe, conservation). Briefly discuss other venomous Snakes found in South Carolina.

Video: Snakes, Common Sense and Safety.

Lesson # 9, Wednesday, June 4,
Reptile Field Trip. Location: private property on the Enoree River off SC 49. This location is known for a number of species of Snakes, Turtles, and Lizards. (other interesting animals are likely to be seen at this location).

Lesson # 10, Monday, June 9,
Trapping Field Trip. Location: private property on the Enoree River off SC 49. Students will learn how various traps can be used to catch Invertebrates, Reptiles and Amphibians. Traps will be set the previous day and checked with the class. Animals may be examined up close and handled safely. As with other outings, all specimens will be released unharmed.

Lesson # 11, Wednesday, June 11,
Habitat enhancement. Discuss Bird feeders and Bird houses. Also consider accommodations for Bats, Frogs/Toads/Treefrogs, Snakes Lizards, Turtles, Dragonflies, and Butterflies. Discuss man-made wetlands.

Lesson # 12, Monday, June 16,
Planning. Discuss each participants plans and objectives for further enjoying wildlife. Close with a strength bombardment.

At any time, a class may be delayed to meet interesting animals that may be available.

Classes will be approximately 1-2 hours each. Field trips may take a bit longer. Everyone will be responsible for their own transportation.

Joey Holmes has spent a lifetime outdoors, enjoying nature. He has spent time outdoors in 14 different states and has intensely studied Herpetology and Entomology in every county in South Carolina. He has served as a nature guide for visiting Outdoor Educators, Wildlife Photographers and Naturalists from Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, California, as well as Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Bulgaria. He has worked with universities, museums, aquariums, and nature centers all over the southeast. Joey worked at Piedmont Wilderness Institute, teaching Wildlife Science to troubled youth for over 16 years. Joey is married to Photographer Suellen Holmes. Together they reside in Laurens and have 20 year old son, Hunter Holmes.

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