Did you know that the Lowcountry averages 230 days of sunshine per year? The temperatures may be cooler, but the sunny, mild winters in the Lowcountry are the perfect time to experience activities centered around our iconic landscapes and waterways. From outdoor enthusiasts to foodies, there’s something for everyone to fuel their soul with the time-honored winter traditions of the Lowcountry.
Bird Watching
Cooler temperatures and lower humidity make winter the perfect time to dust off the binoculars and spot migratory birds overwintering in the Lowcountry. White pelicans, wintering waterfowl, loons, shorebirds, finches, and owls are just a few of the exciting species spending their winters here. From the longleaf pine forests to the salt marsh, protected landscapes and waterways host a range of habitats for these migratory birds.
Join the Audubon Christmas Bird Count through January 5 to document species and view photos, or register for a guided bird walk at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel, to not only view birds but also cover a few miles on foot in this gorgeous park. In 2025, Lowcountry Land Trust will assist in adding 35 acres to Caw Caw-read more about the project here!
Oyster Roasts
As the air and water temperatures drop, that’s our sign – it’s oyster season! Friends and family will gather to enjoy oyster roasts, often set against the backdrop of an early winter sunset across the salt marsh. Oyster season is woven into the tapestry of the Lowcountry’s economy as generations of oyster harvesters depend on this long-time tradition. Over the years, we’ve understood more and more how vital oysters are to both our culture and our ecosystem. SCDNR’s SCORE program ensures that oysters are harvested responsibly, and the shells are recycled and returned to the ecosystem to create a new home for baby oyster growth.
This month, you can celebrate this tradition with us at our annual Family-Friendly Oyster Roast on January 12, 2025. Boone Hall, protected forever via a Lowcountry Land Trust conservation easement, will also host its 41st annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival on February 2, 2025. We hope to see you marsh-side at both events!
Hunting
An appreciation for the land is a tenant of sportsmanship, and hunting is a staple in the Lowcountry. Land stewardship includes responsible hunting, and during the winter months, you will find sportsmen and women out hunting for quail, duck, and dove on protected lands.
If you enjoy the soul-sustaining traditions of a Lowcountry winter and beyond, our monthly Soul Sustainers program is a way to support Lowcountry Land Trust throughout the year. Made up of donors who commit to giving at least $10 monthly, Soul Sustainers’ steadfast support allows us to plan and execute our mission-related outreach program, Soul of the Lowcountry. As we look forward to another year of conservation in 2025, consistent support will allow us to continue protecting landscapes and waterways forever, so iconic Lowcountry pastimes carry on.
