NEWSLETTER OF THE UPSTATE CHAPTER OF THE SC NATIVE SOCIETY

For updates and more information, go to www.scnps.org

MARCH 2013

Saturday, Feb 23, 9:00 am Get the latest buzz: Green Woodland Orchids Workday in Berea Naturaland Trust recently acquired 10 The Honeybee in America today acres of beautiful marsh on the Reedy River in Berea, near Furman. It con- Where would we be without the honeybee? Very hungry, for start- tains hundreds of green woodland or- ers. Honeybees directly pollinate two-thirds of our food crops. Not chids and some bunched arrowhead. to mention the heavenly sweet stuff they produce in their hives. There are some exotics to remove – privet, shrubs, and some ivy. Wear Yet, honeybees are in crisis. Our March program will provide an boots or shoes you can get wet. There opportunity to learn more about the essential role bees play in our is poison ivy on the site, so wear long modern agriculture system, as well as their relationships with some pants and long sleeves. We will meet of our native . in the parking lot of Berea Middle School on Berea Middle School Road Charlotte Anderson, a Pickens County beekeeper who has been at 9 am and walk to the site. We showered with state accolades in the past year, will be our guest should be finished by 11. speaker. ’s 2012 Beekeeper of the Year, Charlotte Please let us know you’re coming plans to emphasize the origin, biology, and fascinating manage- by sending an email to Bill Sharpton, ment of bees — and why we should care about the fate of the buzz- [email protected]. Be sure to pro- vide a phone number! If you have ing insects. She will also discuss how beekeeping has changed over questions, contact Frank Holleman the past 25 years. ([email protected]). Charlotte’s bees collect nectar from a wide range of sources, ______including red maple, holly, blackberry, tulip poplar, and sourwood blossoms. “I will discuss some of our native plants that provide nectar/pol- len for the bees,” she said. “The plants probably help the bees more than the bees help the plants, as far as natives are concerned.” As the first female Master Beekeeper in South Carolina, Char- lotte spends a good deal of time sharing her knowledge and expe- rience with new beekeepers, as well as educating the general pub- lic. She has taught at Clemson University’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), provoking more than one senior to consider embarking on his own beekeeper adventure. She has served as an instructor for the SC Master Beekeeper Certified Level Short Courses in Pickens County, and as a mentor to many new beekeepers. She’ll sometimes make a house call to coach a novice beekeeper through finding a queen or making a first colony split. Friday-Sunday, March 1-3 Spring Southern Home As owner and operator of Carolina Honeybees, Charlotte pro- & Garden Show duces raw honey, creamed honey, as well as beeswax candles, lip Thanks to the generosity of the balm, and honey soap. Although she has no retail store, she sells Home Builders Association of Green- ville, we have Booth #680 at the ... continued on page 3 2013 Home & Garden Show. Thou- sands of attendees will have an opportunity to learn about native Charlotte Anderson plants and about SCNPS — if you will Carolina Honeybees help staff our booth! Volunteers receive an exhibitor’s badge and an exhibitor’s parking Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 pm pass, both good for the duration of Founders Hall in Dining Commons, Southern Wesleyan University, Central ... continued on page 4 For a map and more information, visit http://www.scnps.org of many organizations: SC DNR, A Meadow… Duke Energy, SC Native Plant not just for Bears Society, Clemson Extension Serv- Walking through a forest of tall hardwood trees, a bear steps out of the ice, Clemson Experimental Forest, shadows into the brilliant sunlight, like opening a curtain to daylight SC Botanical Garden and Pickens County Stormwater Partners, along in a darkened room. The bear has traveled into a beautiful open space, with volunteers including Master with tall grasses and wildflowers swaying in the wind, alive with many Gardeners and Master Naturalists. animals scattering about…the bear has wandered into a landscape These groups have removed ex- called a meadow. otic invasive plants, prepared the Biologist Skip Still with the SC plorers as “clear, rolling grassland” soil and planted grasses including Department of Natural Resources and requires grazing, fire or mow- Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), (DNR), a bear-ologist, naturalist, ing to maintain open space. The Bluestems (Andropogon), Eastern and official storyteller of unbeliev- soil in a prairie is rich with organ- Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), able bear stories, is an advocate ics and nutrients. The plants are Purpletop (Tridens flavus) and Pink for these rare places called mead- native, or indigenous, grasses and Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris), ows. Skip, who retired from the forbs, which means they estab- and forbs including Goat’s Rue (Te- SC DNR after more than 30 years lished on their own and adapted phrosia virginiana), Butterfly Milk- of adventures in bear and natural to the local climate, geography weed (Asclepias tuberosa), resources management, has helped and hydrology over many thou- Aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum), to preserve and manage wildlife sands of years. Forbs, derived from Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), habitats around the state. In honor the French word for “pasture,” are Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) and of Skip and his work, a small herbaceous flowering plants. Just a Smooth Coneflower(Echinacea demonstration meadow that will few native trees may grow in this laevigata). More days of planting, be used for educational purposes landscape. The root systems of the maintenance, and education are is being restored at the DNR office native plants are deep, thereby forthcoming. in Clemson and will be dedicated stabilizing soil and preventing With these organizations as the “Skip Still Meadow.” Not erosion. Rainwater or snowmelt dedicated to working together to only Skip, but also bears and other in a prairie recharges groundwater preserve wildlife habitat and pro- wildlife realize the importance of instead of flowing over the land tect the environment, a piece of meadows, which are the small- as water runoff. And, a prairie landscape history is being restored scale versions of one of the Pied- provides an amazing habitat for and managed in honor of a biolo- mont region’s most significant native wildlife, especially insects, gist who has made lasting “bear” and now missing landscapes, the birds, reptiles and mammals. tracks around the state. And, who piedmont prairie. Whether called a prairie or mead- knows, maybe a bear will one day ow, the benefits of this ecosystem be so lucky to wander out of the The piedmont prairie was nearby forest and into the Skip once a prominent landscape and are plentiful. The Skip Still Meadow is being Still Meadow. habitat in the upstate that pro- — Cathy Reas Foster, Pickens County vided many environmental and restored and managed with fund- ing provided by the Duke Energy Extension Service, and Dr. Bill ecological benefits. The prairie is Stringer, SC Native Plant Society historically described by early ex- Foundation and the partnership EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES . . . The Botanical Gardens at Asheville highlandsbiological.org/summercours- Through Art and Science, Journaling is presenting a workshop on Sunday, es/, e-mail [email protected] Nature a Day at a Time (May 6-10) April 7, 2:00-3:30 pm, entitled or [email protected], or call Sharing the Stories of Science (for “Favorite western (828) 526-2602. science educators) (July 1-5) native grasses for steep slopes, dry Course Sampling: Western North Carolina Landscape conditions, and/or ornamental Vascular Plants of the Southern Through Literature (July 1-5) beauty,” taught by Gary Kaufman, Appalachians (May 13-25) Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes of the a National Forest botanist/ecologist. Principles of Conservation Biology southern Appalachians (Aug. 12-17) Reservation/fee required. For more (June 17-29) information visit Forest Ecosystems (July 1-13) The Cullowhee Native Plant Con- www.AshevilleBotanicalGardens.org Field Methods in Medical ference celebrates its 30th Anni- Entomology (July 9-20) versary. Hear Janisse Ray and other Highlands Biological Station, an Terrestrial Arthropods and Their noteworthy voices at the Cullowhee inter-institutional research center of Role in Southern Appalachian Conference, July 17-20, 2013, the the University of North Carolina, is Ecosystems (July 15-27) purpose of which is to increase in- offering its 2013 series of summer terest in and knowledge of propagat- courses and workshops. For more Workshop Sampling: ing and preserving native southeast- Observing and Exploring Nature information and to apply, visit www. ... continued on page 3 ... continued from page 1 The Honeybee in America today her products at local festivals, at the Hagood Mill Folk Life Center in Pickens, and at the Slow Food Upstate-sponsored Earth Mar- ket in Greenville. She will bring some of her honey products to sell at our March meeting. Representatives of Slow Food International from Italy visited her Pickens farm in 2011, eager to compare local practices of bee management and honey produc-

tion with those in their country. SALE! 6 PLANT APRIL OUR AT AVAILABLE Careful management practices and educating the public about bees are more critical than ever, as

recent problems with bee colonies PHOTO BY JK MARLOW. have caused many feral colonies to perish. Local beekeepers have seen more winter losses than in previous years, said Charlotte. Oconee Bells: Come to the March meeting and see why we should care. An Introduction — Lynne Lucas Oconee bells ( galacifolia) is After seeing a fragment of Shortia a very rare Southern Appalachian in the Paris herbarium in 1838, cel- Help Wanted native plant belonging to the ebrated American botanist We are in need of a Field Trip family . was intrigued, and he began a tire- Coordinator(s), to plan and coordi- It features glossy, round, deep less search for it. It had been origi- nate field trip activities. This person green leaves and gorgeous fringed nally collected by Andre Michaux doesn’t have to lead the outings, white to pink bell-shaped flowers in the late 1700s from a place that or even to attend all the outings. If which give the plant its common his notes described as the “high you think you might be interested, epithet; it spreads by shallow mountains of Carolina.” Thus Gray please contact Bill Stringer underground runners called rhi- focused his searches in the North [email protected] or 979-3169. zomes. It is often found growing Carolina mountaintops. on partially shaded banks along- It was not until 1877, on a hill- side rhododendrons and other side near the Catawba River, north ... continued from page 2 acid-loving Ericaceous species. of Marion in McDowell County, The Southeast is home to NC, that a 17-year-old youth named ern plant species in the landscape. two varieties, var. galacifolia and George Hyams rediscovered the Past participants of the confer- var. brevistyla which differ in plant. ence have included landscape archi- the length of their styles (var. Discover this fascinating plant tects, commercial nursery operators, brevistyla being a few millimeters for yourself at Devil’s Fork State garden club members, botanists, and shorter). Park, , and the horticulturists from state highway S. galacifolia occurs in Jack- South Carolina Botanical Garden. departments, universities, native son and Transylvania counties in The SCBG has a beautiful pink- plant societies, botanical gardens, North Carolina, Rabun County flowering form, which had its first and arboretums. Both professionals of Georgia, and of course Oconee bloom of the year on February 11th, and laypersons will gain valuable and Pickens counties in our home and February 1st the year before knowledge from the informative state. Var. brevistyla is found in (two of the earliest flowering dates fieldtrips, lectures and workshops. McDowell county of North Caro- we’ve ever seen!). The conference is held at West- lina and is native nowhere else. Oconee Bells are a rare and ern Carolina University in Cullow- Shortia sightings have been re- wonderful native, and there is noth- hee, North Carolina. Cullowhee is ported from many other counties ing quite so enchanting as finding a located between the Great Smoky and states but these are suspected patch of these diminutive plants on and Blue Ridge Mountains, approxi- of being persistent from cultiva- the forest floor.— Katie Dickson mately fifty miles west of Asheville. tion. It’s time to renew your membership! Non-profit Look for a renewal form in the mailing with the state Journal, Organization or you can register online: http://scnps.org/scnps-membership/renew-membership/ U.S. Postage PAID South Carolina CLEMSON, SC 29631 Native Plant Society PERMIT NO. 7 PO Box 491 Norris, SC 29667 Upstate Chapter Address Service Requested.

... continued from page 1 the public to a volunteer workday along the Furman lake’s shoreline Plant something riparian buffer. for us this year! Upcoming Events The shoreline buffer at Furman is the show. Open time slots remaining a great demonstration of why these are underlined below: riparian buffers are important for Show hours/Volunteer shifts: clean water and wildlife well-being. March 1, Friday, 12 noon to 8 pm The day will include an educa- NATIVE PLANT Shift: 12-3 / 3-6 / 6-8 tional overview of the project’s design March 2, Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm and function and how that affects plant sale! Shift: 10-1 / 1-3 / 3-6 / 6-8 Saturday, April 6 the health of the lake, as well as the 9:00am-1:00pm March 3, Sunday, 1 pm to 6 pm removal of some undesirable weeds. Shift: 1-3 / 3-6 The riparian buffer will be mown, so Sign up at the February meeting, or Saturday, April 6, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm target plants will be small and easy to email Steve, To create a landscape that supports na- remove. We will work till noon. tive birds and butterflies, shop our Spring [email protected] Please wear appropriate clothing, ______Native Plant Sale at University Center, long sleeves, gloves and footwear. on the corner of South Pleasantburg Blvd Saturday, March 9, 9:00 am Also, please bring your favorite small and Antrim Drive in Greenville. Bunched Arrowhead @ Furman digging implement. We look forward One of the most important populations The sale will feature a great selection to seeing you for fun and good con- of the of plants that provide habitat, nectar endangered Bunched Arrowhead is servation work. , but its seeps are and food for our native wildlife. This is on the Furman campus Contact Rick Huffman at 864-901- overrun with privet. We will remove the a great way to help the wildlife that call 7583 or privet to protect the seep and the plants. [email protected] South Carolina home and to help make ______There is poison ivy on the site, so wear our state a more beautiful place to live. long pants and long sleeves. We will meet at 9 am in the park- ing lot of the Shi Center for Sustain- BellFest! ability, near the Bell Tower, and walk to the seeps. We will finish by noon. The first annual BellFest at Devils Oconee Bell itself, Shortia galacifolia, Please let us know you’re coming Fork State Park will be held on Sat- which promises to be in full bloom by sending an email to Bill Sharpton, urday, March 16, 2013, from 10:00 along the Oconee Bell Trail. NPS [email protected]. Be sure to provide am until 4:00 pm. BellFest will members and Master Naturalists will a phone number! be a kick-off to the local festival be on hand to escort groups along If you have questions, contact Frank season, and will be a fun, relaxing the trail, pointing out the rare native Holleman ([email protected]). day to enjoy the park. wildflower and sharing a little of its ______There will be a silent auction, interesting place in history. There is Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 pm and local authors will be on hand no fee for the event, but normal park Maintaining Healthy Honeybees to sign their books. Boat tours will admission applies. in the Upstate See story page 1. be available to show visitors some If you can help man SCNPS’s ______of the many beautiful waterfalls exhibit, please contact Joe Townsend, Saturday, March 23, 9:00 am on the lake, and private collections [email protected] Furman Lakeshore Restoration of artifacts from an earlier time in For information on the Friends Workday history will be on display. of Jocassee, please email friendsofjo- SCNPS invites Furman students and The star of the day will be the [email protected]. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER