Wednesday November 4, 2026 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Meet at SI Real Estate Office to Carpool at 8:00 am
(Meet at Old Town Creek, 1400 Old Towne Rd Charleston at 9:00am)
Fort Pemberton: 221 Yates Avenue
Max: 12
Cost: free to members, $10 per guest
Entry to Old Towne Creek is $2 or Charleston County Gold Pass
Leader : Judy Morr
Join SIB for a Beyond our Backyard visit as we explore two new local parks. Old Towne Creek is a recently opened county park next to Charlestown Landing. Old Towne Creek County Park features trails, boardwalks, scenic marsh views, an arboretum, and a playground with nature-inspired play elements, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while learning about the site’s history and ecology. The park is home to a variety of blooming ornamentals planted over the years by mother and daughter Emily Simmons Ravenel and Emily Ravenel Farrow, who generously gifted the property to serve as a place of learning, reflection, and public enjoyment. Interpretive signage throughout the park explores the people and events that shaped West Ashley. Recent visits included of the expected marsh birds but also migrating Merlins and Peregrine Falcon. In the wooded areas, House Finches, woodpeckers and other song birds were seen. You may want to bring a stool to sit and let the birds come to us.After Old Towne Creek we will lunch at a nearby restaurant then head to Fort Pemberton which is a new park for the City of Charleston. This scenic 8.7 acre park sits along the beautiful Stono River and offers a peaceful escape with a brand new fishing dock, kayak launch, winding walking paths, and a shaded picnic shelter perfect for family gatherings. Two separate ADA entrances provide easy access to both the upper section of the historic fort and the waterfront below, ensuring everyone can enjoy what this park has to offer. Wildlife such as eagles, wood storks, foxes, and armadillo all call this area home. Once a Civil War era earthwork fort built in 1861 to protect Wappoo Creek, Ft Pemberton later became farmland, then private property. Today, its massive earthen walls, once armed with heavy artillery to defend Charleston, remain an impressive reminder of the past. The Stono River will offer opportunities for gulls and shorebirds while the upper area should provide woodpeckers and songbirds.
Make a note in comments below if you are only interested in visiting Old Towne Creek.
If you are not yet a 2026 SIB member, you may become a member for only $15 by following the instructions on our website: Become a Member. You may bring the form and your dues to the event. Or you may pay the Guest Fee of $10.
Please register no later than November 2, 2026. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.
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