Program Goal: To increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of South Carolina natural resources.

The Bishop Gravatt Center, located in Aiken County, with almost 260 beautiful acres, including 177 
acres of woodlands, two lakes and several ponds, offers an abundance of environmental education 
opportunities. The Gravatt Environmental Education Program features a carefully guided nature hike 
along our Sparkleberry Trail winding through a beautiful longleaf pine forest and culminating with 
Atlantic white cedar bogs surrounding the beautiful Lake Henry. 

Programs are available for all grade levels and can be tailored to meet a variety of curriculum goals. 
All activities are led by skilled, enthusiastic and professional members of our staff.


Guided Nature Hike

Take a scenic hike around our Sparkleberry Trail, named for the striking Sparkleberry holly that lines the 
beginning of the trail.  Venture through a longleaf pine forest and Atlantic white cedar bogs, and witness 
all the beauty and diversity of these two very different ecosystems. Participants will observe plants, trees, 
and animals found in each ecosystem, while also learning environmental awareness, ethics, and individual 
responsibilities  Activities can be tailored to include a nature scavenger hunt, plaster casting of animal 
tracks, or creating a nature journal, while also providing ample opportunities for nature photographers.

During warmer months, participants will witness unique swarms of writing spiders that build towering and 
elaborate webs for catching their prey. Numerous bird species, in addition to migratory species, include 
the pileated woodpecker, red-tail hawk, wild turkey, ducks, and geese, heavily populate our lakes and 
woodlands. Other animals include white tail deer, coyotes, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, bats, snakes, 
lizards, frogs, turtles, and fish. Trees, including persimmon trees that produce edible fruit during late October 
and early November, as well as longleaf pines, oaks, and maples among others, provide the back drop of 
our plush woodlands year round.   


Canoeing

Learn basic canoe skills and safety, then test yourself as you explore Lake Henry.  Here you will observe 
wildlife and fauna that call this beautiful lake home. 


Challenge Course

Complete your trip with a visit to either our low or high ropes course. Students will challenge themselves and 
develop skills in team building, communication, trust, and leadership.


Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Henry.  Participants may bring their own or allow Gravatt's staff to 
prepare a nutritious bagged lunch for easy dining.

       
Additional Activities

Additional activities for water, forestry, habitat, and ecosystems are also available.  Possible activities include 
fishing, map and compass use, outdoor living skills, camping, owl pellet dissection, camp fire, and bird house/feeder 
construction.

Contact Thomas Coleman, Program Director, to discuss how we can tailor a day of environmental education to suit 
your learning goals and budget.