Playcard Environmental Education Center’s 21^st Annual SwampFest will be held on Saturday, November 3, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  This year’s theme “Playcard Pioneers - Environmental Heroes” celebrates people who have helped create and sustain the center in its mission of environmental education.

SwampFest 2007 will feature a special dedication of a sundial and butterfly garden in honor of Amelia Hadfield at 12:30 p.m. Continuous entertainment during the day will feature Alligator Adventure’s Reptile Extravaganza, The Morris Brother’s Bluegrass Band, and other performers. Visitors may enjoy all of the activities, including horse rides, hayrides, storytelling, and exhibits.  Food and drinks will be offered for sale on the grounds or visitors may bring their own picnic.

Educational exhibits and demonstrations will feature the center’s natural ecosystems, including the blackwater swamp, forest, and fields, as well as its natural history in the pioneer and Native American villages. Historical mechanical presentations of turn-of-the-century engines and a live working sawmill will be on display. A vintage tractor show will be included in this year’s event. Guests may make a corn-shuck doll or help to weave a willow basket.

This year, the Solid Waste Authority, the Children’s Museum of SC, Nuisance Wildlife Specialty, and professors and students of science from Horry County Schools, and Coastal Carolina University will be presenting displays concentrated on the flora and fauna found in Horry County habitats. Hiking, kayaking, orienteering, fire starting, and casting lessons will be held during the event to increase awareness and proficiency in outdoor skills.   

This annual day is sponsored by Horry County Conservation Foundation, Horry County Schools, and Pineland Celebrations, and depends on the cooperation of many private citizens, local businesses, groups, and agencies.

Playcard Environmental Education Center is located approximately 6 miles West of Loris SC on Hwy 19 West. Admission to SwampFest is free. For more information call 756-1277 or 488-6755 or visit the district’s website at www.hcs.k12.sc.us. Click on schools and then Playcard. A map is available on the website.

SwampFest is sponsored by the Horry County Conservation Foundation, Horry County Schools, Pineland Celebrations, and receives support from private citizens, businesses, organizations and agencies.

Directions to Playcard Environmental Education Center:

Travel on Highway 701 North. Turn left on Hwy 410.  Turn right on hwy 19 West. Travel 0.1 miles and the Center will be on your right.

From Conway/701 (Alternate Directions)
Travel on Highway 701 North to intersection of 701 and 410.  Travel 5.3 miles past the intersection.  Turn left on Hwy 19 W (Allsbrook Grocery Store is on Right side of the intersection.  There will be a large white Victorian style house is on left side of the intersection.)  Travel approximately 3-4 miles and the Center will be on your left.

Click here to learn more about Playcard.