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The Gravatt Environmental Education Program (GEEP) exists to
increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of South  Carolina natural
resources.
With nearly 260 beautiful acres, including 177 acres
of woodlands, two lakes and several ponds, Gravatt offers an abundance of environmental
education opportunities. GEEP 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
environmenta  l 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 and water safety
skills. Then test yourself as you paddle around Lake Henry exploring our
diverse wildlife and fauna.
Challenge Course
Complete your trip with a visit to
either our low or high ropes course. Challenge yourself and engage in many
exciting skills as you experience team building, effective communication, trust
development, and leadership.
Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful
shores of Lake Henry. Participants have
the option of bringing their own lunch or allowing Gravatt's staff to prepare a
nutritious bagged lunch.
Additional Activities
Additional activities for water,
forestry, habitats, and ecosystems are also available. Possible activities include fishing, map and
compass use, outdoor living and survival skills, camping, owl pellet hunting
and dissection, camp fire building, and bird house/feeder construction. Some
activities involve additional fees, which will be discussed in advanced.
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