Skip to main content
College of Natural Resources
Forestry and Environmental Resources

FWCB Students Explore the South Carolina Lowcountry

April 18, 2025
FWCB Students group picture - FWCB Students Explore the South Carolina Lowcountry - Forestry and Environmental Resources NC State University
Students from Vertebrate Natural History (FW 373) took a trip to the Lowcountry of South Carolina to explore the unique environment of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center.

Contributed by Mason Randolph, FWCB undergraduate

In late March, I traveled with 13 other students in Dr. Lara Pacifici’s Vertebrate Natural History (FW 373) course to the lowcountry of South Carolina to explore the unique environment of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. The 24,000-acre property is owned by the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and public access is restricted.

Several students camped overnight along the edge of the marsh.

The group, led by Dr. Chris Moorman and SCDNR biologists Jamie Dozier and Mark McAlister (alumnus of NC State’s Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology degree), learned about the management of longleaf pine forests and waterfowl impoundments, and explored the surrounding marshes. Students employed a variety of wildlife sampling techniques, including trail cameras and minnow traps for aquatic reptiles and amphibians. There were incredible opportunities to view waterfowl, shorebirds, and a variety of other birds.

Mark McAlister explains how wooden rice trunks are used to control water levels in the impoundments managed for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Yawkey property is its long-term research on American alligators. Since 1979, researchers have captured and marked individual alligators, revealing key insights into the biology and physiology of the long-lived species. One of the biggest results to come from the research is discovering that alligators exhibit determinate growth, meaning they stop growing once they reach their adult size. 

Fenton McKown holds a juvenile American alligator that was captured during a night hike.

During the trip, students observed a variety of wildlife, including 5 amphibian species, 3 reptile species, 3 fish species, and 88 bird species. The trail cameras captured several white-tailed deer and a coyote. Students also surveyed alligators at night by looking for the definitive red eye shine and even got to handle several small alligators. The two-day experience provided a valuable opportunity to learn about real-world conservation efforts and deepen students’ understanding of wildlife management in a truly unique environment.

Fenton McKown also presents a hand-captured American bullfrog to fellow students during the field excursion.

A huge thank you to the SC DNR, the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, and Jamie and Mark for partnering with our students for a weekend filled with a deep dive into coastal conservation.