Our next homeschool class is Backyard Wildlife Stewards. It will provide instruction to students about local wildlife, how to provide safe spaces in their own backyard for some of them, feeders, waterers, bird baths, protection, etc. They will also see the areas that are devoted to protecting larger animals and organizations that work to preserve conservation sites and seek out more properties to protect from destruction through development. To meet people on the frontline of wildlife conservation and seek their work .
Jack joined me when I took a break from mowing along the trail then walked back to the yard. He likes to see all the things that go on here on the farm and make his presence known and felt whenever he can !
Meet Jack, he is a new member of our family. He joins our cats Mimi and Stash. He isn’t here to be a working farm dog. He’s here to enjoy life along with us, Mimi and Stash and live with us on the farm. Today he began exploring a portion of the property, sniffing out scents, looking around at the terrain, and watching the animals. He saw the goats, the friendly fowl, and the hogs. He wasn’t too concerned about them, he just seemed interested in enjoying time with us on the walk, expressing excitement and enthusiasm by jumping up, extending his paw, licking us and sniffing, not necessarily in that order.
We’re happy to welcome Jack here, he reminds me of the Black Labrador Retriever given to my family by Uncle Ed when I was a teenager in Orangeburg. We named him Butch. He also reminds me of a Black Lab Mix we adopted from the Orangeburg SPCA in 2002 we named her Star. It’s been several years since we’ve had a dog and we’re glad we now have Jack and he has shown us that he likes us and the farm. May it continue to be so for us! We’ll share more of his adventures here as we bond!
February 22 was World Thinking Day, a global day of friendship and action for nearly 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 150 countries. It serves as a time for members to reflect on their global sisterhood, speak out on issues affecting girls, and raise funds for the World Thinking Day Fund.
My thoughts have been on the first Girl Guides I met who were from Tanzania in 1979. They were visiting the USA with their leader Zeenat Sachak. I had just worked the entire summer at the Girl Scout Camp near Cordesville. It was known as "The Girl Scout Plantation" and later, Camp Lowcountry or Lo-Co. I returned home that summer to discover my leader Mrs. Zimmerman and my mother arranged for our family to be the host family to the trio and I was to be their companion as they attended events in my town. We wrote each other for a few years and gradually we stopped but I always remember them and the lovely time we spent together. I don't know where they are today. I just read that their leader is deceased. I wish I had looked for them sooner. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet them and that my mom accepted Ms. Zimmerman's invitation for us to serve as a host family. My parents have had the newspaper clippings of these articles in their home since the time they were released in 1979.
Later I would meet many Girl Guides while serving as a Girl Scout leader in Belgium. My two older daughters and I traveled to several Scout camps and facilities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland where we camped at the Kandersteg International Scout Center and made a day trip to the famous Our Chalet. One summer we traveled throughout the UK by camping at scout centers and campgrounds. Those were wonderful days.
I'm grateful for my former leaders, Mrs. Mattie Regan (nurse at the SCState infirmary and my neighbor when we lived on Atlantic Ave), my mom, Mrs. Geraldyne Zimmerman, Dr. Bonnie Pimble.
May we continue to remember the song we sang at most meetings, "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold. A circle's round, it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend."
If you grew up reading the books of Mildred D. Taylor, chances are the Logan family stayed with you long after you closed the pages. Cassie’s courage. Big Ma’s strength. A family determined to hold on to their land, dignity, and future—no matter the cost.
For decades, Taylor’s books have shaped multiple generations of readers. Her work—honored with the Newbery Medal, Newbery Honors, Coretta Scott King Awards, and countless others—did more than tell stories. They taught truth. They gave voice to Black families whose histories were often left out of classrooms and conversations. And they invited young readers to think deeply about justice, fairness, and resilience.
Today, those same themes feel just as urgent.
Land ownership. Community pressure. Economic survival. Family legacy. The fight to protect what has been built with sacrifice and care. When we revisit these stories as adults, we often see them differently—not as lessons, but as reflections of our own lives, our families, and the challenges facing our communities now.
The Gullah Campfire Supper with Stories & Songs offers an opportunity to return to these books in a new way. Through guided conversation, storytelling, music, and shared meals, we explore why Mildred D. Taylor’s work still matters—and how the Logan family’s journey continues to offer insight, encouragement, and perspective for today’s world.
You don’t need to reread the books to come. You only need curiosity, memory, and a willingness to listen and share.
Join us to revisit stories that helped shape who we are—and discover why they still have so much to teach us now.
The holiday season often brings out the baker in many of us. There’s something about this time of year that inspires us to create treats to share with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. When I came across this recipe, it caught my attention immediately—after all, I love scones, figs, and rosemary. But together? Now that sounded intriguing!
Brown turkey figs from trees here on the…
Join us for a weekend of outdoor activities to celebrate Charlotte Forten's love of nature. Her journal is filled is examples of her descriptions of walks, boating, horseback rides and other ways she enjoyed being outside. We will celebrate her legacy and the joy that comes from being outside through camping, hiking, kayaking, foraging, and nature journaling on St. Helena Island.
Join us in celebrating the arrival of Charlotte Forten to St. Helena Island to join the teaching staff of the newly formed Penn School. Gue
You’re invited to join us at the farm for a celebration of the arrival of Charlotte Forten to St. Helena Island to teach at the Penn School.
Charlotte Forten journeyed to St. Helena Island, SC to teach at the new school for Black children during the Civil War as a part of the Port Royal Experiment. The Union Army occupied the Port Royal Sound that included the Beaufort District and the sea islands. Schools began across the area on plantations and in towns under the protection of the Union Army. Charlotte Forten came in October, 1862 to teach at the new Pen School on St. Helena Island.
Forten was more than just a teacher; she was a poet and a keen observer of her environment. Her writings reveal a strong connection to the plant and animal life around her. For instance, during a walk to Brick Baptist Church, she lovingly described, “Was there ever a lovelier road than that through which part of my way to school lies?” Her vivid words evoke a scene filled with towering pines and graceful live oaks adorned with moss, creating a peaceful setting for her daily route.
As we celebrate Charlotte Forten’s legacy, we are thrilled to announce our annual program that honors her love of nature. This year, we are hosting an event titled “Charlotte Forten Weekend: Women Embracing Outdoor Spaces.” This weekend promises to be an enriching experience, allowing participants to connect with nature just as Forten did over 160 years ago.
Embracing the Outdoors
The “Charlotte Forten Weekend” aims to motivate women to explore the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you are a seasoned camper or trying it for the first time, this event offers experiences for everyone. Participants will have the chance to learn essential skills like camping, hiking, and kayaking.
Picture this: setting up your tent under a starlit sky, surrounded by the sounds of chirping crickets and rustling leaves, just like Forten might have experienced. The event will feature guided hikes through the lush landscapes that Forten cherished, helping attendees fully immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the Lowcountry, where over 50% of the ecosystem is made up of wetlands and diverse wildlife.
Nature Journaling: A Connection to the Environment
A crucial aspect of the weekend will be nature journaling, which perfectly aligns with Forten’s love of capturing her observations. This practice involves spending time outdoors, being mindful of the details in your environment, and documenting your experiences through writing, sketching, and sometimes painting.
Research shows that nature journaling can enhance one’s observation skills by up to 30%. Participants will engage in guided journaling sessions where they can reflect on their surroundings and capture the essence of the Lowcountry in their own unique ways, much like Forten did as she documented the changing seasons and the vibrancy of her environment.
Flexible Participation Options
We understand that each person has different preferences and schedules, which is why we offer various ways to participate in the “Charlotte Forten Weekend.” You can register for the entire weekend or choose to attend specific days based on your availability.
For those who prefer a camping experience, we have designated areas that provide a chance to fully immerse yourself in nature. If you would rather enjoy the comforts of home, you can stay in a local hotel and join daily activities.
Meals will be provided for those who want to dine with the group, fostering a spirit of community and camaraderie among participants. If you prefer to explore local dining options, feel free to enjoy meals on your own. The meals each night will feature local favorites with locally grown produce along with a featured presentation and campfire activities to celebrate our time together. Friday evening we will welcome Chef BJDennis to prepare a special meal featuring some outside cooking over fire.
A Celebration of Legacy
Charlotte Forten’s journey as an educator and her love for nature continues to inspire us. By hosting the “Charlotte Forten Weekend: Women Embracing Outdoor Spaces,” we wish to honor her legacy and encourage women to connect with the environment in meaningful ways.
This event is not only about camping and journaling; it's about building a community of women who appreciate the beauty of nature and recognize the importance of preserving it. Just as Forten found comfort and inspiration in her surroundings, we aim to create an atmosphere where participants can do the same.
Join Us in Celebration
As we gear up for this exciting weekend, we invite you to join us in honoring Charlotte Forten’s remarkable life and her everlasting love for nature. Whether you want to sharpen your outdoor skills, connect with like-minded women, or simply enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Lowcountry, this event promises to be a memorable experience.
Let's come together to celebrate a woman who paved the way for future generations and to reconnect with the natural world that inspired her. We look forward to welcoming you at the “Charlotte Forten Weekend: Women Embracing Outdoor Spaces.”
In the spirit of Charlotte Forten, let’s step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and relish the beauty that surrounds us. Together, we can create lasting memories and strengthen our connection to nature, just as she did all those years ago.
The beautiful writing of Charlotte Forten about her experiences in nature during her time spent teaching at the Penn School of St. Helena Island in South Carolina. The details give us a guide about how we can journal about nature. This is one of the things about Charlotte Forten we will explore during our celebration of her arrival to St. Helena Island, in October of the year 1862. Her writing encourages women to get outdoors and walk though the woods and enjoy creation. We hope you can join us for this exciting fall camping event. Scan the QR code for details.
Charlotte Forten’s journey as an educator and her love for nature continues to inspire us. By hosting the “Charlotte Forten Weekend: Women E
Charlotte Forten is most remembered for her teaching ability, love of languages, her writing and poetry, along her work as an abolitionist and her tenure as a teacher at the newly founded Penn School. Did you know that she also spent large amounts of time outdoors and had a remarkable talent for expressing the beauty of nature?
In her journal entry dated November 13, 1862, she shared her route to the Brick Baptist Church, where classes were temporarily held. Her vivid words create a scene of serenity, illustrating a peaceful path flanked by woods, with the aroma of pine needles filling the air.
“Was there ever a lovelier road than that through which part of my way to school lies? Oh, I wish you were here to go with me, cher ami. It is lined with woods; on both sides. On the one tall stately pines, on the other the noble live oaks with their graceful moss drapery. And the road is carpeted with those brown odorous pine leaves that I love so well. It is perfectly lovely.”
These reflections not only show her poetic skills but also emphasize the significance of nature in her life. Forten found true comfort and inspiration in her surroundings, a feeling that resonates with many today. Research indicates that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels by up to 75%, which aligns perfectly with her experiences.
This year as we celebrate the anniversary of Charlotte Forten's arrival to St. Helena Island to teach at the Penn School, we will not only spend time outdoors but also focus on her love of nature and the way she described her experiences in her journals. Nature journaling is a wonderful way of relaxing and expressing one's enjoyment of the beauty seen in creation through words and drawing or painting. Join us for this experience.
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