What is a Jocassee Wild Naturalist?
This in-depth program is for anyone who’s wanted to go further and deeper into the study of the Jocassee Gorges. The program offers ten core classes; advanced classes in specialized subjects will be added for those who complete the certificate and still want more to learn. It’s possible to study just what interests you most; or take all the core classes to become a certified Jocassee Naturalist!
The program is offered through Jocassee Wild Outdoor Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with Jocassee Lake Tours. Jocassee Wild Outdoor Education is dedicated to introducing all ages to the Jocassee Gorges.
The Jocassee Wild Naturalist program is a great way to learn and play on Lake Jocassee!
Classes are offered monthly from August through April. You can expect to expand your knowledge about this unique region and gain a better understanding of why the Jocassee Gorges was named one of 50 of “the world’s last great places” by National Geographic magazine. This eco-region is located between the South Carolina Piedmont and the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment. Only a few roads penetrate the largely undeveloped area, and the best access is from Lake Jocassee.
Each class is one day long and begins with a presentation by knowledgeable instructors in a classroom setting. (Classroom location is the Holcombe Room, which is inside Devils Fork State Park, across from the park retail store.) Then for the remainder of the day, students and instructors explore Lake Jocassee to witness real-world study of the class topic in the remarkable setting that is the Jocassee Gorges.
These classes will set a solid foundation and are guaranteed to make you a lifelong student of the Jocassee Gorges!
Core Classes 2024-2025
To receive a certificate for the Jocassee Wild Naturalist program, participants are required to attend the core classes and write up a short summary description of what was covered after each class.
- Introduction to the Jocassee Wild Naturalist Program:Â August 13, 2024 10:00am-2pm (REQUIRED CLASS)
- Insect Ecology and Natural Communities: Dr. James Costa, WCU, Ex. Dir. of the Highlands Biological Station
- Flora of the Jocassee Gorges, with emphasis on rare and noteworthy species: Dr. Alan Weakley, UNC Herbarium
- Stream and Lake Ecology of the Jocassee Gorges: Dr. John Hains, Clemson University
- Wild Life of the Jocassee Gorges: Dr. Rocky Nation, Brevard College
- Phenology of the Jocassee Gorges: Tricia Kyzer, Certified South Carolina Statewide Master Naturalist
- History of the Jocassee Gorges: Sheryl White, Oconee County SC Historian
- Geology/Climatology of the Jocassee Gorges: Dr. Bill Ranson, Furman University
- Climate, Weather and Watersheds of the Jocassee Gorges: Mike Rehnberg, Meteorologist, National Weather Service
- Loons and Winter Birdlife: Brooks Wade, Jocassee Lake Tours, and Dr. Jay Mater, Ohio Northern University
- Spring Wildflowers and Native Plant Communities of the Jocassee Gorges: Keith Bradley, SC-DNR Botanist
Note: Classes are often scheduled on Tuesdays, which is nice because Devils Fork State Park offers free entry on Tuesdays. Otherwise, when classes are held on other days of the week, there is an entry fee that participants are required to pay to enter the park.
Call (864) 280-5501 for more details and to find out class dates.
