Excitement filled the air as the third graders set off on their first field trip of the year to Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Located in Ravenel, Caw Caw is a wildlife escape that is full history and beauty. Once part of several different southern rice plantations, Caw Caw now has a maze of interconnected dirt trails and boardwalks that meander through old rice fields on one trail, and marshes filled with cypress trees on another. The 6+ miles of trails offer scenic beauty and preserved marshland. The third graders were taken on two separate tours while visiting. One tour was an amazing step back in time to share detailed information on how 120+ enslaved Americans would work the rice plantation to plant and tend to the Carolina Gold Rice crop. The children saw an example of a trunk gate system the enslaved brought from overseas to help water the rice fields utilizing the tidal shifts every day. The children were also able to remove the husk from the Carolina Gold Rice and practice cleaning it off in sweetgrass baskets. The trail was not only full of education along the way, but we also encountered some baby alligators and snakes!
The second tour the third graders embarked on was a bird watching experience! An informative lesson on birds taught the kids about bird beaks, feathers, feet, nests, and types of eggs. Then everyone used binoculars for a bird watching trail hike. With help from the tour guide, the children were able to observe several birds in the park and their behaviors in flight, feeding, and bathing. The field trip wrapped up with a lovely picnic under the cypress trees. Caw Caw is home to some of the South's deepest cultural heritage, and with a flair of wildlife and nature. The next time you're looking for a great family outing, put on your comfortable shoes, grab some water and make a day out at Caw Caw! Thank you Mrs. Adkins, Mrs. Andrews, and Mrs. Jones for a lovely trip!
