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 South Carolina Department
of Natural Resources

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SCDNR News

Celebrate the coast at Open House on March 22

March 12, 2025

Come celebrate the coast March 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Marine Resources Center will open to the community for an Open House honoring South Carolina’s coast and the people who work to study and protect it. Visitors are invited to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Center, where world-class marine science, education, and management happen.

For over half a century, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Marine Resources Center has served as a regional hub for marine science and management, providing biologists easy access to South Carolina’s estuaries and offshore waters. Whether your family is brand new to the area or has been in Charleston for generations, we welcome you to come learn more about the water and wildlife that make the coast such a desirable place to live – and the people who safeguard these resources for the citizens of South Carolina. Meet the scientists who study our state’s saltwater animals and habitat, the law enforcement officers who protect our waterways and the educators who help schoolchildren discover the beauty of the coast.

Some of the Open House activities this year will include:

  • Tours of the research vessel Palmetto
  • Observation and touch tanks with live marine animals
  • Fishing and casting basics
  • Fish art and other kids' activities
  • Harbor trips aboard the education vessel Discovery
  • Dozens of other marine science, boating, archaeology and wildlife booths

The Marine Resources Center campus is home to several partner organizations, including the Hollings Marine Laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the College of Charleston Grice Marine Laboratory, all of which will have booths and activities at the Open House. The event is made possible through the sponsorship of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, a private, nonprofit organization that promotes natural resources conservation in South Carolina.

PLEASE NOTE: Parking for cars will only be available at James Island Charter High School, and shuttles will be provided to the Marine Resources Center (with the exception of of ADA parking, available on site). The last shuttle will leave James Island Charter High School at 3 p.m. Bikes and golf carts are welcome and may park on site at 217 Fort Johnson Road.

Admission to the Open House is free and no tickets are required. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site, and families are welcome to picnic on the point overlooking Charleston Harbor. We encourage visitors to bring their reusable water bottles to fill up at water stations. Only service animals are permitted at the event.

The event will be held rain or shine, so dress for outside weather.

For additional information and event updates, please click here.