Edisto Beach State Park
8377 State Cabin Road
Edisto Island, SC 29438
843.869.4426

We invite you and your students to visit our park and participate in an educational program.  

Edisto Beach State Park, located on a remote sea island rich in Native American history, was originally developed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A variety of shells dot the 1.5 mile beach and some of the tallest palmetto trees in the state can be seen throughout the park and Edisto Island.

This 1,255-acre park includes a dense maritime forest and an expansive salt marsh where visitors can explore the wonders of nature. The park offers a day-use area for beach access and a four-mile nature trail that winds through the maritime forest with beautiful vistas overlooking the salt marsh.

Park Interpreter Led Programs: Turtle Territory!

Program Activities

Edisto Beach State Park is one of the premier nesting areas for the threatened loggerhead sea turtle. This makes the park an excellent location to study our state reptile. During this hands-on field study, students will: (1) investigate ideal nesting habitat; (2) demonstrate how loggerhead turtle nesting areas are managed; and (3) determine how threats, both human and natural, can affect their long-term survival.

Upon completion of this field trip, students will understand the threats to loggerhead sea turtles and the importance of protecting this valuable reptile.

This program can accommodate up to 30 students.

Grade Level: 3
Length Time: 90 minutes
Standards: 3-1.5, 3-1.6, 3-1.7, 3-2.3 and 3-2.4
Setting: coastal park

The salt marsh is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. This field study introduces students to the important relationships between the salt marsh and the many organisms that inhabit this area. Through hands-on activities, students will gain an understanding of the importance of wetland preservation..

This program can accommodate up to 30 students.

Grade Level: 4
Length Time: 60 minutes
Standards: 4-1.2, 4-2.5 and 4-2.6
Setting: coastal park

Located along the Atlantic coast, Edisto Beach State Park is an ideal environment to study coastal geology. Students will participate in hands-on field studies that will demonstrate the dynamic nature of the coast and will investigate the coastal processes that affect the geological features of the coastal zone. Upon completion of this field trip, students will understand that the coast is constantly changed by erosion, deposition and human impact.

This program can accommodate up to 30 students.

Grade Level: 5
Length Time: 90 minutes
Science Standard: 5-1, Indicator: 5-1.6, Standard: 5-3, Indicators: 5-3.4 and 5-3.6
Setting: coastal park