Join us for a celebration of cicadas and spider lilies at Landsford Canal State Park. This year is a momentous one because it includes the emergence of the 13-year, periodical cicadas. These are not your everyday cicadas. Instead, members of this “Great Southern Brood” have been hiding underneath the ground, sucking on tree roots for over a decade. Now teenagers – and in typical fashion - they want to be disruptive, break free, and just party. They will do so in numbers which are unimaginable all across the south this year.
Image Credit: Rocky shoals spider lily by Bill Stokes.
Conveniently, the timing of their emergence happens to match the blooming of one of our most profound botanical beauties – the rocky shoals spider lily. The famous naturalist William Bartram, discovering them on his travels in the 1700’s, noted that nothing in the vegetable world is more pleasing than the spider lily. We think you will agree.
This spring, enjoy what is sure to be a dynamic duo. In addition to witnessing the sheer beauty and intrigue of these two organisms, we will explore the incredible natural history known so far about these about two species, including their evolutionary stories and adaptations. We’ll talk about the different cicada species of the state and explore why some life cycles may be different than others. We’ll talk about cicada diet, their interspecific interactions, and the love songs they sing.
Viewing the spider lilies that cover the Catawba River, we’ll discuss the flower’s nuanced needs, how it reproduces, and why spider lily conservation is so delicate and important. Along the trail, we’ll reserve the right to include other species in our conversations too. After a day spent with cicadas, spider lilies, and other surprises, you’ll go home with a greater understanding and gratitude for the many natural wonders that inhabit our woods, even if you have to wait another 13 years to see them.
Image Credit: Rocky shoals spider lily by Bill Stokes.
Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. For SC Master Naturalists, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification. If you are not a Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us.
Where: Landsford Canal State Park.
This class will be taught by Austin Jenkins, who teaches and facilitates the popular Midlands Master Naturalist class for the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. Jenkins teaches Natural History of South Carolina at USC Sumter.
IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape. We will be outdoors during the whole class, and it may be hot. In addition, we will be on our feet most of the day.
Cost: The cost is $75.00 per person plus admission to the park.
To ensure a quality experience for all, space is strictly limited to 20 participants. After registration, you will receive an email with directions and any other details pertinent to the class. Participants will also receive contact info of other participants to allow for carpooling to the park.
Other Important Notes:
Restrooms are available at the park.
Participants should bring a bag lunch and water and be prepared for a day in the field.
After registering you will receive important correspondence via email - if you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.
If available, please bring binoculars.
SCWF reserves the right to cancel any event, due to unforeseen circumstances, extreme weather, low registration, or pandemic-related guidance from local/state officials. Any cancellation by SCWF will result in a full refund for all registrants.
