It’s that magical time of year!  There is a host of activities planned for island residents and guests this week.  If you would like reminders of things a half an hour ahead, text the word programs to this number: 843-536-0020.  You’ll say “yes” when you enroll, and we promise we won’t send you additional marketing information.   Here is what we know of at this point:

Dewees Island Activities: July 1-6

Tuesday, July 1:

• 8:30 am.  Turtle Talk: Learn where and how sea turtles nest on the beach and what you can do to help protect these animals for future generations to enjoy. The program lasts about 1 hour. Please meet at Ancient Dunes Gazebo.
• 1:00 pm.  Creek Float: Meet at Lone Cedar with your own floats and water shoes to jump in and float to Big Bend.  Leave a cart at Big bend beforehand. (participate at your own risk and watch your kids: buddy system imperative) 

Wednesday, July 2:

• 6:30 am.  Guided turtle walk with an intern.  Join the interns as they walk the beach and look for turtle tracks. Reservations required: text the Environmental Program Director at 843-568-3994 to make a reservation.
• 9:30 am. Marsh Exploration.   Explore one of the most productive ecosystems on earth! Using a large net, we will discover what aquatic creatures are living in the water close to the shore. Discover life in the marsh, nearby creeks and inlets first hand. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet and muddy. The program lasts about 1 hour. Please meet at Capers Inlet (veer left after the sub tower and follow the road to the inlet).
• 1:30 pm.  Creatures of the Dock. We will use hand-held dip nets to discover strange and amazing plants and animals which live on floating docks. The program lasts about 1 hour. Meet at the Ferry Dock.
• all day: take your art for Dewees From Within to the Huyler House.

Thursday, July 3:

• 12:30 Impoundment Exploration and Water Test.  Paddle a canoe alongside the Dewees Conservancy Interns to learn how and why we test the water quality in the Impoundment. Identification of common plants and animals is also covered. Space is limited to 2 canoes. The program lasts 2 hours. Reservations required – call 843-568-3994.
• On your own: decorate your cart for the 4th of July parade tomorrow.

Friday, July 4

• 8:30 am.  Beach Run at Needlerush Walk.  No watches allowed: fun for all ages.  A one-mile, go-at-your-own-pace contest to see how well you can predict your time.  Party afterward at Jan and Bubbers.
• 11:00 am.  Meet at the fire station for the annual July 4 cart parade.  Follow the fire truck around and end up at Huyler House for ice cream.
• 1:20 – 1:50 Salute from the Shore: Ancient Dunes Walk.  Show your red, white, and blue spirit for the annual Military Fly-over.  They are vintage planes: times are approximate.
• Dark: Watch the horizon for fireworks from Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Isle of Palms.  From ferry dock or Moser’s deck.

Saturday, July 5

• Saturday 5^th. 3.30-5.30 pm. Sand Art Contest at Ancient Dunes beach

Sunday, July 6

• 1.30-3.30 pm. at the Huyler House. Come Celebrate our New Art Exhibit: “Dewees from Within”. Submit your artwork by the 3rd.  Come enjoy this celebration of art by Dewees Island artists: Paintings, photography, quilts, jewelry, ceramics, etc. Ice cream, mint juleps, etc.