Nature comes out to play in the Midlands
Nature puts on spectacular shows during the summer months in the Midlands. And you can have a front-row seat to several of them.
Right now, the fireflies come out at Congaree National Park. The mating signals of the fireflies cause them to blink simultaneously. In the dark reaches of the park southeast of Columbia, it’s a naturally awesome light show.
Head to the park in the evening as the sun sets, and don’t forget your bug spray and personal flashlights. The fireflies start blinking as soon as it gets dark. Rain might affect the intensity of the synchronization.
Only a few places in the nation boast habitats for these species, called synchronized fireflies. The show goes from now until mid-June.
Video: Short clip of synchronized fireflies at Congaree National Park
You can see the fireflies on the boardwalk just steps leading from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Congaree National Park is 100 National Park Road, Hopkins; (803) 776-4396.
Also in June, Rocky Shoals spider lilies bloom along the shores of the Saluda, Broad and Congaree rivers. Adventure Carolina holds regular guided tours of the spots where the delicate flowers bloom. You can see them paddling or tubing down the river; don’t pick them because they are a rare plant.
Bloomin’ Butterflies at EdVenture displays thousands of the winged beauties, who will land on your shoulders and flit around the enclosure outside the museum at 211 Gervais St. More than 20 species are on display until Oct. 4. Get in with the price of admission at EdVenture.
In July and early August, go see the purple martins, which (we hope) will return to roost at Bomb Island at Lake Murray. Last year, the swift birds, who swarm at sunset in a beautiful aerial ballet, moved to Lake Monticello. Bird lovers along the shore of the lake are hopeful that the purple martins will return. Check with the Spirit of Lake Murray, which offers cruises during the peak season. (803) 730-3044.
Betsey Guzior
This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 2:09 PM.