Myrtle Beach State Park to resume interactive in-person programs

Any budding marine biologists out there? Are you interested in the marine life that call Myrtle Beach home? Well, the park rangers at Myrtle Beach State Park have resumed live interactive, hands-on fun learning programs that give you an insight to the sea creatures that abound in the local waters and forests.

These interactive programs are held Tuesday through Saturday. All programs have limited capacity, so it is first-come, first-served to participate.

Myrtle Beach State Park is located on Highway 17 Business, between Myrtle Beach and Surfside.

EARN SOME PATCHES! Come to any three programs and earn a Myrtle Beach State Park Habitat Patch. Donations are encouraged for the patches.

Below are the highlights and cost of each program:

TUESDAY• A Crabby Experience! Time: 9:00AM-10:30AM

Test your luck from the fishing pier as we try to catch a variety of crabs, fish and many other critters. This is a catch and release program in order to help conserve our resources for the future. Program can last from 1 to 1.5 hours-depending on what we are catching! Meeting Spot and Program Fee: Program is $5 per person and includes a rental crab trap. Bring your own bait or buy some chicken necks inside the pier. Pay inside the fishing pier and get a wristband. Once capacity is reached, you cannot buy a wristband. Head out to the fishing pier to get your crab trap and meet near the large photo op chair.

•Scary Seas? Time: 1:00PM –1:30PM Meet: Activity Center

Sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, oh my! These creatures are very harmful, you cry! Discover the truth behind the numerous myths surrounding these fascinating creatures. Appropriate for ages 7 to 107.

•Sizing up Turtles(ENDS August 17th) Time: 3:00PM-3:30P Meet: Activity Center

Discover the differences among the sea turtles that are found in South Carolina waters. Using skulls, photos, replicas and life-size graphics, we will discuss the differences in how they live and what you can do to help sea turtles every time you visit the beach. No live turtles. Appropriate for ages 6to 106.

SELF-LED SCAVENGER HUNTS

Explore the habitats of MBSP while doing a fun outdoor scavenger hunt. We have a variety of self-led scavenger hunts that you can print at home from the MBSP website (www.myrtlebeachsp.com) or ask for them inside the Nature Center. If you do 3 scavenger hunts, you can earn a MBSP patch! Donations appreciated!

WEDNESDAY•Seine-sational Fun!(ENDS August 18th) Time: 9:15AM –10:15AM

Become a marine biologist as we pull a seine net in the ocean to discover and tally all sorts of fish, crabs, and other critters. Wear clothes that can get wet.
Meeting Spot and Program Fee: Go to the fishing pier store and purchase a $3 program wristband per participant. Once capacity is reached, you cannot buy a wristband. After you pay for a program wristband, meet at Pier Picnic Tables on the deck. Since we are at the beach and in the ocean, kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. *If you arrive late, walk south underneath the fishing pier for a short distance down the beach.

•Park Jeopardy Meet: Activity Center Time: 1:00PM –1:30PM

Come play Jeopardy, state park style! Have fun answering questions about the animals and plants that are found in this area, ways you can help the park, and other fun facts. Appropriate for ages 7 to 107.

•Creature Feature Meet: Activity Center Time: 3:00PM –3:30PM

Learn about some fascinating park wildlife. You’ll never know what the subject will be! Some may swim in the sea or hide in a tree, but they’ll all be park animals, that’s the key!

THURSDAY•Litter Critters!(ENDS August 5th) Meet: Activity Center Time: 10:00AM-10:45

Discover the issues critters might face, as you become part of the story that is taking place. A pond will be ruined by human pollution, Myrtle the fish will teach you the solutions!

•Tales from the Sea Meet: Activity Center Time: 1:00PM –1:30PM

Snails, crabs, sea urchins and more, all this marine life that lives off our shore. Touch and learn about these live creatures as we let the animals be the teachers.

•Sizing up Turtles Meet: Activity Center Time: 3:00PM-3:30PM

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS SUMMER!*Pick up at least one piece of trash every time you visit the beach.*Fill in holes and smash sand creations at the beach to help sea turtles.
*Reduce the amount of plastic you use: get a reusable water bottle, avoid straws, or utilize cloth bags at stores.

FRIDAY•Sea Turtle Patrol(ENDS August 6th) Meeting Spot and Program Fee: Pay $5 per person inside the pier. Time: 6:30AM –7:45AM

Patrol the beach with a ranger in search of sea turtle activity. We will be looking for sea turtle crawls to see if we have any new nests on our beach. Sea turtle activity is not guaranteed; however, you will enjoy a nice stroll on the beach, observe the sunrise, pick up trash, and fill in holes to help sea turtles. We will walk at least ¼ mile. Mileage may vary; it all depends if there is any turtle activity. No pets. Appropriate for ages 7 to 107. Bring your receipt and meet at Pier Picnic Tables on the deck. Store opens at 6:30AM.

•Catch of the Day(NO PROGRAM on August 13th) Meeting Spot and Program Fee: Pay $5 per person inside the fishing pier Time: 9:15AM –10:15

Find out what creatures are lurking around the pier as local fisherman show off their catch. Fish, stingrays, sharks and jellyfish, you never know what you might touch and see. The creatures in the pool will change as new critters are caught and who knows what they might be! Meet us at end of fishing pier at the shelter after you receive your program wristband. Once capacity is reached, you cannot buy a wristband.

•Reptile Rap! Meet: Activity Center Time: 1:00PM-1:30PM

Explore the fascinating world of lizards, alligators and snakes as we learn their importance in the ecosystem. A live snake will be on hand.

SATURDAY•Backyard Bird ID Meet: Nature Center Time: 11:00AM –11:20AM

Do you like backyard birds? So do we! We will spend some time at our outdoor feeding station where we will spot some common birds and learn a bit more! This informal program is designed for people new to birdwatching. Appropriate for ages 8 to 108.

•Snakes Alive! Meet: Activity Center Time: 1:00PM –1:30PM

Snakes are fascinating creatures! Discover why they do not deserve their bad reputation through the use of skins, skulls, replicas, and live snakes.

•Feeding Time Meet: Nature Center Time: 3:00PM –3:20PM

Watch a snake eat a mouse and see what other hungry animals are lurking in our nature center house!

**Due to heavy visitation, expect a line when entering the park for afternoon programs.
You may want to arrive early at the park to be on time for the program and to find a parking spot. We appreciate your patience in advance.**

Park Hours:
Daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m., March-Nov.; Daily 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Dec.-Feb.