Blog

Well, we made it through the fun and busiest part of the summer and now we’re gearing up for a busy fall (700+ JWC school kids coming). THANKS to all of you who have graciously contributed to make this happen! As naturalists, we pay close attention to everything happening around us here in the Jocassee Gorges. We’ve gone from 95-degree days of swimming under blooming Rhodies and sourwoods in June & July to a rainy, cooler August, watching hundreds of pollinators sipping nectar from the Devil’s Walkingstick and Joe-pye weed. There are subtle changes happening along the shoreline and slopes now. Tree species like black gums, sourwoods and tulip poplars are starting to express some reds and yellows as chlorophyll production begins to slow down. Looking up the hillsides, you can see a soft, golden hue on the tips of the American beeches. Sugar levels are rising in muscadines and persimmons, as we wait alongside the wildlife in anticipation of eating the first ripe fruits over the next few weeks. September brings quiet and calm to the lake as kids return to school and vacations are wrapping up. Chances are good that you’ll get a few minutes alone to swim at any of the waterfalls around the lake this time of year. So, come… get in a swim before the water cools down and you start donning those comfy sweaters, watching football and drinking pumpkin spice lattes. Happy Labor Day everybody!

~ Sheryl White, JLT guide