There are a number of natural gems in the Upstate worth exploring, but perhaps none are as close to Greenville as Lake Conestee Nature Preserve (LCNP).
Spreading the word about abundant plant and animal life within the preserve and all the educational opportunities presented by it are at the top of Michael Corley’s to-do list since becoming executive director of the park in January.
One of the programs he is most excited about is an expansion of a longstanding partnership with Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) to bring an immersive summer camp experience to middle school students who demonstrate both an economic need and interest and aptitude for science and nature.
“The educational programs were one of the main reasons I took this job,” Corley says. “We have this incredible outdoor classroom … where we can offer this immersive learning experience.”
Stacey Flax, senior strategic communications coordinator for ReWa, says the partnership with LCNP is an important component of ReWa’s educational outreach to the community to help increase understanding of water resources issues.
ReWa is the presenting sponsor for the 2021 summer camp and, according to its annual report, is underwriting the participation of more than 85 students from six different area schools.
Corley says ReWa’s sponsorship is offsetting the costs that otherwise would run about $5,000 per child.
Students will get to learn about water sampling and testing, techniques for conducting fish population surveys, and cataloguing and identifying a wide variety of plant and animal species.
“I think the summer camp is one of the coolest things out here,” Corley says.
LCNP and ReWa are also partners in another program “teaching teachers” about wetlands ecology and water resources management. Teachers will not only get the hands-on experience of learning in the preserve but will visit ReWa’s water discovery lab and other facilities to develop lessons they can take back to their classrooms.
Corley says the natural role where the wetlands at LCNP act as a natural filter for water flowing in from the Reedy River just downstream from ReWa’s wastewater release point is yet another reason the two organizations are natural partners.
Photo gallery: Chinook delivers 18K pound bridge into Lake Conestee Nature Preserve
“We’ve heard Conestee referred to as ‘the kidneys’ of the Reedy,’” Corley says.
Among the plans to make the preserve more accessible to everyone, Corley says LCNP will be adding more and better signage throughout the park. Rebranding and a website overhaul are also in the works.
For more information about Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, visit www.conesteepreserve.org.
