Community Trails and Healthy Ways

06/11/2026

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issued a harmful algal bloom (HAB) Recreational Watch for certain areas of Lake Hartwell, om Wednesday, May 27th, following confirmed reports of a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom.

ARJWS understands that many residents may have concerns about the safety of our drinking water. We want to reassure you that the quality of our drinking water has not been impacted by the presence of this HAB, and it remains safe and unaffected at this time.

Confirmed bloom areas currently include:
• Eighteenmile Creek Lake and adjacent areas
• Tugaloo Lake Arm near Chicksaw Point
• Cove south of Providence Church Road in Anderson

To see these areas on a map, visit https://scdes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4344886507b04e32987fd8b44f8ed7ed

ARJWS remains committed to delivering the highest quality water to our customers. To help us do this, there are a few easy ways that you can help protect water quality on Lake Hartwell.
1. Apply fertilizers correctly on lawns, gardens, and agricultural lands to limit nutrient runoff into nearby waterways.
2. Properly manage septic systems and prevent leaks that can introduce nutrients into surface water and groundwater.
3. Pick up pet waste and manage animal manure.
4. Allow native vegetation to grow near the water's edge instead of maintaining a manicured lawn all the way to the shoreline.

For more information on this HAB watch, visit https://www.des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-water/aquatic-science/harmful-algal-blooms

06/11/2026

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Some folks swear that “Cottonmouths” or “Water Moccasins” are common along Piedmont streams in their area. The reality is that Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are not found in the vast majority of the Piedmont (i.e., above the Fall Line), with just a few exceptions of isolated populations (e.g., Wake County, NC). Cottonmouths are, however, widespread in the Coastal Plain.

Rather, what folks are generally seeing in the Piedmont is the widespread and abundant Northern or Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) pictured here. They’re easy to find sunning on rocks around ponds, lakes, and streams. If you get close to one, they almost always slither into the water and swim off to cover. They’re just as scared of you as you might be of them. Northern Watersnakes have lots of “attitude” if you grab them (I would too!🤣), but they’re NON-venomous and harmless to people, pets, and livestock. They primarily feed on fish and frogs.

More information is in the comments, including how to distinguish Cottonmouths from a Northern Watersnake and report a Cottonmouth sighting in your area on H**pMapper or the Carolina H**p Atlas.

05/27/2026

04/28/2026

Have you started to wonder why you don't see as many fireflies in your yard? Firefly populations are declining in North America, and it’s estimated that one in three firefly species may be at risk of extinction. Now more than ever, they need your help to keep their lights on for the next generation. With just a few simple actions, we have the power to help fireflies keep our summer nights aglow - right in our own backyards.

Learn more about the fireflies of SC and how to help them during our upcoming webinar as a part of our Wild Webinar series! Register using the link below:
https://www.scwf.org/events/fireflies-of-sc/

04/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D9B5A6wbh/

Imagine your child here:

→ Sun on their face
→ Dirt on their hands
→ Confidence in every step
→ A new best friend by their side
→ Stories they’ll tell for years

That’s Camp Grier—a place where curiosity, creativity, and adventure come alive every single day. From hiking mountain trails and exploring creeks to hands-on experiences and evening campfires, every moment sparks learning, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime.

Let's make it happen: CampGrier.org