I partner with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation to offer this fun workshop. Some call them "creepy" and some call them "cool." Either way, spiders are infinitely interesting, and this workshop is designed to help you discover some the amazing attributes that make them so. We’ll have opportunities to distinguish the sexes of spiders, surely a skill you've long desired to acquire. Through our discussion and discovery you’ll gain a better understanding of the different types of webs spiders spin, including how and why they are spun. Their silk is symbolic of the many connections they make in nature, and we'll have conversations about that too. 

We’ll talk about identification of the most common species found around the home. Of course our time together will include a walk in the woods to search for and identify woodland species. Because many spiders tend to reach maturity in the fall, they make themselves a bit more available for study this time of year. Since we’ll be at Goodale State Park, we’ll reserve the right to get a bit distracted if we see something other than a spider that warrants discussion. However, we’ll try to keep it focused and certainly fun.

At the end of the day, you’ll be able to:

1.    Identify several species of spiders common in residential and woodland settings
2.    Describe basic aspects of spider natural history
3.    Appreciate the relationships between spiders and their environment
4.    Feel confident and equipped in moving forward into your own study of spiders

Where:  This training will take place at Goodale State Park, in the midlands and Sandhills Region of South Carolina.  Meet at Picnic Shelter #1, more detailed directions will be sent in advance of the class.  The website, which includes general directions, can be found by clicking here.

When:  September 12, 2024. We’ll meet at 9:00 AM, and conclude at 2:00 PM. 

Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. For SC Master Naturalists who have not taken a spider course, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification if you need a Sandhills component. Lunch will last thirty minutes, so depending on when we finish, this will count for approximately four and a half hours of training. If you are not a Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us. Participants will also receive a list of other participants to allow for carpooling to the park.