Segment 3, May 20th, 2023

We have a famous bloom of flowers that happens once a year in the Carolinas.  The reason it is famous?  It is because it is one of the world’s largest blooms of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily.

This plant loves the free-flowing, shallow-water, that is in this part of the Catawba River.

Every mid-May & June, Landsford Canal State Park becomes the epicenter of flower, wildlife, water & history lovers.  This 448-acre SC State Park, located in Chester County is located one hour south of Charlotte.

Park manager, Zack Gross, joins the program to talk with host, Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown’s, to talk about his park, the bloom, & wildlife that you may see along the way.

He’ll also mention LilyFest.  It takes place May 21st, 2023 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Learn about the thousands of years of history along the Catawba River.  This includes indigenous people utilizing group fishing methods, Revolutionary War armies crossing, the Canals utilized in the 1820’s, & the famed flower bloom.

Throw in a few frogs, snakes, eagles & deer & you’ll be ready for a nice easy hike or human powered boat ride down the river.

Things to bring:  Water Bottle from Jesse Brown’s, hiking shoes from Charlotte Outdoor shop, & snack & sun-protection hats, & sun protection clothing.

Canoe rentals for the Catawba River:  Great Falls Adventure & NC Outdoor Adventures

Wardrobe for the host was provided for by Olukai shoes from Jesse Brown’s, DuckHead shorts in Charlotte, & a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses in Charlotte to help him see the microphone.