News Summary
The Carolina Bight Birding Center is set to improve bird conservation efforts in Beaufort County, unveiling plans for an educational facility focused on local avian species. Located near a tidal salt marsh, the center will feature a triage unit for injured birds and promote community involvement through fundraising and educational programs. The inaugural ‘Wings over Beaufort Birding Festival’ will celebrate the center’s opening, emphasizing the need for bird conservation amid declining species populations. Executive director Jenn Clementoni aims to elevate the region’s ecological awareness and support local wildlife.
Port Royal, South Carolina — The Carolina Bight Birding Center is set to enhance bird conservation efforts in Beaufort County, a region often overshadowed by its well-known wildlife, including alligators, dolphins, and turtles. This new initiative, spearheaded by executive director Jenn Clementoni, aims to elevate the status of bird conservation while also educating the public about local avian species.
The Carolina Bight Birding Center, a non-profit organization also known as the Carolina Bight Sanctuary, was officially registered in January. Its planned site will encompass eight acres along Mudbar Road, directly across from the Port Royal Sound Maritime Center, just outside Port Royal’s border. The center will be strategically located near a tidal salt marsh, an area rich in biodiversity that attracts hundreds of bird species, especially during spring and fall migrations when millions of birds travel overhead.
The facility will include key features designed to promote education and conservation, such as an interpretive center, both indoor and outdoor classrooms, sculpture gardens with native plants, bird feeding stations, and even a kayak launch for guided bird tours. A standout feature will be the first bird triage center in the region, aimed at providing immediate care for injured birds before they are transported to recovery facilities. Currently, injured birds must be taken nearly 100 miles for care, making this facility a crucial addition to local wildlife support.
Support from the local community is vital for the timely construction of the birding center, as financial backing will help determine the project timeline. Clemontoni is committed to aggressive fundraising efforts to bring the center to fruition, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in this initiative.
The significance of birds as indicators of environmental health is underscored by local businessman Dick Stewart, who has generously donated the land for the center and has previously contributed land for the nearby maritime center. His commitment highlights the ecological importance of preserving bird habitats and wellness.
The Carolina Bight Birding Center aims to become an exceptional educational resource dedicated entirely to birds. With around 300 bird species calling Beaufort County home—including notable migratory species such as red knots and whimbrels—the center will play an essential role in both local education and conservation initiatives. The area boasts half of South Carolina’s remaining salt marsh, making it an ideal location for diverse avian populations.
The public is invited to celebrate the opening of the center at the inaugural “Wings over Beaufort Birding Festival,” scheduled for September 23-26. This event will feature keynote speaker David Sibley, a renowned ornithologist whose work has inspired countless bird enthusiasts. Such festivals are integral to promoting awareness of bird conservation efforts and encouraging community involvement.
The urgency of these efforts is highlighted by the 2025 State of the Birds report, which indicates that approximately one-third of American bird species are of high or moderate concern due to population declines and various threats. In South Carolina, species such as the painted bunting, eastern towhee, American goldfinch, and red-breasted nuthatch are particularly at risk. In light of these statistics, the Carolina Bight Birding Center represents a significant advancement in local and regional bird conservation efforts.
Clementoni’s enthusiasm for birding blossomed after she moved to Beaufort County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, she operated a successful bird guiding business that dramatically increased its offerings, expanding from 40 to 133 tours. Her experience and passion for birding fuel her commitment to elevating bird conservation efforts in the area, ensuring that the remarkable avian diversity of Beaufort County receives the attention and protection it deserves.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Wikipedia: Bird Conservation
- WITN: Bird Flu Confirmed in Eastern Carolina
- Google Search: Bird Conservation efforts
- CBS News: Missing Emus in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bird
- Island Packet: Local News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Birds
- WSPA: Bird Flu Reported in Spartanburg
- Google News: Bird Flu in South Carolina
- Island Packet: Environmental News
- Legacy: Beekman Webb Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
