Expeditions with Patrick McMillan

We cannot understand the present without a clear understanding of the past. Imagine a Carolina where Bison, Elk and Wolves roam vast grasslands, where fire, set by humans shape the land and where Native Americans are still the dominant force managing the landscape.

Mark Catesby journeyed to the Carolinas in 1722. The descriptions included in his book, the Natural History of Carolina, Georgia and the Bahama Islands seems outlandish considering the natural communities surrounding us today. Imagine a Carolina where Bison, Elk and Wolves roam vast grasslands, where fire, set by humans shape the land.

Sound is everywhere. It tells us where we are, what time of year it is, and what is around us. Can you imagine an early morning walk without the sounds of nature filling out the picture? Scientists use sounds to help us understand populations, behavior and even ecosystem health. Everyone, regardless of our physical challenges can help to contribute to the conservation of our shared world.

One of the most threatened ecosystems in the United States are the Southern Appalachian Mountain Bogs. These small wetlands support many unique and threatened species. The survival of these rare creatures rely on our management and understanding of these systems which are still very poorly understood. Join Patrick as he explores our mountain bogs in a race to understand this ecosystem on the edge.

Gardens are much more than a pretty place. They can be an oasis of life in all forms, preserving the nature that brings us so much value and an oasis for us spiritually. Join Patrick as he explores how your landscape can be transformed into a crucible of life. Patrick’s changes at the South Carolina Botanical Garden have made a dramatic impact on the life there.

One of the last best places on earth – that’s the designation given to this glistening, crystal clear lake and surrounding area by National Geographic. Jocassee is a place that is both well-known and still somewhat unexplored. Waterfalls, gorges, rare plants and animals as well as stunning scenery make this lake one of the most stunning places in the United States.

Ironically, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world. For millions and millions of years it has been charting a path through Appalachia. Join Patrick as he explores the unique life that has developed in this ancient valley right along with the traditional use and relationships of humans.

Sound is everywhere. It tells us where we are, what time of year it is, and what is around us. Can you imagine an early morning walk without the sounds of nature filling out the picture? Scientists use sounds to help us understand populations, behavior and even ecosystem health. Everyone, regardless of our physical challenges can help to contribute to the conservation of our shared world.

Butterflies capture our imagination and our heart with their ephemeral beauty. Join Patrick as he explores the secret lives of butterflies and learn how to manage your landscape to bring these winged jewels into your yard and your life.

Once or twice in a lifetime the desert is transformed to a carpet of color and exuberant life. Join Patrick as he explores the deserts of California as they burst with life and color that is gone within weeks of appearing. This short-lived flush is critical to life in the desert. How do plants and animals survive in such a place and just how important is a superbloom?