What really happens in an Upstate backyard when no one is watching? In just two weeks, our cameras captured a black bear, bobcat, deer, armadillo, opossum, raccoons, birds and more, revealing a surprisingly busy world hiding in plain sight.
Bright pink stems and clusters of deep purple berries make American pokeweed one of the Upstate’s most eye-catching native plants. Learn how to recognize this colorful woodland species on your next hike around Table Rock State Park.
Bright red berries tucked beneath the forest canopy make partridgeberry one of the Upstate’s most overlooked native plants. Learn how to identify this evergreen groundcover and where you’re most likely to find it on trails around Table Rock State Park.
A quiet trail camera in a wooded neighborhood just outside Table Rock State Park captured an unexpected visitor—a wild bobcat. Meet “Bob” and discover why these elusive cats are more common in the Upstate than most people realize, where they live, and what to do if you’re lucky enough to spot one.
Meet Lucy and Ricky, the newest stars of the PumpkintownSC bird feeder! Set against the stunning backdrop of Table Rock Mountain, these cheerful American Goldfinches have captured our hearts and inspired a new weekly series celebrating the birds, wildlife, and natural beauty of the South Carolina Upstate. Follow along as we share their adventures and introduce the feathered friends that make our little corner of the mountains so special.
The Tufted Titmouse was the very first bird to discover our BirdBuddy feeder and remains our most frequent visitor. Learn why this curious little bird has become one of Pumpkintown’s favorite backyard residents.
The Tufted Titmouse was the very first bird to discover our BirdBuddy feeder and remains our most frequent visitor. Learn why this curious little bird has become one of Pumpkintown’s favorite backyard residents.
A White-breasted Nuthatch stopped by our BirdBuddy feeder with Table Rock Mountain in the background. Learn how to identify this unique bird that’s famous for walking headfirst down tree trunks.
A brilliant red Northern Cardinal stopped by our BirdBuddy feeder with Table Rock Mountain in the background, creating one of our favorite backyard wildlife photos yet. Learn more about this iconic South Carolina bird and why it’s a year-round resident of Pumpkintown.
Millipedes may look unusual, but they’re among the most beneficial creatures in Upstate forests. Learn how to identify them, why they aren’t dangerous, and the vital role they play in keeping our mountain ecosystems healthy.