Firefly Watch Program Volunteers


Firefly Watch Program

The objective of Firefly Watch Program is to investigate the impacts of human activity on the abundance of fireflies in coastal South Carolina. Researchers conducted field surveys in five selected field sites at Hobcaw Barony, representing natural forests, managed forests, and residential areas.

Dr. Conner in the field


Forested Wetland Ecosystems

Dr. William Conner's research interests include recovery mechanisms of forested wetlands following disturbance, regeneration problems in forested wetlands, response of woody species to flooding and salinity in response to global climate change, impact of water management and development on wetland processes, and regional studies of forested wetland ecosystems.

Dr. Jayakaran in the field


Urbanization Impacts on Coastal Hydrology

Dr. Jayakaran's research interests include urbanization impacts on coastal hydrology, modeling of watershed and reach scale hydro-processes, fluvial geomorphology of coastal streams and low impact development (LID).

Bo in the field


Spatial Data Visualization

Dr. Song's research interests include assessing damages of the southern pine beetle infestation and monitoring of the recovery of coastal plain forests from hurricanes using modeling and GIS.

Dan in the field


Ecological Engineering

Dr. Hitchcock's research interests include ecological engineering and design, sustainable environment, water resources, vegetated treatment systems, low impact development, green infrastructure, coastal hydrology and climate change.

The mission of the Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science is to
conduct research and education programs focused on the ecology and management of the natural resources
of the coastal region of South Carolina for the betterment of the state’s citizens.

The Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science


As more people and businesses move to South Carolina's coast, Photo of Baruch Facilitymore natural lands are being converted to urban uses. Scientists at the Baruch Institute have studied the coastal environment for nearly 40 years, including the environmental impact of changing land-use patterns, coastal natural resource conservation, forestry, water quality and watershed management.

The research provides information to help public policy decision-makers manage growth issues so the state's coastal environment can be preserved for future generations. The Clemson scientists at Baruch have memoranda of understanding with public and private organizations that grants access to more than 80,000 acres of coastal lands for collaborative research and education programs.