2026 SC Nature-Based Tourism Association Spring Workshop

Welcome to the 2026 SC Nature-Based Tourism Association Spring Workshop!

Date: April 1-2, 2026

Location: Aiken County
Day 1 - African American Center for History, Art and Culture (120 York Street, NE, Aiken, SC 29801)
Day 2 - Eudora Wildlife Safari Park (219 Salem Lane, Salley, SC 29137)

Please join us for two days of learning and networking in Aiken County, SC. Participants will learn from local experts about Aiken's natural resources, opportunities for outdoor recreation, the history of the County, and get a chance to observe giraffes and other wildlife up close.

The workshop will kick off at the African American Center for History, Art, and Culture (CAAHAC)with presentations from one of Aiken's leading historians, Pete Peters, and local naturalist and orinithologist, Heather Levy, followed by a guided tour through Hitchcock Woods - the largest privately owned urban forest in the United States.

On April 2, participants will convene at the Eudora Wildlife Safari Park for a presentation from Lauren Virgo, executive director of the Aiken County Historical Museum, followed by the SCNBTA business meeting and lunch. To round out the day, participants will have an opportunity to take a private wagon ride and behind-the-scenes tour of the safari park.

This event is an opportunity for participants to connect with industry experts, fellow nature enthusiasts, and local businesses to exchange ideas and collaborate on promoting responsible tourism in South Carolina.

More information regarding registration and lodging is detailed below.

Registration*: All attendees are required to register. The registration fee is $25.00, which covers the workshop sessions, lunch, break snacks, and guided tour of the Interpretive Center and access to explore the grounds, as well as a private tour of the wildlife safari park. The deadline to register is Friday, March 27, 2026.

*There is a processing fee for all credit card transactions

*If paying by check contact April Turner directly to register (see contact information below). Please make checks payable to the SC Nature-Based Tourism Association and mail to Mary Ann Keisler, Thoroughbred Country, P.O. Box 850, Aiken, SC 29802.

Workshop Venues and Lodging: Day 1 of the event will be held at the African American Center for History, Art and Culture (120 York Street, NE, Aiken, SC 29801) and then to Hitchcock Woods for the guided tour. For Day 2, the group will convene at Eudora Wildlife Safari Park (219 Salem Lane, Salley, SC 29137).

For those interested in lodging, a room block is available at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites (185 Colony Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29803) until Wednesday, March 11, 2026. To make your reservation at the SCNBTA group rate, .

Workshop program details are in the agenda below and direct any questions to April Turner at april.[email protected] or (843)991-3192.

Info: Join the City of Aiken's Tourism Supervisor and local history enthusiast, Pete Peters to learn about the historical significance of the Center and other significant community history.

Info: Join Hitchcock Woods Education and Grant Coordinator for a discussion about the largest privately owned urban forest in the United States. Following her presentation, Heather - also a naturalist and ornithologist by trade - will lead the group on a guided walk in the Woods.

Info: Please join us for a networking dinner at TBD. Dinner is not included in the registration fee; attendees are responsible for paying individually.

Info: On Day 2 participants will convene at the Eudora Wildlife Safari Park covered pavilion (next to giraffe enclosure) to sign in and for coffee.

Info: The presentation will focus on the events that unfolded in the area before, during, and after the American Revolution. Some of the topics to be addressed include Fort Galphin, the Siege of Augusta, the Martin Daughters, and the Hammonds.

Info: The SCNBTA business meeting is open to all members.

Info: After lunch join Eudora Wildlife Safari Park staff for a private wagon ride through the property and a behind-the-scenes tour. For this outing it is recommended that participants wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring along drinking water, insect repellent, sun protection, and rain jacket.

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