Developing environmental education, nature-based tourism, and outdoor recreation initiatives on a soild waste management site in Conway, South Carolina

The Horry County South Carolina Solid Waste Authority was interested in creating a space that could serve the duties of the landfill and concurrently serve as an environmental education and recreation facility. They owned a large tract of land that was used to develop this concept. Several areas of minimal ecological importance are used as sorting facilities for storm debris and cap dirt excavation areas for use on the active landfill. The remainder of the 1,187 acre tract is planned for the development of an environmental education, nature-based tourism, and outdoor recreation center. A natural resources management plan was produced to promote and protect the ecological diversity of the tract. A geographic information system (GIS) was then produced for the tract and used to assist in making decisions on the placement of interpretive trails. This was followed up by a historical analysis of the area. The management recommendations, GIS data, and historical information were then combined to create a comprehensive educational web site for the property that showcases the efforts of the Authority to promote environmental stewardship.