Explore A Little-Known Arboretum In South Carolina's Capital City
By AnneMarie|Published October 03, 2023
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AnneMarie
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South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
The W. Gordon Belser Arboretum in Columbia, South Carolina is a 10-acre nature preserve dedicated to education and the preservation of the site’s diverse, native habitats. It’s a part of the University of South Carolina, its land having been donated by William Gordon Belser in 1959 with stipulations for its mission. The only preserve in the Columbia metropolitan area that also serves as a teaching field station, the arboretum is only a 10-minute drive from the university campus, making it easily accessible for the students who use it for classes or volunteer work. Let’s explore this little-known arboretum together!
The W. Gordon Belser Arboretum is open to the public through a free monthly open house held on the third Sunday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Greeters meet guests at the Bloomwood entrance gates to provide handouts and answer questions.
During one spring week, a variety of birds were seen at the arboretum including migrating warblers, scarlet tanagers, great crested flycatchers, vireos, tufted titmouse, eastern towhee, brown thrasher, Mississippi kites, woodpeckers, and more.
Enjoy the fragrance and colors of spring azaleas from one of the benches or along your walk through the garden. It's a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
