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Studying a Soon-to-be-Inundated Ancient Shell Ring

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Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. At Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, scientists using  LiDAR ,an aerial 3D laser scanning method, have discovered the oldest shell ring in our State, Pokoy 1, dating to 4300 years ago, the same period as the earliest Egyptian pyramids. This oyster shell structure was constructed and only used for a relatively short period of time – from 20 to one hundred years. By 2024, it will be lost to researchers due to sea level rise – so SCDNR archaeologists and other researchers are focusing resources   to answer questions about this cultural relic before it disappears.  If you want to learn more about the work at this and other heritage sites, visit South Carolina Heritage Trust, then select resources, next choose films. Some of these have links to lesson plans aligned with state standards that can be used by teachers; others are underway, anyone can enjoy the films.

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Amanda McNulty is a Clemson University Extension Horticulture agent and the host of South Carolina ETV’s Making It Grow! gardening program. She studied horticulture at Clemson University as a non-traditional student. “I’m so fortunate that my early attempts at getting a degree got side tracked as I’m a lot better at getting dirty in the garden than practicing diplomacy!” McNulty also studied at South Carolina State University and earned a graduate degree in teaching there.