Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, Let’s Talk about the Birds and the Bees: Backyard Birding and Beyond

Join Mary Ridgeway, Director Emeritus of Kalmia Gardens, for her presentation in Kalmia Gardens? adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration is required and tickets may be purchased for $5 here.

Mary will be presenting her lecture Let?s Talk about the Birds and the Bees: Backyard Birding and Beyond. She will discuss backyard birds in the Hartsville, S.C. area. Learn what birds may be present in your own yard and how you can make your yard an oasis for bird life.

Mary grew up in Darlington, S.C. and went to Clemson University. She received her degree in Plant Science, specifically Ornamental Horticulture. Mary worked most of her career in Columbia for the Department of Agriculture before moving to Hartsville to become the second Director of Kalmia Gardens.

The Gardens proved to be the perfect job since it melded her enjoyment of working with the public with her love of nature, horticulture, and history. During those 15 years as Director, updates to the Hart House, the gardens, and the education center were made to ensure the facilities are ready for the next 30 years of public enjoyment and environmental education.

Mary retired in 2022 from her position as Director. She now lives in Society Hill, S.C. the land of her paternal ancestors and the longleaf pine. Her ?current occupation? is daydreaming, searching for both significance in her new life and the opportunities to make a positive difference in this world. Life offers so many transformations, but a constant calling has always been the love of nature and animals. One of her great joys is rehabbing wildlife and specifically ?possums? along with sharing the joy of gardening with you.

The Joslin Education Center is located at 1520 W. Carolina Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550.