Rudy Mancke, who passed away on Nov. 7 at the age of 78, became a beloved figure in South Carolina and beyond through his groundbreaking work as the host of the nationally distributed television show NatureScene and SC Public Radio’s NatureNotes. NatureScene, co-created with Beryl Dakers premiered in 1978 and continued for an impressive 25 years, gaining national recognition for its simple and innovative approach to exploring the natural world.
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The increased amount of rain makes for a much more diversified forest when it comes to the tall trees in the area. Here we see the Tulip Tree, and the Understory Tree. Along the way Rudy and Jim come...
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Some of the trees found in the area also have blossoms. The redbud is one example. On a nearby hickory tree, Rudy and Jim come across a woodpecker called a yellow bellied sap-sucker, which has come to...
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In the same stop, Rudy and Jim find a species of reptile called the Green Anole lizard, and they describe the differences between a salamander and a lizard. Illustrating more of the forest’s diversity...
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When pieces of trees fall to the ground, nature has a way to recycle that debris. A species of mushroom known as the False Turkey Tail helps break down the rotting wood, adding nutrients to soil in...
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Cove forests are very popular with visitors, due to the rich bottom soil found here. One animal which does very well in these areas is the beaver. Its work can be seen here with its telltale signs of...
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The cove got its shape from streams of water periodically carving out the rock. Witch Hazel and Rhododendrons are species of plants which benefit from the moisture of nearby streams.
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In this next area, Rudy and Jim come across a raccoon skull, which was most likely killed by a predator. A canebrake rattlesnake rests coiled up on a bed of leaves, showing how it perfectly blends in...
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While strolling through the longleaf pine forest, Rudy and Jim come across a prominent moth. Its color pattern on the wings mimics tree bark near perfectly, making it tougher for predators to spot...
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The Earthstar is a star shaped species of fungus which commonly grows on these dunes.
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Rudy and Jim visit an ecotone, which is a line between two different habitats: one more dry, and one moister. Here we see a fetterbush, the inkberry or gallberry, which is another species of holly...
