Harbison State Forest is the largest urban green space in the Southeast. Friends of Harbison State Forest is a non-profit organization founded to preserve and promote the recreational and educational aspects of this urban forest resource. Our initial emphasis is planning, designing and building sustainable new trails while maintaining and upgrading the current trail system. Harbison State Forest needs your support!

COME JOIN WITH US!

Don't miss out on the Events at Harbison Forest!
The trip scheduled for tomorrow, August 21st, been officially postponed due to high water. Next attempt: Sept. 18th.Try participating in the first FHSF Adopt-a-Waterway trash pickup on the Broad River.

Check the Calendar for information on upcoming events

What's the Latest News?? (As Reported by: Webmaster at 13:19, August 20th)
What's Happening on the Trails?
TRAIL PROTECTION PROCESS: A new process for protecting the trails due to wet conditions...read more below!!! Help protect the trails... THANKS!!!

NEW WET WEATHER TRAIL PROTECTION PROCESS!!!
Much like closure measures used in other areas to protect trails from damage due to wet weather, Harbison's great trails now have protection. During heavy rain events and for 24 hours after, trail users will be directed to stay off the trails. You may still run, walk or ride the gravel roads. Soon, Friends will have more information about this process, including directions to the alternate routes, displayed at our new kiosk. The forest map already shows the gravel roads.
How much is too much rain and how long will the trails be closed? Well, it's sort of complicated. Harbison has a variety of soil types and they react differently to rain. Some get muddy and others, like sand, compact so it's going to take a while to work out the right mix. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated.

Next Trail Work Day: Read All About It!

Trail Work News
Our next work day will be Saturday, July 17th.
We will meet at the new kiosk at 9:00 am.
Please bring water, gloves, pruning shears and clippers if you can. Thanks for your support! Contact Brandon at 803-640-9581 or another one of us at the numbers below if you have questions.


Adopt-a-Waterway News
Need a way to keep cool on a hot summer day? Try participating in the first FHSF Adopt-a-Waterway trash pickup on Saturday, September 18th. We are responsible for the short and seldom-paddled section of the Broad River from the landing at Chestnut Hill Plantation to the Harbison State Forest take-out. This is a side of Harbison State Forest that few ever see.

The plan is to meet in the front parking lot at 9 a.m., arrange the shuttle and be on the water by 10. You will need to provide your own boat and paddle, PFD, sunscreen and water. A hat and snacks are optional. Closed-toe shoes might be helpful if we need to get on the bank.

If you are interested in pioneering this project, you must register with Betsy Russell at 749-7986 or librarianunlimited@sc.rr.com by 10 p.m. the day prior. See you on the water!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you would like to help please call Rebecca at 788-6992, Harry at 782-9371, or James Miller at the Forest Office.

Good News:
* There is a New Informational Kiosk at the front parking lot entrance onto the Firebreak West Trail. We thank RCCC most heartily for their support in funding the construction and hope you enjoy the results! As shown by the photo at the top of the page, Friends hosted a dedication of the kiosk and celebrated National Trails Day on Saturday, June 5th.


* Mas Crawford and Steve Masone have established a National Mountain Bike Patrol in Harbison Forest.

Our thanks go to all those whose pictures are being used on the website. These photographs prove there is beauty all around us for those who have eyes to see.

See this 2004 video produced by the Department of Natural Resources: