More Of Nature's Delights At Disposal Of Groups

South Carolina is sending meeting-goers back to nature with a growing array of eco-tours.

Myrtle Beach offers jeeps with 10-13 seats for safari tours in which participants view a maritime forest, nesting bald eagles, alligators, native birds, a 15th century Spanish-styled castle, and generations-old gravesites. Contact Carolina Safari Jeep Tours at 843-497-5330.

Other tour operators offer bird watching, boat and kayak rentals, horseback riding, tours of rice plantations and boat tours with fishing in saltwater marshes.

At Brookgreen Gardens, the world's largest outdoor sculpture garden, attendees can view 2,000 species of native plants and a six-exhibit wildlife park. The Gardens, which stretch from the Atlantic to the rice fields of the Waccamaw River, carry visitors on a 48-foot pontoon boat for a close look at native flora and fauna. Call 843-237-4218, x250.

In Hilton Head, Sea Pines Eco Tours offers several options. The Stoney-Baynard Ruins Tour introduces visitors to "Lifestyles in the Old South," circa 1793. Antebellum lifestyles, cotton plantations and the Civil War are highlighted.

The Sea Pines Bike Tour stops at a forest preserve, historic ruins and a farm.

The nighttime tour Stargazing showcases planets, constellations and more astronomy from the beach. Horseback riding fans can tour the area's 605-acre forest preserve and learn about indians who settled in Myrtle Beach 4,000 years ago.

Meeting goers looking to get into the surf can hunt for native Blue Crab, which they will also release, or enjoy freshwater fishing. Call 843-363-4530 or check the Internet at www.seapines.com.

The mountainous terrain of Greenville, at the foot of the Appalachians, promises a different experience.

Cleveland Park is home to miles of walking, biking and nature trails. Falls Cottage Garden features extensive rock work and perennials. Historic Reedy River Falls Park and Garden has ruins of a grist mill and a variety of native plant life.

Foothills Trail is an 80-mile hiking trail said to cross some of the most rugged terrain in the Carolinas, including Lower Whitewater Falls, the highest cascade in eastern America. At the 65-acre Riverbend Equestrian Park, trail rides, classes and horse shows are available. Call 864-288-6470.

Meanwhile, in the more urban Charleston, the Lodge at Lofton's Landing organizes saltwater marsh fly-fishing and kayaking tours. The trips also include a tour of the nearby Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, a 64,000-acre national forest inhabited by dolphins, pelicans, herons, egrets, and various other species. The lodge is a single-family home on 225 acres that's rentable by groups.

A variety of boat charter companies offer crabbing and other tours to remote islands, dolphin watching and overnight nature cruises. Kayaks, pontoons, luxury sail boats and yachts are all available.