Nestled in the lush greenery of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Montage Palmetto Bluff offers a variety of unforgettable experiences for avid nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
At the heart of the resort’s eco-fueled offerings is the Naturalist Program led by Cassie Beato, an on-property, professional environmentalist who curates diverse guided tours, immersive talks, and interactive workshops that highlight the region’s rich wildlife, flora, archaeology, and history. “I have the best job on property, hands down!” said Beato.
If you’re thirsty for knowledge about the local ecosystem, Cassie is the person to speak to. “I get the best of both worlds where I not only get to educate others on the local ecosystem, but I also get to directly impact the wildlife that lives here,” commented Beato.
With her deep knowledge of the indigenous fauna and flora of the Lowcountry, she expertly guides visitors on treks and walking/golf cart land tours that meander through rich wetlands and lush Maritime forests, all while offering incredible insights about the natural environment of the region.
From hunting for fossils on the riverbanks to peering at alligators in their natural habitat, Cassie’s expertise and enthusiasm shines as she points out the unique species of flora and fauna that thrive within the beauty of Palmetto Bluff’s pristine 20,000-acre nature preserve.
For those who enjoy mellow aquatic excursions, Montage Palmetto Bluff offers “The Inland Waterway Ecotour” on Duffy Boat, a unique way to explore the resort grounds while soaking up local history. During the tour, Beato narrates the journey, sharing interesting snippets about the ecological features of the region. Meandering dark waters and reedy banks, you’ll spot some of the area’s beloved feathered residents like the Osprey, Pelicans, and Blue Herons. “By doing a tour on a boat, I am able to take our guests to more secluded areas via the waterways, where we are able to see a larger variety of wildlife and explore more of Palmetto Bluff,” said Beato.
The Naturalist Program also takes a more hands-on approach. From interactive holiday programming to fishing tournaments, guests are provided with opportunities to get involved and learn more about responsible stewardship practices during their stay.
Another exciting feature is beekeeping. After relocating a local hive, a program emerged where resort guests can learn about the life of honeybees and sustainable beekeeping practices. Coming soon, honey harvested from these hives will be used in the resort’s restaurants, including Buzz Coffee Shop and Hush Speakeasy, which means that every tang of sweetness powering your croissant, cocktails, and coffee will have been carefully produced by the hard-working bees on the property. “Our colonies are thriving right now and we are looking forward to having fresh honey and learning more about them.”
What makes the Naturalist Program truly unique is the depth of learning guests gain while engaging with Cassie and her team. They approach every tour and activity with a real-world appreciation, so visitors leave with a genuine understanding of the intricacies of the Lowcountry’s ecosystems. Cassie’s passion and expertise for archaeology also bring history to life, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of Palmetto Bluff’s unique tapestry of local history.
“Being an environmentalist is more than just my job, it is my passion and my life and something that I try to share with others as often as I can. I love to take pictures and share information about wildlife and give sustainability tips and tricks,” said Beato, whose works can be found on a variety of social media posts.
By participating in the Naturalist Program at Montage Palmetto Bluff, travelers gain an intimate understanding of the area’s ecosystem, fauna, and flora from an expert team dedicated to responsible stewardship of the Lowcountry’s natural heritage. From kayaking on the May River to exploring the wetlands on an inspired walking tour, Cassie and team go to great lengths to make these tours unforgettable. Whether you’re an outdoor explorer, avid birder or simply curious about the Lowcountry’s stunning natural beauty, the Naturalist Program at Montage Palmetto Bluff is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting South Carolina.
montagehotels.com | @montagepalmettobluff
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