SC7 Expedition moves through Midlands on monthlong trek to the coast

The sixth-annual South Carolina Seven Expedition reached the Midlands on Monday, pushing toward a monthlong finish on the coast and Lowcountry. The conservation-and-history trek is drawing more participants than ever as organizers expand education tied to South Carolina’s natural wonders and Revolutionary War sites.

Why it matters: - The SC7 Expedition is combining conservation, outdoor recreation, and history education across South Carolina. - The monthlong trek is designed to build awareness of the state's natural areas and ecological importance. - Organizers say participation is growing as the expedition stretches from the mountains to the sea.

What happened: - Scores of participants moved through central South Carolina early Monday during the sixth-annual SC7 Expedition. - The group entered the Midlands for a three-day phase of the monthlong expedition. - The route is carrying participants toward the Atlantic coast and Lowcountry. - SC7 leader Dr. Tom Mullikin discussed the expedition in a recent WIS-TV interview: the interview. - Mullikin said SC7 will hike about 350 miles from July 1 to July 30, averaging about 10 miles a day. - Mullikin said the route is bookended by Jocassee Gorges and the ACE Basin. - Mullikin said this year's route includes the Liberty Trail marking South Carolina's 250th anniversary.

The details: - SC7 is a partnership of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the S.C. National Heritage Corridor, and Global Eco Adventures. - Mullikin founded Global Eco Adventures. - Mullikin said SC7 is "fun, but purposeful." - Michelle McCollum, chief logistics officer for SC7 and president of the S.C. National Heritage Corridor, said this year's expedition has been the most successful yet. - McCollum said the expedition welcomed more participants than ever before. - McCollum said the educational program has expanded to include more expert interpreters, discussions, and immersive experiences at historic sites. - McCollum said the month now includes more conservation education. - SC7 highlights seven South Carolina natural wonders: Sassafras Mountain, the Jocassee Gorges, the Chattooga River, Congaree National Park, the Edisto River, the ACE Basin, and Bulls Island. - SC7 also showcases other geographic locations to raise awareness of South Carolina's environmental beauty and ecological importance. - SC7 originated in 2019 after Mullikin's 2018 appointment as founding chair of Governor Henry McMaster's S.C. Floodwater Commission. - Mullikin was asked by the governor to help educate South Carolinians about the commission's findings and the importance of understanding the state's natural environment.

Between the lines: - The expedition is becoming more than a hike; it is a traveling civic lesson tied to conservation and state history. - The focus on Revolutionary War sites suggests organizers want SC7 to connect environmental stewardship with South Carolina's role in the nation's founding. - The growing turnout suggests the format is resonating with both residents and visitors.

What's next: - On Monday, the route passes through West Columbia and Columbia. - On Tuesday, participants move to Congaree National Park. - On Wednesday, the expedition reaches historic Camden. - On Thursday, the route continues to Sumter. - Destinations east, south, and beyond follow through the end of the month. - More information is available in SC7's announcement.