June 6, 2024

The Coastal Discovery Museum at historic Honey Horn is pleased to announce receiving a generous grant from Palmetto Dunes Cares to support its summer Critter Meet and Greet program.

The $10,000 grant enables the museum to expand the popular program to three days a week and provide training and employment opportunities to college and high school interns interested in environmental science, biology and veterinary studies.

“The Coastal Discovery Museum extends heartfelt thanks to Palmetto Dunes Cares for their support,” said Museum Director Rex Garniewicz. “This grant allows us to offer an enriching summer experience to our community and interns and serve more visitors and private and local groups.”

The Meet and Greet program provides a hands-on educational experience enabling participants to safely interact with Lowcountry wildlife, such as baby alligators, turtles, lizards and snakes. It aims to raise awareness about their importance to our environment and how to live responsibly alongside them.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Critter Meet and Greet program and support the Coastal Discovery Museum’s initiatives to educate and inspire people to care for the Lowcountry,” said Benjamin Kinnas, Chair, Palmetto Dunes Cares. “This program perfectly aligns with our mission to champion local nonprofits, nurture youth development and promote environmental stewardship.”

Critter Meet and Greet takes place outdoors at the museum’s Bird’s Eye View Theater, on the Honey Horn grounds. Visitors are invited to drop in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, through August 14. The cost is $7 per person.

For more information, call 843-689-6767 ext. 223, or email [email protected].

About Palmetto Dunes Cares
Since inception in 2018, PD Cares has awarded over $302,472.26 to local non-profits in the greater Hilton Head area that support our local youth. In 2024, we awarded more than $65,000 to various charities in the greater Hilton Head and Bluffton area, including two scholarships to local high school seniors.

About the Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is an educational and cultural organization whose mission is to provide experiences that inspire people to care for the Lowcountry. Founded in 1985, and located on Hilton Head’s historic Honey Horn grounds, the Museum offers exhibitions, programs, lectures, hands-on workshops and events, covering Lowcountry history, culture, art, and the environment.