On May 15, 2025, South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Association (SCNBTA) board members Micah Decker and Mikaela Owens had the opportunity to speak at the Midland Trail Talk series, hosted by the Palmetto Trail, in Columbia. Representing their respective organizations—Capital City/Lake Murray Country and South Carolina State Parks—Micah and Mikaela shared the mission, impact, and exciting initiatives of SCNBTA with local trail enthusiasts and outdoor advocates.
Our mission is clear: to support the growth and development of nature-based tourism in South Carolina by facilitating networking, professional development, and educational opportunities for our members. We believe in the power of community, education, and partnership to grow South Carolina’s nature-based tourism economy while preserving the integrity of our natural and cultural resources.
Since its founding in 1994, SCNBTA has connected a diverse group of members, ranging from educators and outfitters to regional tourism organizations and conservation leaders. Together, we work to ensure sustainable, low-impact experiences from the mountains to the coast.
During the presentation, we outlined the Association’s core initiatives:
1. Networking & Professional Growth
Our annual conference brings members together for immersive experiences, such as this past year’s event in York County featuring Kings Mountain State Park and Spriggly’s Beescaping. The 2025 conference (info coming soon!) will be hosted at Bells Marina & Resort, which is southeast of Santee, just off I-95 on the west side of Lake Marion. We also engage the public at major events like SEWE and the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic, which attract tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.
Additionally, our quarterly workshops are a vital way to stay connected year-round. Recent workshops were held at Lynches River County Park, Old Santee Canal Park, and virtually with AbleSC on accessibility in the outdoors.
2. Support and Promotion
Our website serves as a hub for outdoor recreation in South Carolina, offering listings, digital brochures, blog articles, and more. Members benefit from increased visibility through social media promotion on Facebook and Instagram, blog features, and our quarterly newsletter, which provides industry updates and event announcements.
3. Partnerships & Advocacy
We collaborate with state agencies and regional partners to strengthen and advocate for the outdoor industry. SCNBTA is represented at major conferences, including the Outdoor Economy Conference and the South Carolina Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel, staying at the forefront of national and regional outdoor tourism trends.
4. Paying It Forward
Through proceeds from our annual conference, SCNBTA is proud to fund youth scholarships to Camp Wildwood—South Carolina’s youth conservation camp for rising 10th–12th graders. It’s just one of the ways we’re helping to inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.
We thank the Palmetto Trail for inviting us to share SCNBTA’s story and for supporting the important work happening across South Carolina’s nature-based tourism communities. For news on upcoming Trail Talks and events, you can check out the Palmetto Trail’s Facebook page.
