VEREEN GARDENS

Photo of a BARRED OWL spotted in Vereen Gardens, submitted by James Bonat:

Historic Horry County
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

The Gardens once owned by the Jackson Vereen Family, are part of the Horry County Parks and Recreation system. Indicative of the natural beauty found in Horry County, the Gardens consist of over 100 acres, flowing east from Hwy. 179 (Calabash Road) to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Wildlife abounds within the gardens. Visitors can savor "mother nature" as they walk along nature trails or on the boardwalk that spans the marsh, connecting an island to the mainland. From stately pines to salt water marsh grasses, numerous types of trees and plants can be found, many of which are rare and unique to the "Carolina Bays" of the coast. Within the Gardens are the Vereen Family Cemetery, featuring Revolutionary War graves, and remnants of the Old Kings Highway, an unpaved road traveled by President George Washington during his 1791 tour.

Located off US High 17 to the north of Little River, the Gardens are on Highway 179, near the North Carolina and South Carolina state line.

http://www.horrycounty.org/boards/bar/VereenGardens.asp

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens (VMHG) in Little River has been a “Hidden Jewel” for 30 years. But that is changing! Vereen Gardens and the CB Berry Community and Historical Center (opened in May 2008) are becoming more popular and known every day. Programs and activities are increasing every season. More and more folks are coming to the Gardens to enjoy the views, trails, wildlife, history, and more.

Vereen Gardens depends heavily on volunteers for maintenance of the walking trails, beautification projects, construction of seating areas, marking of local flora and many other tasks and activities.

PLANTINGS and AESTHETICS

Yaupon Garden Club

Master Gardeners

Dexter (Parks & Recreation)

and other volunteers

TRAIL and SITE MAINTENANCE

John Hartwell, Coordinator

Bill Watson

Bill Soucy

Bill Meyers

Tom Jones

Sharon Weaver

Heather Lakes "Crew"

NATURE WALK

Dr. Jim Luken

PERGOLA and SWING CONSTRUCTION and INSTALLATION, PLANT MARKERS, and COLOR CODING OF WALKING TRAILS-EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Luke Mount, Eagle Scout

Troop 888 of BSA

Jeff Penegar

Ernie Knight

Those wishing to volunteer their energy, time and expertise are always welcome.

Contact the CB Berry Center if you want to be part of this dynamic team!

Vereen Gardens was deeded to Horry County by Jackson Hiram Vereen in 1972. This 114 acre property is remarkable for its transition from woodland to salt marsh ecosystem along the Intracoastal Waterway. An extensive trail and boardwalk network allows visitors to experience a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Historical sites, such as the Vereen Family Cemetery and Kings Highway, are also located in the Gardens.

Vereen Gardens is on the Horry County Historic Register.

Stop by the Gardens and the CB Berry Center for more information, a trail map and program notices throughout the year. Both are located on Rt. 179, off Rt. 17 N, in historic Little River. The phone number is 843-249-4157.

Contact:

Bob Weldon

VMHG Committee Chair

Little River

843-249-4157 (CB Berry Center)

The photos below are of volunteers being awarded

Certificates of Appreciation by Councilman Harold Worley.

VEREEN MEMORIAL HISTORICAL GARDENS
Hwy 179, Little River, SC 29566

Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens Board

Bob Weldon, Chairperson
Kenneth Thompson, Vice Chairperson
Phillis Newman, Treasurer
Jericha Cook, Secretary
Jack Crowley
Vic Gillespie
John Hartwell
Betty A. Vujevich
Sharon Weaver

For information about the Gardens call the C. B. Berry Community and Historical Center located at the entrance to Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens,

2250 Hwy 179,

Little River, SC,

843-249-4157

Copies of the Trail Map are available at the C. B. Berry Community & Historical Center
located at the entrance to Vereen Gardens.

Trail maps designed (gratis) by Andrew Cook, Graphic Artist
Trails in the park color-coded by Life Scout Luke Mount & Troop 888

SUPPORT ONGOING
PARK ENHANCEMENTS

NEW! Vereen Gardens MUGS - $5.00

Quality Shirts

Buy a quality shirt and wear it proudly! Proceeds will be used by the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens Board to enhance our lovely public park. Available in separate Ladies and Men sizes. $20.00 each or two for $35.00! Purchase them at the C.B. Berry Community Center the next time you visit and enjoy the park!

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