There is a world outside of our comfy couches and air conditioned living rooms. The exquisite beauty of nature beckons you to come and visit. National Outdoors Day is in June. However, with the beautiful spring weather, I encourage everyone to celebrate early and go outside! The grass is a happy bright green, flowers beckon us to come outdoors.

In the Midlands, we have many parks, including Peachtree Rock. Enjoy Preserve Day at Peachtree Rock Heritage on April 27, 10-2 pm. Walk in the native pine forests amid sandstone fossils and see the only natural waterfall on South Carolina’s coastal plain. Children can find longleaf pine cones, take guided tours, and enjoy the beauty of nature. To register for the free event, visit www.support.nature.org or call 1-866-781-5940

Transform your yard into wildlife-friendly habitat. The Gardening for Wildlife Workshop, on April 27, 10 am, is at 1403 N. Lake Drive, sponsored by the SC Wildlife Federation.

Chapin Theater’s “Dixie Swim Club” will open April 26-May 5 at the Firehouse Theater at 102 Lexington Ave., Chapin. Visit www.chapintheatre.org for info.

The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s Strategic Master Planning group needs your your opinion about your parks. They are also seeking mailto:liesha.huffstetler@gmail.com volunteer’s for focus groups to provide feedback on your parks, facilities, and programs. If you are interested in serving, visit the Facebook page and follow links to the survey and the form.

When a home burns, the loss can be devastating. Harbison Community Center is collecting items needed to assist fire victims. Needed include children’s, men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, toilet paper, diapers, wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, linens, pillows, backpacks, pots, pans games, toys nonperishable food, towels, cleaning products, trash cans, and trash bags. Donations can be dropped off at 106 Hillpine Road, Columbia, 20212, Monday-Saturday 8-6 pm and Sunday from 1-6 pm. For more information call 803-781-2281.

Savor the flavor of a world-class barbecue cook-off at Saluda Shoals Park May 4, 11 am to 2:30 pm. For tickets and information call 772-1228 or visit www.icrc.net.

Congratulations to Chapin native Sally Slice, who was nominated for the 2019 Newberry college female newcomer of the year.

Relay for Life of Chapin and Irmo is May 3, 6-11 pm at Crooked Creek Park. Register at www.relayforlife.org/chapinirmosc