“South Carolina 7” launches in Oconee County

“The World is Here” was a phrase used this morning to promote a one-month long outdoor adventure that showcases South Carolina’s top outdoor attractions.  Hikers, climbers, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts are engaging in a 30-day “South Carolina 7” expedition from one end of the state to the other.  The number 7 is indicative of the state’s top natural attractions, from the mountains to the sea. They and others gathered for a ceremony this morning at Oconee State Park.  Some of them plan to be present in Charleston at the end of the expedition.  Getting credit as the brainchild for South Carolina 7 is Tom Mullikin, a retired military officer who chairs the South Carolina Flood Commission. Mullikin brought greetings on behalf of Governor Henry McMaster and said that, at the governor’s insistence, South Carolina 7 will plant one million trees for Arbor Day this year.  Others who spoke at the ceremony were Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, two Ocnee state lawmakers, Thomas Alexander and Bill Sandifer, County Administrator Amanda Brock, Michelle McCollum of the South Carolina Heritage Corridor, and Duane Parrish, director of the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.