There’s something wonderful about arriving somewhere you’ve already spent a little time with on the page. A bird looks familiar. A stretch of shoreline brings a story to mind. You find yourself noticing small details and wondering about the connections between them.

Chris is an avid reader, and his bookshelf tends to lean toward natural history, especially books about South Carolina’s coast. These are some of his favorites, along with a little fiction for anyone who likes to settle into a good story before heading somewhere new.

If you’re joining us for a weekend on Bulls Island, these books are a lovely way to start looking forward to the adventure. None of them are required reading. They’re simply books we love and enjoy sharing with people who are curious about the places we explore.

The Wind Birds by Peter Matthiessen

Matthiessen’s lyrical writing about shorebirds invites you to slow down and pay attention. It’s a wonderful way to begin thinking about the birds you might encounter along Bulls Island’s beaches: their movements, their migrations, and the shorelines they depend on. Pick this one up before your trip, and you may find yourself lingering a little longer to watch a flock feeding at the water’s edge.

The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert

This book takes a wider view, exploring biodiversity loss and the ways humans are changing the natural world. It’s a more sobering selection, but one that can deepen your appreciation for the fragile ecosystems you’ll experience on the island. Reading it brings another layer of meaning to a weekend spent observing wildlife and learning how coastal habitats fit together.

Tideland Treasure by Todd Ballantine

This is a particularly fun one to tuck into your bag and bring along. A naturalist’s guide to southeastern beaches and salt marshes, Tideland Treasure can help you make sense of the discoveries that turn a beach walk into an afternoon of questions. It’s the kind of book you can browse before your trip, then reach for again when something along the tideline catches your eye. Learn more about the book.

A New Voyage to Carolina by John Lawson

First published in 1709, Lawson’s account offers a historical perspective on the Carolinas’ landscapes, wildlife, and people through the eyes of a colonial traveler. For readers who enjoy natural history, it’s an opportunity to consider how this region was described centuries ago—and to think about what has changed as you explore it today. Explore the book at the Library of Congress.

The Curious Mister Catesby, edited by E. Charles Nelson and David J. Elliott

This illustrated collection introduces Mark Catesby, the naturalist and artist whose work documented the birds, plants, and other wildlife of the American Southeast and the Bahamas. His curiosity is a fitting companion for an island adventure. Spending time with his work might inspire you to look more closely at a leaf, notice a bird’s markings, or simply pause to appreciate something you would otherwise walk past. Learn more from the University of Georgia Press.

Turning the Tide by Sally Murphy

This one is especially meaningful to us for its connection to the conservation work that has taken place on Bulls Island over the years. Murphy’s memoir tells the story of her work protecting sea turtles and helping build South Carolina’s sea turtle conservation program. It gives a human dimension to that work: the dedication, persistence, and care behind protecting the wildlife we’re so fortunate to encounter. Reading it before a visit can make walking these beaches feel even more significant. Read more about Murphy’s conservation legacy.

Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank

For those who prefer a novel, this selection brings a little Lowcountry storytelling to the list. Frank’s fiction offers a different way to get into a coastal frame of mind, with family relationships, drama, and a strong sense of place. It’s a good choice for the anticipation of a getaway—or a quiet moment with a book during the weekend.

Exploring Bull Island by Bob Raynor

This book has a personal connection: Bob is Chris’s neighbor, and he knows the island so well. His account brings together time spent sailing the surrounding waters and walking the island, weaving natural and human history into the experience of exploring it. There’s something especially rewarding about reading his observations and then finding yourself in the places he describes. It’s a wonderful companion for anyone who wants to get to know the island more deeply. Learn more about the book.

You can arrive on Bulls Island without having read a single page and have an extraordinary weekend. But if you’re someone who loves learning about a place before you go, a good book can make the experience richer. A landscape becomes connected to a story. A wildlife sighting prompts a new question. You begin to understand a little more about what makes this place special and the care it takes to protect it.