Activities are planned throughout September at the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. All programs will be held at the Interpretive Center, located 4 miles south of Charleston on Seven Devils Road, unless otherwise indicated. Registration is required for all programs. For more information, those interested can call 888-5558.

The trails at the South Slough are open from dawn until dusk daily. The Interpretive Center's fall hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The reserve will be closed Monday, Sept. 4, for Labor Day.

Saturday

- 8 to 10 a.m. - Beginning and intermediate birders are invited the Charleston Visitor Center for bird watching. Cost is $1 per person, and binoculars and spotting scopes will be provided.

- 1 to 3 p.m. - Creature Feature will offer a learning experience about crabs. There is no cost to participate.

Saturday, Sept. 9

- 10 to 11 a.m. - The Tide of the Toddlers, for children ages 1 to 5, will offer children a chance to sing songs, make crafts and learn about birds live and grow in the communities of the estuary. Cost is $1 per toddler.

n 1 to 3 p.m. - A walkabout will be offered with an interpreter for $1 per person.

Friday, Sept. 29

- 8 a.m. to noon - An interactive field trip, via the Internet, to four different estuaries around the country will be offered. Those interested in attending can register online, and view the schedule, at www.estuaries.gov.

Saturday, Sept. 30

- 11 a.m. - Everyone is invited to the annual National Estuaries Day Celebration, which will begin with a South Slough puppet show. There also will be arts and crafts, a guided hike and science experiments for visitors of all ages to participate in.