Birding, a film festival and children’s activities are highlights on the calendar at the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve this month (January). The following is a listing of events sponsored by the reserve near Charleston.

Birding on the Bay

8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 5. The public is invited to join fellow beginning and intermediate birders on a tour of Charleston’s best birding locations. Slough staff will provide binoculars, spotting scopes and an interpreter. The group will meet at the Charleston Visitors’ Center. The cost $1 per birder.

Film Festival “Planet Earth”

1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5. The nature documentary “Planet Earth” will be shown on South Slough’s big screen. This month’s episodes will be Deserts and Caves. South Slough will provide the popcorn.

Tide of the Toddlers - Wild Things

10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 12. This is an adventure for wee ones, 1 to 5 years old, at the estuary. Children are invited to sing a song, read a story, make a craft and explore the natural world. The cost is $1 per toddler.

Estuary Explorers - Upland Animals

9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 19. Children ages 6-12 are invited to discover the upland animals of the South Slough through the tracks and signs they leave behind. This is an outdoor event and children should dress for the weather. The cost is $3 per child.

Author Afternoon

2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19,

South Slough volunteers and authors David Lunde and Patricia McKillip will read selections of their own works of poetry and fiction.

Lunch and Learn - Cultural Connections

Noon to 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24. This program shares the cultural story of South Slough. Those who plan to attend should bring lunch. The meeting will be held in the Community Room at the Milner Crest Education Center, 1255 Hemlock Ave.

Saturdays on the Slough - Cultural Connections

9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 26. Participants will spend the morning in the field discovering culturally significant areas of South Slough. Those who plan to attend should dress for the weather. This is a free event for South Slough volunteers or $5 for other participants.

All programs are held or start at the Interpretive Center unless noted. Located 4 miles south of Charleston on Seven Devils Road, the reserve is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. To register for programs, those interested can call

Please register in advance for all programs by 888-5558. Activity fees and donations cover materials and are used by the Friends of South Slough in support of the Reserve.