WEDGEFIELD, S.C. - The Palmetto Conservation Foundation will open the Palmetto Trail High Hills Outdoor Center in Wedgefield at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 1.

The center, located next to Battens Country Store on Highway 261, will serve as an eco-tourism headquarters for the Wateree, Santee and Lake Marion areas with an emphasis on the High Hills.

Open Friday through Sunday during the months of March through June, the center will provide visitors with information and trail maps on the many opportunities that are available for outdoor exploration. Organized hikes and tours will leave from the Center guided by naturalists, historians and experienced trip leaders.

The center is a partnership project with the S.C. Forestry Commission, S.C. Parks, Recreation and Tourism and the Sumter Chamber of Commerce.

South Carolina's state-owned utility Santee Cooper has agreed to sponsor the High Hills Outdoor Center. Long a friend of the Palmetto Trail, Santee Cooper is also the sponsor of the Lowcountry Guide to the Palmetto Trail. The second edition of the guide will be released on the March 1 opening.

The natural beauty of Sumter County has been appreciated by locals for a long time. This new center will draw in regional and statewide visitors to experience hiking on the bluffs over the Wateree floodplain, kayaking in the waters of Sparkleberry Swamp, or mountain biking through the vast array of trails in Manchester State Forest.

There are more than 26 miles for hiking and biking on the Lake Marion, High Hills and Wateree Passages of the Palmetto Trail in Sumter County. Poinsett State Park and Manchester State Forest offer dozens more miles for mountain biking and horseback riding. The diverse topography from steep sandhills to swamp, the great variety of wildlife and the accessibility of the area provides something for every nature lover.

The area is also steeped in history. Catawba Indians traveled the High Hills long before the Patriot armies used them for rest and resupply. Historic churches, the graves of prominent leaders, Revolutionary and Civil War sites and ruins are just a tour guide away for those interested in learning about the important contributions the High Hills have made.

The public is invited to attend the opening of the Palmetto Trail High Hills Outdoor Center or take one of the many tours that are being scheduled. Reservations are required for all trips except on March 1. Starting Feb, 29, the Palmetto Trail High Hills Outdoor Center can be reached at 803-494-5954 or by e-mail at highhillscenter@palmettoconservation.org.

The following trips have been scheduled, but check www.Palmettotrail.org as more will be added:

* March 1, 11 a.m. -- Sumter Junction Hike, where Union troops destroyed an entire train of Confederate munitions and supplies; easy; 3 miles.

* March 8, 10 a.m. -- Sparkleberry Swamp Hike -- Travel by foot deep into the swamp with naturalist John Cely; easy to moderate, 4 miles.

* March 15, 10 a.m. -- Tour of Manchester State Forest, led by Forest Director Harvey Belser. The group will travel by car and stop at points of interest within the forest; easy.

* March 29, 10 a.m. -- Poinsett State Park Hike with Linda McCombs. Experience the diversity of mountain bluffs and moss-draped swamps; easy to moderate, 3-4 miles.

* April 5, 10 a.m. -- Sparkleberry Swamp Hike; easy to moderate, 4 miles.

* April 19, 10 a.m. -- Wateree Passage High Bluff Hike; superb vistas and geocaching; easy to moderate; 5 miles.

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