And students at the University of South Carolina have that opportunity — to study nature, marvel in it and learn from one of the best naturalists around.
Rudy Mancke grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and spent his childhood roaming the woods and meadows of the Piedmont, observing the natural world, identifying flora and fauna, and asking himself questions about what he saw. When he was not exploring the outdoors, he was in the library seeking answers to these questions while forming new ones. Rudy’s education at Wofford College and graduate study at the University of South Carolina broadened his interest in natural history, an enthusiasm that he tried to give to his students at Spartanburg High School and later to the public while a Curator of Natural History at the South Carolina State Museum. Rudy is happy to have founded the South Carolina Association of Naturalists, an organization that continues to thrive. Rudy’s work at the museum brought him into contact with producers at South Carolina Educational Television and led to the television series NatureScene (1978-2002) that is still being aired on public television. With hosts Beryl Dakers and later Jim Welch, Rudy led viewers on nature walks in many locations in the United States as well as to sites abroad.
Rudy Mancke retired at the end of 2008, but we are very fortunate that he will still be linked with the School of Environment as Adjunct faculty and teaching ENVR J200 - Natural History of South Carolina course.
Office number: 803-777-7703
Email: RMancke0@mailbox.sc.edu
- Sustainability isn't a problem for naturalist Rudy Mancke: He sustains student interest in the natural world for hours on end
- Rudy Mancke article in Coastal Heritage
- Carolinian: The Natural
- USC naturalist revisits Chernobyl disaster site in ETV show
- Refuge visitors tour Bulls Island with naturalist, Rudy Mancke
- Telling Nature's Secrets: The Interpretive Naturalist At Work
- Staying out all night with Rudy Mancke
- Exploring the Congaree with Rudy
- South Carolina Association of Naturalists, SCAN
A naturalist looks at connections in nature. Clemson University naturalist Patrick McMillan, host of the public television series Expeditions with Patrick McMillan, talks with Rudy Mancke, host of the award-winning television series NatureScene, founder of the South Carolina Association of Naturalists (SCAN).