CHARLESTON , S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Seven is making waves across the state. It’s not just about hiking or kayaking, it’s a movement focused on changing the way we live with nature, and building a stronger, safer, more resilient future.

“We really feel like we have some amazing natural resources here in this state,” said Michelle McCollum, president and CEO of SC National Heritage Corridor and SC7 executive.

McCollum said the month-long expedition blends outdoor adventure with purpose. From the mountains to the coasts, the SC7 Expedition is charting more than just trails, it’s charting progress for the environment.

“SC7 is a partnership between two South Carolina based nonprofits, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, and Global Eco Adventures,” McCollum explained. “We really want to make sure that this year, not only are we taking time to celebrate the fact that we’ve been able to do this for five solid years, but we also want to take an opportunity along the trail and along the 30 days to celebrate the people, the places, companies and communities.”

READ MORE | “Charleston launches ‘WaterWise’ to educate residents on water management initiatives“

Led by conservationists, veterans, and educators, SC7 highlights the environmental treasures of South Carolina and the challenges they face. Each step of the 30-day journey educates the public on sustainability, flood prevention, and community resilience.

“We’re not out there just having fun, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, those kind of type of things. But we’re also planting trees. We’re doing litter cleanups in partnership with Palmetto Pride. We are helping to create trails and in a lot of ways, this year because of all of the damage from Hurricane Helene, last year we’re helping to clean up some of those trails still because there’s still a lot of damage,” McCollum said.

And it’s working. They’re honoring Mount Pleasant because of the town’s work to control growth in an environmentally friendly way.

“They really have gone in and taken a look at how they can control growth, not stop growth, of course, but control growth and really looked at their natural resources as a way to improve the economic vitality of the people and the economy there in the town,” McCollum said.

On July 24th, SC7 will be joined by Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for a hike across the Ravenel Bridge. The hike begins at 9:00 A.M. at Mount Pleasant Waterfront park.

READ MORE | “Mayor Haynie seeks third term to halt overdevelopment and preserve Mount Pleasant’s spirit“

SC7 isn’t just for experts. It’s for students, families, veterans, anyone who wants a healthier, more sustainable South Carolina.

“Our main goal is to get people outdoors. If we can get people outdoors, that’s really going to improve South Carolinians mental and physical wellbeing,” McCollum said.

The Expedition is proof that small actions can lead to big change.

SC7 is working in partnership with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to create a smart reef system to improve coastline data.

“The smart reef system is going to send a lot of information back to the people that need to watch hurricanes and different things with the changing climate. So we’re very proud of that initiative as well,” McCollum said.

Whether you hike a section, paddle a stretch, or simply show up to cheer SC7 on, there is different initiative offered each day in July. The full calendar of events can be found here.