Professional naturalist guidance rooted in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry - where every marsh, forest, and shoreline holds a story worth discovering.
Our Roots: The Charleston Birding Legacy
Sage & Sparrow grew from the rich soil of the Charleston Bird Club — a community long dedicated to local observation, conservation, and the shared joy of discovery. That grassroots passion for the Lowcountry's wildlife forms the bedrock of everything we do today.
We're honoring that legacy by transitioning from club-based enthusiasm into professional naturalist guidance — bringing the same curiosity and care to every experience we craft.
From Community to Craft
Deep community roots in Charleston's birding tradition
Decades of local observation and field knowledge
Now offering expert-led professional experiences
The Naturalist Philosophy
We believe the natural world reveals its greatest wonders to those who learn how to truly look. Our approach goes beyond identification — it builds understanding.
See the Connections
Understanding the intricate web of Lowcountry ecosystems — from tidal flows to forest canopy — transforms a simple walk into a revelation.
Science Made Accessible
We translate complex ecological data into language that resonates, making science feel personal, relevant, and alive in the field.
Ethical Stewardship
Responsible wildlife observation and habitat stewardship are non-negotiable. We explore with care, leaving every landscape as we found it.
Meet Your Professional Naturalist
Nicole Marie Pettinelli is a Charleston-based naturalist, educator, and conservation advocate dedicated to connecting people with the natural world. As the founder of the Charleston Bird Club, she has cultivated one of the Lowcountry's most vibrant outdoor communities — bringing thousands of members together through guided bird walks, educational initiatives, and community-driven efforts such as environmental cleanups and citizen-science events. A certified Master Naturalist and professional kayak guide, Nicole leads eco-tours and interpretive programs across coastal South Carolina, from the ACE Basin to Dayton Hall. She teaches about native plants, migratory birds, and the fragile balance of the marsh ecosystems she calls home. Nicole also serves on the board of the Charleston Natural History Society, supporting conservation education and community engagement. She has lived in Charleston for more than three decades and continues to inspire others to slow down, step outside, and rediscover the wonder of the natural world.
Master Naturalist & Kayak Guide
Certified Lowcountry ecology expert leading coastal eco-tours from the ACE Basin to Dayton Hall.
Founder & Board Member
Founder of the Charleston Bird Club; board member of the Charleston Natural History Society.
Filmmaker & Advocate
Producing Trembling Times — documenting a Piping Plover's 1,000-mile migration journey.
Illustration: Chris Kemp / The Folly Current
Your Journey Starts Here
Ready to see the world with new eyes? Whether you're a first-time explorer or a seasoned naturalist, Sage & Sparrow has an experience designed for you. Book a guided tour, join an upcoming workshop, and begin building a deeper, lifelong relationship with the outdoors.
Immersive Outdoor Experiences
Lowcountry Guided Tours
Curated journeys through South Carolina's most captivating marshes, coastal shores, and ancient maritime forests.
Hands-On Learning
Field-based education that puts participants in direct contact with the living systems of local habitats.
Small-Group Settings
Intentionally intimate groups designed for deep engagement, personal questions, and genuine connection with the landscape.
The Science of the Landscape
The Lowcountry is one of the most ecologically rich regions in North America. Understanding it requires both curiosity and rigor.
Ecosystem Balance
Exploring the delicate interdependencies that sustain marshes, barrier islands, and old-growth forests.
Species & Survival
Identifying key plants and animals alongside the environmental pressures shaping their futures.
Human Footprint
Examining how development, pollution, and climate change are transforming our natural heritage in real time.
Conservation in Action
Local Partnerships
Working alongside conservation organizations to protect and restore the vital habitats of the South Carolina coast.
Citizen Empowerment
Providing educational resources and field tools that transform curious observers into active environmental stewards.
Advocacy Through Knowledge
We believe informed communities become advocates. Every experience we lead is a step toward a more protected landscape.
Seasonal Discoveries
The Lowcountry is never the same place twice. Each season brings its own rhythms, species, and ecological drama — and we're here to help you witness every chapter.
Spring
Neotropical migrants return, shorebirds fill the flats, and wildflowers emerge across maritime forests.
Summer
Nesting season peaks for wading birds and sea turtles; marsh grasses reach full abundance.
Fall
Hawk migration and songbird fallout events transform the landscape into a naturalist's paradise.
Winter
Wintering waterfowl and sparrows arrive, offering rare viewing opportunities in quieter, pristine conditions.
Join the Community
Sage & Sparrow is more than guided experiences — it's a growing network of nature enthusiasts, lifelong learners, and passionate advocates united by a love of the Lowcountry.
Share observations, celebrate discoveries, and lend your voice to the protection of the wild spaces we all treasure. The more we explore together, the stronger our collective commitment becomes.
Connect
Network with fellow nature lovers and field enthusiasts across the region.
Share
Contribute your sightings, stories, and photos to a living community record.
Protect
Build a collective voice for the habitats and species that need us most.
Connecting You to the Natural World