Stories

A remarkable new chapter in documenting the biodiversity of Southern 8ths Field Station has arrived with the release of the Fish of Thompson Creek field guide. The guide debuted at the November 2025 Fall Research Presentations (link here to video of fish book presentation).

The project began with a simple question: What lives in Thompson Creek? That curiosity grew into a two-year seasonal study led by Dr. Sal Blair and Winthrop University students. The team conducted seven sampling events beginning in November 2022, using seine netting and backpack electrofishing techniques to document fish diversity and monitor overall stream health. These efforts established a baseline for water quality and species presence, revealing more than two dozen fish species—many previously overlooked and some found only in this region.

While the biological work progressed, so did the challenge of turning raw data and field photos into a usable identification guide. Early reference images from the field were limited and often featured fish photographed in the collector’s hand. The turning point came with the involvement of Winthrop student illustrator Abby, whose beautiful, detailed drawings transformed the project. By studying scale counts, lateral line position, fin and mouth structures, and coloration patterns, she created precise visual representations that allow readers to distinguish even closely related species. Her illustrations form the core of the 32-page guide, bridging scientific accuracy and accessible field identification.

Laura Tedeschi of Thread Communications joined the effort to build a field guide designed for real-world use. Spiral binding allows readers to lay the book flat while identifying species along the water’s edge, and clear measurement bars and indicators plus simple titles make the guide approachable for both novices and experienced naturalists. More than an identification tool, the book describes the Thompson Creek watershed, outlines the research process, and underscores why this particular stretch of water matters ecologically and culturally to the Piedmont region.

With printing support from the Carolina Wildlands Foundation, the Fish of Thompson Creek guide is now part pf the growing library of uniquely local field guides developed at the Southern 8ths Biological Field Station. It joins A Guide to Tree Species and Moths of Southern 8ths—all crafted not to overwhelm the average reader with scientific jargon, but to invite curiosity and connection.

Our long-term vision is to create a full suite of regional Piedmont naturalist guides available for classrooms, libraries, trail centers, and backpacks across the community. In fact,work has already begun on the next title, a butterfly guide created in partnership with the South Carolina Butterfly Association.

The introduction of this fish guide celebrates the appreciation of nature, the power of student involvement, and the quiet wonder of the creek that turns out to be far richer than anyone expected.

Who knew? Now, thanks to this guide, everyone does.