Become a M.E.O.W. Ranger at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Your cat can become a M.E.O.W. Ranger today and earn their badge and certificate.

NPS/Sam Mischke

Become a M.E.O.W. Ranger at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park today. Do you have a M.E.O.W. Ranger at home? Bring in a photo of your M.E.O.W. ranger and tell us about them to receive a badge. M.E.O.W. stands for:

M- Meander only where you’re allowed.

Pets are allowed on the property of our sites but not inside. We love our M.E.O.W. Rangers but only service animals are allowed inside of the Visitor Center, Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel, or Darrah Hall. Pets are allowed at the Naval Heritage Park (except during the Farmer’s Market Saturday mornings), Fort Frederick Heritage Park, in Downtown Beaufort and the Capers Creek Trail. Pets should not be left unattended. Heat poses a threat to pets in vehicles all year round in Beaufort.

E- Enjoy wildlife from a distance.

Keep your pet at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter for the safety of both wildlife and your pet.

O- Only leave pawprints behind.

Make sure to bag your pet's poop and dispose of it in a trash can. Please don’t leave poop bags on the side of the trail. Cat feces is not a natural fertilizer, and its runoff can contaminate water sources. There is a trash can with poop bags located at the start of the Capers Creek trail behind Darrah Hall for your convenience.

W- Wash your paws, watch your claws.

If bringing your cat with you, please remember the leash laws are for all pets. Pets should always be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in the park in accordance with the federal law. Leashes help protect pets from becoming lost, while staying safe by traffic and protects the natural landscape.

How can your cat become a M.E.O.W. Ranger?

Visit the Downtown Beaufort Visitor Center, Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel, or Darrah Hall. If your cat doesn’t like to adventure, then show a ranger a picture of your cat and tell us about them. If you cat loves to be out and about then a ranger will meet you outside to swear in your cat and provide you with a certificate and badge. Becoming a M.E.O.W. Ranger means following the principles of M.E.O.W. and sharing those principles with other feline explorers. Once your furry friend becomes a M.E.O.W. Ranger, share your photos on social media using #MEOWranger, and tag us @ReconstructionEraNationalHistoricalPark.

Details

Duration

0-15 Minutes

Activity

Hands-On

Age(s)

0 and Older

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are not allowed inside the buildings; a Ranger will meet you outside with the badge and certificate.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Beaufort, South Carolina

You can collect your M.E.O.W. Ranger tag from any of our Visitor Centers (Downtown Beaufort, Pinckney-Porter Chapel, Darrah Hall.)

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Capers Creek is a flat dirt trail around a 0.25 mile each way, it has many roots and is not wheelchair accessible. Fort Frederick Heritage Park is only wheelchair accessible by the picnic shelter and parking lot. Darrah Hall and Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel have free accessible parking and ramps. Downtown Beaufort has accessible sidewalks. There is no parking at our visitor center but there is paid parking nearby.