U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge 5770 Highway 52 North Wadesboro, NC 28170 Pee Dee 704/694 4424 National Wildlife U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD Refuge http://www.fws.gov

September 2019 photo: Donna Dewhurst photo: Welcome to your Pee Dee is one of over National Wildlife Refuge Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is located in both Anson and Richmond Counties in south-central North 560 refuges in the This blue goose, Carolina just six miles north of designed by Wadesboro. Situated in the Triassic “Ding” Darling, Basin of the lower piedmont, the National Wildlife has become a refuge’s 8,500 acres of rolling hills symbol of the covered with pines and hardwoods Refuge System. gently slope to the broad flood plain of the Pee Dee River. This area is Refuge System, which surrounded by development with over six million people from Charlotte to Raleigh. The refuge is an active is the world’s most partner in efforts to maintain the natural heritage of this area. Part of a Network of outstanding network Lands — Born of Necessity, Managed with Care of lands dedicated Pee Dee is one of over 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge to wildlife. Refuges System, which is the world’s most outstanding provide habitat for network of lands

photo: Garyphoto: Stolz dedicated to Canada goose wildlife. Refuges provide habitat for over 280 over 280 endangered endangered and threatened species as well as hundreds of other birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and threatened species insects and plants. The National Wildlife Refuge System, first started in 1903 by President as well as hundreds of “Teddy” Roosevelt, is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and encompasses over 150 million acres other birds, mammals, across the nation. History The Pee Dee refuge is close to the reptiles, amphibians, once famous “Lockhart Gaddy’s Wild Goose Refuge,” located in Ansonville, . Lockhart Gaddy, a one-time avid goose hunter, turned fish, insects and plants. friend of the geese in the fall of 1934. Using his four live decoys to attract Wildlife Habitats the wild geese to his one acre pond, The variety of Mr. Gaddy was both surprised and habitats on the delighted to see his decoys attract refuge supports nine wild Canada geese. This was a diversity the beginning of the “Gaddy’s Goose of wildlife Pond,” as it is known today. species. The refuge contains By the early 1950’s the flock had 3,000 acres grown to an estimated 10,000 Canada of contiguous geese and 1,000 wild ducks spending bottomland

the winter at the world’s most Ginger Corbin photo: hardwood forest unusual goose refuge. Visitors from Dogwood blooms along Brown 47 states and 11 foreign countries Creek. This area forms the core of signed the guest book in 1952. The the largest bottomland hardwood tradition continued each year from tract left in the Piedmont of North 1934, with the first birds arriving Carolina. A 2,000 acre tract along each October flying with the full Brown Creek and Thoroughfare moon, and departing in mid-March. Creek bottoms has been deemed a The Gaddy Goose Pond was closed Significant Natural Heritage Area to the public in 1975 after the deaths and is listed in the North Carolina of both Mr. and Mrs. Gaddy. The Natural Heritage Program. pond currently remains closed to the public. The refuge also contains about 1,200 acres of upland pine forest and an In the 1960’s numbers of both geese approximate 4,300 acre mosaic of and ducks began to decline in south- croplands, old fields, moist-soil units, central North Carolina. Fortunately, and mixed pine-hardwood forest that lands adjacent to the Pee Dee River intermingle with creeks, ponds, lakes and Brown Creek offered excellent and the Pee Dee River. Reforestation potential for waterfowl habitat efforts in the old fields have provided development. With local and State habitats essential for many species of support, the Pee Dee National wildlife. Wildlife Refuge was established in October, 1963, to provide wintering Wildlife on the Refuge Dave Menke habitat for migratory waterfowl. Eastern bluebird Waterfowl Peak populations of waterfowl in the The original purpose for which the fall and winter can exceed 10,000 refuge was established was “…for birds, with the majority being use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for mallards, ring-necked ducks and wood any other management purpose for ducks. Other ducks often seen are the migratory birds.” Through new laws American wigeon, and executive orders, the mission Northern pintail, of the refuge continues to expand. gadwall, green- The National Wildlife Refuge winged teal and System Improvement Act of 1997 black ducks. Act states the “big six” public use Unfortunately, objectives. Through this executive the large flocks order the refuge offers the following of Southern opportunities to develop appreciation James Bay for fish and wildlife; hunting, fishing, Canada geese wildlife observation and photography, have dwindled environmental education and significantly.

interpretation. photos: Gene Nieminen Mallards However, several hundred of these Providing for A variety of management programs migrants still use the refuge, as well a Diversity enhance wildlife habitat. Local as a growing flock of resident Canada of Plants and cooperative farmers assist with the geese. Both color phases of snow Animals refuge croplands on a share basis, geese, scaup, Northern shovelers, leaving part of their crops in the redheads, canvasbacks and tundra field for wildlife. Only crops that are swans are seen occasionally. beneficial to wildlife, such as corn, soybeans, and winter wheat are grown. Other Migratory Other than ducks and geese, Birds the refuge is a stopping point or Wide field borders are left around destination each year for snipe, the edge of the refuge farm fields. woodcock, hawks, owls, herons and Refuge personnel plant these areas egrets. Due to the decline of suitable in beneficial crops such as sunflowers, habitat the refuge is considered a buckwheat, millet and chufa. These very important area for neo-tropical crops are both food and cover for a migratory songbirds, especially along variety of wildlife including quail, the Brown Creek bottomlands. The dove, turkey, rabbits and a wide colorful blue grosbeak, goldfinch variety of birds. Warm season grass and indigo bunting are often seen fields replicate open areas that along the roadsides and field borders. occurred historically through natural The refuge bird list contains 188 Dave Menke disturbances. Few people realize Indigo bunting species found with varying regularity, there were once open prairies located including 92 breeding/probable in the Piedmont of North Carolina. breeding species. These natural grasses are more Resident Wildlife The refuge is home to many mammal beneficial to wildlife as opposed to species including the white-tailed exotic grasses that are more often deer, red and planted. The “biological” farm gray fox, bobcat, program, with its low chemical use, beaver, gray no-till planting method, wide field and fox squirrel, borders, and other wildlife-friendly and Eastern practices, serves as a model farm and cottontail rabbit. study site for farmers, educators, and Many species of agricultural extension specialists. amphibians and reptiles live on Moist soil impoundments are the refuge and managed by lowering and raising include spotted water levels, disking, mowing, or salamander, burning every few years to maintain plants in an early-successional stage. Ryan Hagerty Ryan American toad, pickerel frog, These areas are shallowly flooded Eastern box river cooter, starting in mid-October to achieve turtle Eastern box turtle, green anole, the proper water level desirable for and copperhead. The refuge waters migrating waterfowl, and are drained are also full of fish such as catfish, over a period of weeks beginning largemouth bass, and redear sunfish. in late March to create the proper germination conditions for favorable The Peregrine falcon is an occasional moist soil plants, such as smartweed visitor to the refuge. The Southern and wild millet. is commonly seen on the refuge, and nesting along the Pee Dee During the draining period, mudflats River. Eagles can be seen during the are produced, which are used by winter months on the refuge near the migrating shorebirds in early Spring. flooded waterfowl impoundments. Selected impoundments are drained, Public Use Opportunities disked, and shallowly flooded in mid- Three hiking trails are available for July to create mudflats again for the daily use. The Tall Pines Nature Trail early fall migration of shorebirds. (3/4 mile) and Brown Creek Nature Trail and boardwalk (1/4 mile) are Prescribed burning is conducted accessible from the Wildlife Drive. in upland pine stands to mimic the The Gaddy Covered Bridge Nature natural fires that historically burned Trail includes two 1/4 mile segments through these accessible from Gaddy Road. areas every two to four The portion of the Pee Dee River years. These that runs through the refuge is part fires suppress of a larger canoe trail down the hardwood trees, Yadkin/Pee Dee River system. A such as sweet popular section to paddle runs from gum, leaving an Tillery Dam (north of the refuge) open stand of downstream to the 109 bridge (just pines that are south of the refuge), and can be preferred by accessed from the refuge. Visitors may put in seasonally at the end of photos: Ginger Corbin certain plants Griffin Road. Prescribed burn and animals. Artificial nesting boxes with predator Fishing is open shields are placed in open areas for from March bluebirds, and near water for wood 15 to October ducks. These boxes help duplicate 15 on several natural cavities that are scarce ponds, Brown because trees are often cut down Creek and the before they reach an age where Pee Dee River. natural cavities develop. Refuge staff Sullivan Pond is and volunteers monitor these boxes open for fishing on a regular basis. year round. A primitive boat Wood ducks are trapped and King KA photo: ramp is provided White tailed deer banded as a means of monitoring at Arrowhead Lake. All other fishing the population of these year round areas are open to boats, but boats residents. Waterfowl surveys are must be loaded and unloaded by conducted every two weeks during hand. No gasoline motors are allowed. the winter months to monitor Fishing is allowed seven days a week waterfowl populations on the refuge. from one hour before sunset until one hour after sunset. Consult refuge fishing regulations for more details. A valid NC fishing license and a free refuge permit are required for fishing. Hunting season generally runs from early September to late February for a variety of species. A free refuge permit is required for all hunts. A special quota hunt permit is required for all deer gun hunts and turkey hunts. Consult the refuge photo: USFWS photo: hunting regulations for season dates, Prohibited Activities application procedures and other All government property including hunting information. natural, historic, and archaeological features are protected by Federal Law. Volunteer Information Searching for and removal of these A growing number of volunteers objects is strictly prohibited. Please do assist the refuge with a variety of not pick flowers or vegetation. biological and maintenance projects, including wildlife surveys, checking Pets - Pets must be on a leash or under nesting boxes, building trails and control of owner at all times. conducting education programs. Littering - Littering is prohibited. In 1997, a group of people from all Please take your litter with you. walks of life and varying distances from the refuge came together Vehicle Access - The use of motor and organized Friends of the Pee vehicles is permitted only on designated Dee NWR. This non-profit group roads. ATV’s are prohibited. is responsible for the building of Weapons - Discharging weapons is Gaddy’s Covered Bridge. The Friends prohibited on the refuge, except as have partnered with the refuge to authorized during scheduled hunts. sponsor annual events, including the Christmas Bird Count, Kids’ Fishing Camping and Open Fires - Camping Day and a Night Prowl. For volunteer and open fires are prohibited on the opportunities and information on the refuge. Camping facilities are located friends group, call the refuge office. near the refuge. Consult the refuge office for details. Enjoying the Refuge Birding The public is welcome to visit the Alcohol - The use or possession of refuge any time of the year from alcoholic beverages is prohibited. and general one hour before sunrise until one wildlife hour after sunset. Some areas may The refuge office is located on be closed by the refuge manager Highway 52 North, six miles north of observation for specific refuge activities. There Wadesboro, NC. are the fastest are several motels and numerous Refuge office hours are Monday growing restaurants within a 15 minute drive. through Friday, 8 am until 4:30 pm. activities on For more information, contact the refuge. Anson County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 305 Wadesboro, NC 28170 or by phone at 704/694 4181 Layered clothing is recommended during cooler months and using insect repellant during the warmer months is recommended. Ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes are common from April to September. Binoculars, spotting scopes and field guides are also highly recommended as you travel through the refuge on foot or by vehicle.