Tidal Creek Buffer Information Packet

Dear New Neighbor, Welcome to the neighborhood! We hope that you find the Lowcountry as beautiful and enjoyable as we do. We are the Lowcountry Stormwater Partners, or LSP for short. The LSP is a partnership between the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, local government, and other organizations that work to educate communities on ways to keep our waterways healthy, fishable, and swimmable. We’re reaching out to discuss the gem of our region, the salt marsh. The salt marsh provides us with many benefits including a thriving commercial fishery, wildlife habitat, and water filtration. It also protects us from storm effects and flooding. To continue enjoying these benefits, we must protect the salt marsh from polluted stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff becomes polluted when it flows over materials like excess fertilizer, pet waste, and litter. Stormwater runoff can pick up these pollutants and bring them to the nearest waterway. One of the best ways to protect our salt marshes is to maintain a vegetated buffer (land preceding the salt marsh filled with native plant life). Buffers can benefit the saltmarsh and your home by: • reducing stormwater runoff and shoreline erosion • providing increased privacy while maintaining view corridors and wildlife habitat • saving money as this area requires little to no water, fertilizers, or pesticides

Many local governments in our area have ordinances related to activities in the buffer area. To help you understand and protect your buffer, we’ve created and attached a small information packet. This packet contains: • The Life Along the Saltmarsh: Protecting Tidal Creeks with Vegetative Buffers factsheet • Backyard Buffers from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control • An additional native plant list for expanded design options • An example buffer design with plant cost information • Contact information for local buffer ordinances If you have any questions about buffers or protecting water quality, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page, sign up for our newsletter at https://bit.ly/2Wgnwgk, or find us on Facebook at https://bit.ly/2Ouse5v. Once again, welcome to the neighborhood! We hope that you enjoy your new home. Sincerely, The Lowcountry Stormwater Partners

THE LOWCOUNTRY STORMWATER PARTNERS A Service of Clemson Extension M 18 John Galt Road Beaufort, SC 29906 P 843-473-6023 E [email protected] https://www.clemson.edu/extension/carolinaclear/regional-consortiums/lsp/index.html

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Factsheet | HGIC 1856 | Published: Nov 23, 2013

South Carolina is home to some 350,000 acres of salt marsh, comprising 30% of all tidal salt marsh on the United States’ eastern seaboard (Seabrook, 2012; Weigert and Freeman, 1990). This image shows a classic salt marsh in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Photo by Chris Ramaglia.

The salt marsh is the transitional area where the rivers meet the sea, comprised of intertidal water bodies in which salinity can range from near ocean strength (30 parts per thousand) to brackish water (greater than .5 and less than 30 parts per thousand). The salt marsh is ranked as one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth, providing nursery grounds for many species of birds and fish, as well as vital wildlife habitat (SCDNR, 2010). Additionally, the salt marsh provides many services to humans, including flood control during major storm events, nursery grounds for many commercially and recreationally important fish and shellfish species, and serves as a filter for removal of sediments and pollution from the water.

Vegetative buffers are one of the most effective ways to protect salt marsh habitat (SC DHEC OCRM, 2002). Vegetative buffers provide the following benefits:

1. Reduce pollution in stormwater runoff

2. Reduce shoreline erosion and property damage caused by flooding

3. Provide increased privacy to the homeowner while still maintaining a view corridor (Figure 1)

4. Serve as wildlife habitat (Figure 2)

5. Save the homeowner money, especially when native plant species are dominant, as little to no water, fertilizers or pesticides are needed to maintain this area of the yard (SC DHEC OCRM,

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2002).

Figure 1: Provide increased privacy to the homeowner salt marsh landscape as wildlife habitat while still maintaining a view corridor. photo by Kim Counts Photo by Kim Counts

After European arrival in the “New World,” salt marshes and other wetland areas were diked, drained, and filed for human use; by 1954, these activities contributed to the destruction of nearly 50% of the nation’s wetlands (Kusler and Opheim, 1996). Though salt marsh is now protected under federal and state and some local laws, human threats still exist largely in the form of stormwater runoff and shoreline hardening. As coastal counties become increasingly popular and more people move to and visit these areas, additional infrastructure such as roads, rooftops and parking lots are needed. This increase in impervious area can The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified significantly impact pre-existing hydrology and polluted stormwater runoff as the greatest threat to water quality result in a larger volume of stormwater runoff to in the United States. nearby waterways. Additionally, more people also means more contributors of nonpoint source pollution caused by seemingly harmless daily activities such as bacteria and pathogens from pet waste, sediment from construction activities, excess nutrients from improper fertilizer application and gasoline and oil from vehicles. See HGIC 1850 Illicit Discharge Detection.

1. Before Planting

Due to regulations in place to protect the salt marsh, understanding local, state or federal authority is a first and necessary step. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control-Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (SC DHEC-OCRM) has direct permitting authority over “critical areas,” defined as coastal waters, tidelands, beaches and dune systems. Any land disturbance planned within the critical area may require a permit from SC DHEC-OCRM, in addition to any necessary authorizations from the local and federal governments. In most cases, establishing a vegetative buffer occurs on the adjacent upland and does not require disturbance in the salt marsh

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defined as a critical area; therefore, a special permit may not be necessary. For the purpose of this factsheet, the recommended buffer establishment and maintenance actions take place in the upland area above the high water mark, thus inland from the critical area.

Trees and shrubs may be shaped and “limbed up” to frame a view rather than blocking it. Silhouettes of branches and moss can make the salt marsh viewscape even more dramatic and aesthetically pleasing.

Before planting, consider the existing topography, vegetation, and soil present at the site. Whenever possible, use the natural contours and keep existing vegetation in place. The underground structure of existing plants helps to prevent erosion by holding soil in place with their fibrous roots system. Avoid unnecessary erosion by minimizing disturbance to the soil when planting or grading the shoreline bank. As with any new planting, having your soil tested will take the guesswork out of the pH and fertility of the site. See HGIC-1652 Soil Testing.

2. Right Plant, Right Place

Using the “right plant” will increase the effectiveness and chances that the vegetative buffer will survive. Plant selection is narrowed by the dynamic conditions that exist adjacent to a salt marsh, including the ever-present elements of wind, salt, and exposure. There are few appropriate plants for such sites, and most of these will be the native plants that have adapted to the pressures of living near the salt marsh. Once established, native plants typically require less maintenance time and cost, while also supporting local wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects including butterflies and other pollinators.

3. Maintaining Your Vegetative Buffer Adjacent to the Salt Marsh

Maintaining your vegetative buffer is important in ensuring the continued success, function and aesthetic appeal of the buffer zone. For the purpose of this factsheet, the following recommended actions occur in the “buffer maintenance zone,” described as the area up to 50 feet inland from the critical area. Additional local buffer requirements may apply.

Turf grass in the buffer zone: If turf grass exists within your buffer maintenance zone, the lawn should be kept at the maximum recommended height for the specific turf, which will allow for a more extensive root system, help stabilize soil, and afford a larger leaf area, which can work to slow runoff, and capture sediment. See HGIC-1205 Mowing Lawns. Irrigation considerations: Irrigating within the buffer maintenance zone should be minimized to ensure that excess fresh water does not run off into salt marsh or tidal creeks. Stormwater occurs through irrigation efforts as well as rainfall events and can transport harmful pollutants to area waterways. Chemical controls: Consistent with management recommendations for areas adjacent to freshwater shorelines, pesticides and fertilizers should be avoided in the buffer maintenance zone. Weed control is best done by hand pulling. Mulch can help to unify the landscaped area and will also protect plants by conserving soil moisture and moderating temperature; however, mulch should only be spread in the upper portions of the buffer area to avoid being carried away during high tides. To reduce the potential for weed growth in the buffer area, consider spacing plants closely together. Maintenance: Any cut or mowed plant material within the buffer maintenance zone should be removed so that excess plant material does not wash away, potentially leading to water quality

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issues and water navigation challenges.

Zones of a Vegetated Salt Marsh Shoreline

The Salt Marsh – The salt marsh is designated as a critical area; any activity-taking place in the salt marsh will require a special permit from a regulatory authority. The salt marsh should be left untouched by maintenance or home gardening efforts.

Salt marsh vegetation is constantly inundated with varying water levels dependent on the twice-daily influence of the high and low tides. Soil in the salt marsh remains permanently saturated, forming a substrate affectionately known in the Lowcountry as “pluff mud.” Each year, the salt marsh vegetation, predominantly Spartina alterniflora, (commonly referred to as Smooth cordgrass) goes dormant in the winter months and grows back in the spring. This is obvious to the naked eye as the salt marsh appears brown and drab in the winter, vibrant green in the summer months, and near golden in The salt marsh is often dominated by a monoculture of Spartina the fall. As the Smooth cordgrass dies, it decays alterniflora as this plant can withstand the dynamic conditions created by the tides. to form the base of a complex food web supporting not only next year’s salt marsh growth, but also a diverse array of animal life. In areas located upriver thus further away from the ocean, the water is less salty; the dominant plant in the salt marsh is Juncus romarieanus (commonly referred to as Black needlerush).

The Intertidal Zone – The intertidal zone is part of the designated critical area; any activity-taking place in the intertidal zone will require a special permit from a regulatory authority. A vegetative buffer is created in the intertidal zone best by leaving the area untouched; for example, avoid the use

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of a lawn mower, weed eater or planting in areas reached by the high tide.

The intertidal zone is highly variable, parts of this zone may be inundated with water twice daily during high tide where as some portions of the zone may typically be above the high tide mark, thus rarely inundated by the tides. Regardless, this transitional area of land lies above water at low tide. Plants that occur naturally in this area and can potentially volunteer include the following:

Smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Black needlerush Juncus roemerieanus Saltwort Batis maritima Perennial glasswort Salicornia virginica Sea ox-eye daisy Borrichia frutescens

The Upland Zone – The upland zone is the appropriate area to create a vegetative buffer where plants can be both aesthetically pleasing and help to protect water quality in the adjacent salt marsh.

The upland zone is the area of the bank slope that lies above the high tide line. Vegetation in the upland zone is not inundated with saltwater from high tides, but may be inundated with saltwater during major storm event such as hurricanes and tropical storms. Included below is a list of native grasses, perennials, and trees or shrubs that may be good plantings for your upland zone buffer.

Native Grasses:

Sweetgrass Muhlenbergia filipes Bushy bluestem Andropogon glomeratus Sand cordgrass Spartina bakeri Saltmeadow cordgrass Spartina patens

Perennials:

Seaside goldenrod Solidago sempervirens Firewheel Gaillardia pulchella

Trees and Shrubs:

Live oak Quercus virginiana Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria Groundsel tree Baccharis halmifolia Beautyberry Callicarpa americana Spanish dagger Yucca filamentosa Saw Palmetto Sereno repens Red buckeye Aesculus pavia

Sweetgrass – Muhlenbergia filipes is a plant of cultural significance in the Lowcountry as the Gullah community utilizes this plant to make sweetgrass baskets. Sweetgrass has gained increasing popularity over the years as a landscape plant, and becomes the “queen of the garden” in the fall with a showy purple inflorescence. Sweetgrass grows naturally along the edge of the salt marsh and can tolerate full sun to part shade with

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Sweetgrass – Muhlenbergia filipes some saltwater inundation. Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension

Groundsel tree – Baccharis halimifolia is a member of the Aster family and is extremely salt tolerant. This shrub is very attractive in the fall when the female plants bloom and make white snowy clusters of airborne achenes. The flowers are also a very important nectar source to pollinators, especially honeybees and migrating Monarch Butterflies.

Groundsel tree – Baccharis halimifolia Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension

Sand Cordgrass – Spartina bakeri is related to the dominant plant in the salt marsh, Spartina alterniflora, yet S. bakeri thrives naturally in isolated freshwater wetlands. Sand cordgrass also does well in dryer conditions, but certainly does not thrive in consistent saltwater intrusion as Smooth cordgrass. For this reason, Sand cordgrass should be planted well above the high tide line. Sand cordgrass can take full sun and makes for an Sand Cordgrass – Spartina bakery excellent buffer as it grows low and thick, thus allowing a view Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension while also slowing stormwater runoff. Like Sweetgrass, Sand cordgrass is becoming increasingly popular in the landscape industry.

Beautyberry – Callicarpa americana is a deciduous shrub with opposite leaves and small light lavender sessile flowers which are fragrant and attractive to beneficial insects. In the fall, clusters of bright purple berries appear and are eaten by birds. Beautyberry can grow up to 8’ but it may be pruned in winter without sacrificing its glamour.

Beautyberry – Callicarpa americana Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension

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Live oak – Quercus virginiana is one of several important oak species found in the upland zone. The Live Oak is the most notable and grand with its low spreading branches and it produces acorns and habitat for many species of small mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. Live oaks are frequently adorned with two epiphytic species Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and Resurrection fern (Pleopeltis ploypodioides). Laurel oak Live oak – Quercus virginiana (Quercus laurifolia) and water oak (Quercus nirgra) are also Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension common and can tolerate some salt spray.

Saw palmetto – Serenoa repens is a low growing evergreen shrub that is both salt and drought tolerant. The Saw palmetto is one of four native palms found in South Carolina and its habitat includes maritime forests and coastal dunes. Saw palmetto can be planted in cluster form to create a ground cover or used as a stand-alone planting.

Saw palmetto – Serenoa repens Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension

Yaupon holly – Ilex vomitoria is a coastal plain plant that has naturalized to more northern and western locations as it was thought to have been traded by early Americans for its use in ritual ceremonies. The leaves contain caffeine. Male and female flower on separate hollies; berries are produced on the female plants and utilized by songbirds for food. Yaupon holly is found in nature as an understory tree in the maritime forest. These Yaupon holly – Ilex vomitoria attractive evergreen plants can be used as mass plantings and Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension also single or multi-trunk small trees, limbed up as “see through” landscaping.

Red buckeye – Aesculus pavia is one of the first nectar sources for early migrating hummingbirds attracted to its clusters of red tubular flowers. It is found in maritime forests. Buckeye is a small deciduous shrub or tree and grows about 12 feet high. Deer do not eat them, and they grow well in wet or dry soils.

Red buckeye – Aesculus pavia Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension

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Wax myrtle – Morella cerifera is a favorite of birds who use them for nesting and cover as well as for food by foraging on the waxy berries found on the female plants. The leaves are mostly evergreen and are aromatic when crushed. Wax myrtle can grow to a 25 foot tree, but can also be maintained as a hedge, windbreak, or limbed up as a standard.

Wax myrtle – Morella cerifera Photo by Kim Counts, Clemson Extension

If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at [email protected] or 1-888-656-9988.

Kim Counts Morganello, Water Resources Agent, Carolina Clear, Clemson University Laura Lee Rose, Extension Agent - Associate, Beaufort County, Clemson Extension Service, Clemson University

This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed.

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for the South Carolina Lowcountry WhatÕs wrong with this picture? WhatÕs right with this picture?

Many people in South Carolina who live along the water would be surprised to discover that typical By retaining or restoring native shoreline plantings we improve our immediate environment as well as landscaping may actually harm the state’s rivers and creeks. the overall health of our waterways.

Loss of Natural Shoreline A More Natural Environment Landscaping with lawn all the way to the water increases stormwater runoff amounts. This runoff carries A vegetated buffer between upland development and water protects more fish, shellfish, and terrestrial fertilizer, pesticides, sediments, and pet waste from lawns directly into waterways, polluting the aquatic wildlife and produces less polluted stormwater runoff. environment. Landscaping to the water also increases riverbank erosion, increases the potential for flood damage, and decreases the available habitat for wildlife. Scenic natural views are lost as well. A Sheltered Look Your views as well as those from the water are enhanced by native plantings. With buffers on both sides of Reduced Quality of Place the water, the view from each bank is primarily of trees and other vegetation and not of lawns and houses. Failure to understand the effects of our actions on the environment has impaired natural biological func- Docks become the main visible manmade structures. tions and led to a loss of natural beauty throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry. Good Economics The efforts made at each home can lead directly to increased property values, lower yard maintenance costs, and less chance for property damage from Mother Nature.

1 2 Benefits of Vegetated Riparian Buffers Planning Your Backyard Buffer Shoreline or riparian buffers are corridors of native vegetation along rivers, streams, and tidal wetlands that If you haven't built your home yet, have your builder clear only around the footprint of your home and protect waterways by providing a transition zone between upland development and adjoining surface waters. minimize clearing near the water. It will significantly reduce both the amount of sedimentation caused by Vegetated buffers are beneficial environmentally, aesthetically, and economically. construction and future stormwater runoff amounts. In addition, your yard maintenance costs will be lower with native vegetation. Limit the amount of lawn on your property to what you really need. Minimize Stormwater Pollution Buffer vegetation captures sediments and pesticides in runoff and a large amount of nitrogen and phospho- What Are Your Concerns? rus, which are primary pollutants to waterways. By slowing stormwater runoff, the vegetation absorbs some • View: Consider the views you want to maintain and frame a “view corridor” from your home with plant- pollutants and allows sediments to settle out before reaching a waterway. ings composed of small trees, shrubs, and/or native grasses (but not lawn) that won't obstruct your view. Keep the view corridor at one-third your lot's total width or less. Preserve and plant larger trees in the rest Reduce Erosion of your buffer. The deep root systems of trees and shrubs absorb stormwater and stabilize shoreline soil to reduce erosion along the banks of waterways. • Attractive Foliage: Do you want to attract certain animals to your backyard buffer, such as hummingbirds or butterflies? Do you want to keep nuisance animals, such as deer, away? Certain plants will attract certain Reduce Heating of Waterways animals, while other plants are known to be deer-resistant (see pages 6-8). Stormwater runoff heated by sunlight can raise the temperature of receiving waterbodies, which can impair the aquatic environment. The trees in a riparian buffer shade the ground to reduce surface heating. • Plant Type: Do you want flowering plants? Evergreens? What time of year do you want to see blooms?

Create a Sense of Place & Privacy • Plant Location: Determine where you want different plant types. Where do you want shrubs and where A homeowner can plan a landscape to frame desirable views, screen unwanted views, and enhance what oth- you do want trees, flowering plants, or native grasses? Don't worry about particular species yet, but to aid ers see from the water. Dense plantings reduce noise pollution. you later in picking particular species, decide the maximum plant height and spread you want in certain areas. If you want to attract birds or butterflies, determine where in your yard you would like to see them. Reduce Flooding and Flood Damage Vegetated buffers reduce downstream flooding by slowing stormwater velocity and storing water in soils. Preparing Your Yard Riparian buffers also reduce flood damage by keeping development back from the immediate banks of • The first step is to remove any sod in the first area you are going to plant. Most herbicides should not be waterways. used for this purpose because they can pollute stormwater runoff and receiving waterbodies. Instead, cover the sod with a tarp to block sunlight and kill the grass. (You could cover the tarp with pine straw in the Preserve Natural Habitat interim.) Till the soil after the grass is dead to break up the soil. Many wildlife species either live in riparian areas or use them as travel corridors. Wider buffers support more species and continuous buffers are very effective in protecting amphibians, colonial water birds, and • Remove all other non-native vegetation from the buffer area. coastal fish spawning and nursery areas. • Determine your soil type and test the soil for its pH level. Many plants will tolerate a wide pH range, Save Money but will do best when planted in the right soil. Be aware that different areas on the same property may have By keeping development away from floodwaters, storm surges, and extreme high tides, buffers lessen prop- vastly different soils because of imported fill. You can take a soil sample to your local Clemson Extension erty damage. By reducing flooding, erosion, and sedimentation they reduce public investment in stormwater Service to determine the pH of your soil for a nominal fee. management and waterway protection. Vegetated buffers cost less to maintain than turf, and using native vegetation has the additional advantage of requiring little or no fertilizers and pesticides.

Enjoy Your Surroundings Your outdoor activities may be more enjoyable and healthful in the shade beneath trees, with more opportu- 3 nities for recreational activities such as bird watching. 4 Planning Your Layout South Carolina Lowcountry Native Plant List • The buffer can be phased in over time. You don't need to do everything at once. EVERGREEN or DECIDUOUS: Is it an evergreen or a deciduous plant? • Pick the native plants you want in your buffer (refer to page 6-8 for plant information). For those who ATTRACT WILDLIFE: What wildlife does it attract? have not yet built their homes, saving existing native plants reduces costs, leaves habitat undisturbed, and DEER RESISTANCE: Is the plant resistant to being fed upon by deer? (Lack of other available natural for- limits the substantial amount of erosion caused by clearing for construction. age may affect deer resistance.) • Slower growing plants may take longer to fill in empty spaces, but they will require less maintenance and BLOOM: When does it bloom, if at all? most will last longer because they are more resistant to damage from storms. COLOR BLOOM: What is the color of the blooms? A To get from your back lawn to your dock and to the water, construct a boardwalk through the buffer to FRUIT: What fruit does it produce, if any? prevent the channelization of stormwater runoff that occurs with dirt footpaths. Dirt footpaths are permis- SOIL TYPE: What type of soil does it prefer? sible in a buffer if they run parallel to the water. SALTWATER/BRACKISH: If you are planting at the water’s edge, is the plant tolerant to salt water or brack- B Mass your plants together. You want to be sure your plantings are dense and that there are no large ish conditions? patches of unplanted ground because you will increase the amount of sediment washed into the receiving HEIGHT at MATURITY: What is the plant’s height at maturity? waterbody. Dense plantings provide better stormwater filtration. You will need enough space between SPREAD at MATURITY: What is the plant’s spread at maturity? plants, however, to allow each to reach its full spread at maturity. SUN PREFERENCE: Does it have a sunlight preference? C Strive for diversity - a mix of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and native grasses. Large expanses of the same species of plant are prone to disease and infestation from insects. Select plants that flower and bear fruit at different times of the year. DSnags and dead trees are beneficial for birds as perches, for nests and roost sites, and as sources of insects for food. If they do not threaten structures or driveways, consider leaving dead trees and snags in place. FLOWERING E Locate tall trees on the east and west sides of the house to shade roof and walls. PERRENIALS F After planting, mulch your buffer area two to four inches deep with organic matter such as pine straw, leaves, or bark. Scientific Name Common NameEvergreen/DecidiousAttract WildlifeDeer ResistantBloom Color BloomFruit Soil Type Salt/BrackishHeight atSpread Maturity at MaturitySun Preference G Select ground cover instead of hard surfaces to absorb rainfall and reduce heat buildup. Porous surfaces, Asclepias Butterfly Butterflies No May- Orange Dry or 12-30Ó 12-18Ó Full sun/ such as brick driveways and mulch paths, are better for handling stormwater runoff than paved surfaces tuberosa Weed Aug moist part shade Coreopis Tickseed Butterflies, Aug- Yellow Dry or 3-5Õ 2-3Õ Full sun/ because they allow water to soak into the ground. augustifolia Coreopsis songbirds Oct moist part shade

Coreopis Coreopsis Butterflies, No Apr- Yellow Dry 12-18Ó 12-18Ó Full sun/ lanceolata songbirds Jun part shade

Eyrthrina Coral Bean Butterflies, Yes May- Red Scarlet Dry or Salt 2-5Õ 2-5Õ Full sun/ herbacea hummingbirds Jul seeds moist, part shade sandy

Helianthus Swamp Butterflies, Jul- Yellow Moist 3-6Õ 2-3Õ Full sun angustifolius sunflower songbirds frost or wet, sandy

Hibiscus Swamp Rose Butterflies Jun- White, Moist Brac 3-4Õ 3-4Õ Full sun/ moscheutos mallow Sep Pink or wet part shade Iris Blue Flag Hummingbirds Apr- Blue Moist 1-2Õ 6-12Ó shade to virginica Iris May or wet, part shade acidic

F Kosteletzkya Seashore Butterflies, Jul- Pink, Moist Brac 5Õ 2-3Õ Full sun virginica Mallow hummingbirds Oct Lavender, or wet C White Liatris spicata Blazing Star Butterflies Sep- Lavender Moist Salt 1-6Õ 6-12Ó Full sun A Oct or dry, F acidic B Oenothera Beach Evening Butterflies Yes Mar- Yellow Dry Salt 6-12Ó 1-2Õ Full sun C drummondii Primrose Nov

Oenthera Evening Butterflies Apr- Pink Dry Salt 1-2Õ Ground Full sun D speciosa Primrose Oct cover Phlox carolina Carolina Butterflies, May- Pink, Moist, 1-3Õ 6-18Ó Full sun/ G Phlox hummingbirds No Jul Lavender, acidic part shade E White Rudbeckia Birds Aug- Yellow or Moist Salt 2-3Õ 18-24Ó Full sun/ fulgida Black-eyed Oct Orange or dry, part shade Susan acidic

Rudbeckia Birds No May- Yellow, Moist 3-4Õ 2-3Õ Full sun/ hirta Black-eyed Jul Orange, or dry, part shade Susan Red acidic Saliva coccinea Butterflies, Feb- Dry, 24Ó 3-6Ó Full sun/ Scarlet Sage hummingbirds Nov Red sandy part shade Salvia lyrata Butterflies, Apr- Dry to 12-32Ó 3-5Ó Sun or G Lyre-leaved hummingbirds May Blue wet, shade E Sage acidic Solidago Butterflies, Aug- Moist Salt 1-6Õ 1-2Õ Full sun/ sempervirens Seaside birds Nov Yellow or dry, part shade Goldenrod acidic Verbena Butterflies Mar- Dry 6-12Ó Ground Full sun canadensis Pink Verbena May Pink, cover 5 6 TREES SHRUBS

Scientific Scientific Name Common NameEvergreen/DecidiousAttract WildlifeDeer ResistantBloom Color Bloom Fruit Soil Type Salt/BrackishHeight at SpreadMaturity at MaturitySun Preference Name Common NameEvergreen/DecidiousAttract WildlifeDeer ResistantBloom Color BloomFruit Soil Type Salt/BrackishHeight atSpread Maturity at MaturitySun Preference Acer Red Dec Song No Feb- Red Red winged Wet 50-60Õ 35Õ Full sun to Baccharis Salt Dec Sep- White Downy No pref Brac 3-9Õ Full sun/ rubrum maple birds Mar seed or dry part shade halmifolia Myrtle Oct plumes part shade

Magnolia Southern Evg Birds No May- Creamy Cone, Red No Salt 60-80Õ 30-50Õ Full sun to Callicarpa Beauty Dec Birds, Yes June- Pink Purple Dry or Salt Up to 4-6Õ Sun or americana Berry mammals July berries moist, 8Õ shade grandiflora Magnolia June white seed pref part shade acidic

Pinus Slash Evg Song No Cones Moist Salt Up to 40-60Õ Full sun Cephalanthus Button Dec Ducks & June- White Wet 3-4Õ Sun or elliottii Pine birds 100Õ occidentalis Bush waterbirds Aug shade Clethra Sweet Dec Butterflies, Yes May- White Wet, 3-10Õ 3-4Õ Sun or Pinus Loblolly Evg Song No Cones Acidic Salt 50-90Õ 20-30Õ Full sun alnifolia Pepper bush birds, July acidic, shade taeda Pine birds mammals sandy or clay Quercus Southern Dec Birds, No Acorn Dry, Salt 70-80Õ 40-50Õ Full sun to falcata Red Oak mammals acidic part shade Ilex glabra Inkberry Evg Birds Yes Mar- White Black Moist, Brac 7-9Õ 7-8Õ Sun or Apr berries acidic, shade sandy Quercus Laurel Evg Birds, No Acorn Dry or 40 to 30-40Õ Full sun to laurifolia Oak mammals moist, 60Õ part shade Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Evg Mar- White Red Moist or Salt 20-25Õ 10-15Õ Full sun/ sandy Holly Songbirds Apr berries dry part shade

Quercus Willow Dec Birds, No Acorn Wet or 60-75Õ 40-60Õ Full sun Itea virginica Virginia Dec Butterflies, No May- White Moist or 3-6Õ 3-4Õ Part shade phellos Oak mammals moist, Sweetspire birds June wet, to shade acidic acidic

Quercus Live Evg Birds, No Acorn Moist Salt 40-80Õ 60- Full sun Leucothoe Leucothoe Evg Mar- White Moist or Up to 2-3Õ Part shade axillaris May wet, 5Õ to shade virginica Oak mammals, 100Õ acidic Butterflies Myrica Wax Myrtle Evg Song birds No Blue No pref Salt 15-20Õ 15-20Õ Full sun/ Sabel Cabbage Evg Birds, Yes Yes Cream Black Moist Salt 30-50Õ 8Õ Full sun cerifera berries part shade palmetto Palmetto mammals, berries Osmanthus Wild Olive Evg Birds, Apr- Cream Blue Dry or Salt 15-30Õ 20-30Õ Full sun/ Butterflies Americana mammals May drupe moist, part shade acidic Taxodium Bald Dec Birds No Cones Wet 100- 30-40Õ Full sun distichum Cypress 120Õ Rhododendron Wild Azalea Dec Butteflies, Mar- Pink Moist, 6-10Õ 6-10Õ Full sun/ canescens Hummingbirds May acidic part shade Rhododendron Dwarf Dec Butteflies, Apr- Pink Moist 3-5Õ 2-3Õ Full sun/ atlanticum Azalea Hummingbirds May or dry part shade

Sabal Shrub Evg Birds Yes May- White Black Moist Brac 4-5Õ 4-5Õ Part shade minor Palmetto June berries or wet to shade

Sabal Saw Dec Birds Yes May- White Blue- Moist Salt 4-5Õ 4-5Õ Full sun/ repens Palmetto July black or dry part shade drupe

Vaccinium Sparkle- Evg Birds, No Apr- White Black Dry or Salt Up to 15-20Õ Sun or SMALL TREES aboreum berry butterflies Jun berries moist 30Õ shade

Yucca aloifolia Spanish Evg Moths Yes June- White Purple Dry Salt 5-10Õ 2-3Õ Full sun/ Scientific Bayonet July part shade Name Common NameEvergreen/DecidiousAttract WildlifeDeer ResistantBloom Color BloomFruit Soil Type Salt/BrackishHeight at MaturitySpread at MaturitySun Preference Yucca Bear Grass Evg Moths Yes Apr- White Purple Dry Salt 2-4Õ 1-2Õ Full sun/ Aesculus Red Dec Humming- Apr- Red No Brac 20-25Õ Part shade filamentosa June part shade pavia Buckeye birds, squirrels May Pref

Cercis Eastern Dec Birds Mar- Lavender Moist or Up to 15-35Õ Full sun to canadensis Redbud May dry, acid 30Õ part shade

Chinanthus Fringe Dec Birds, Jul- Off white Up to virginicus Tree mammals Sep 30Õ GRASSES

Cornus Dogwood Dec Birds Mar- White, Red Moist Up to Up to Sun or Scientific florida Apr pink,red berry or dry 40Õ 50Õ shade Name Common Name Evergreen/DecidiousAttract WildlifeDeer ResistantBloom Color BloomFruit Soil Type Salt/BrackishHeight atSpread Maturity at MaturitySun Preference Gordonia Loblolly Evg No Jul- White Wet or Up to 20-30Õ Full sun Andropogon Bushy Birds, Aug- Silvery Silver Moist Brac 2-5Õ 1-2Õ Full sun lasianthus Bay Sep moist, 75Õ glomeratus Broomsedge mammals Oct white acidic Andropogon Broomsedge Birds Sep- White Dry or Salt 2-5Õ 1-2Õ Full sun Juniperus Red Evg Songbirds, No No Blue No pref Salt 40-60Õ 20-30Õ Full sun virginicus Oct moist virginiana Cedar butterflies, berry mammals Dichromena Whitetop May- Wet or Brac Up to 6-12Ó Full sun/ latifolia Sedge Sep white Moist 4Õ part shade Magnolia Sweetbay Semi Birds, No Apr- White Cone, Moist or 40-50Õ 15-25Õ Full sun to virginiana Magnolia Evg butterflies Jul red seed wet, part shade Muhlenbergia Sweetgrass Yes Oct- Purple Dry or Salt 2-4Õ 1-2Õ Full sun acidic filipes Perenn Nov Pink moist

Persea Red Bay Evg Birds, No No Blue Moist Salt 30-40Õ 20-30 Full sun to Panicum Seaside Birds Yes Oct Purple Dry Salt 15-40Ó 2-3Õ Full sun borbonia butterflies berry or dry part shade amarum Panicum Panicum Switch Birds Yes Jun- Pink, Moist or Brac 3-4Õ 1-2Õ Full sun/ Prunus Cherry Evg Birds Mar- White Black Moist Salt Up to 6-10Õ Full sun to virgatum Grass Oct Purple wet part shade caroliniana Laurel Apr berry 40Õ part shade Uniola Sea Oats Birds Yes Jun- Oats Dry Salt 3-6Õ 1-2Õ Full sun Sassafras Sassafras Dec Birds Mar- Yellow Moist Brac Up to 25-40Õ Full sun to paniculata Nov albidum Apr 50Õ part shade

7 8 Buffer Management • Plant all cleared areas and remove any non-native plants. Inspect your buffer at least annually for invasive, non-native plants and remove them promptly. Such nuisance plants can overrun a buffer in a short period, impairing the buffer’s ability to provide habitat and protect the aquatic environment.* • Use fertilizer and pesticides sparingly, if at all. Native plants grew here before man arrived, so they are adapted to tolerate the area's extreme conditions and have their own natural defenses against pests. • Pruning and Cutting: You may prune branches over time to maintain your view corridor, but be sure not to damage your trees or shrubs by cutting too many limbs.

* Contact OCRM or The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a list of the worst invasive, non-native plants in South Carolina.

Whom to Call for More Information: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (DHEC-OCRM): (843) 744-5838 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) (in the phone book) Your local Clemson Extension Service (in the phone book) Charleston Soil and Water Conservation District (843) 727-4160, ext 3 Your local chapter of the South Carolina Native Plant Society (in the phone book)

Acknowledgements: Ward Reynolds, DHEC-OCRM Karl Ohlandt, Dewees Island Property Owners Association Lynette Savereno, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) The Annapolis Environmental Commission and the Annapolis Tree Committee The Chesapeake Bay Trust USDA Forest Service Alliance for Sustainable Communities Florida Yards and Neighbors Illustrations: Pat McHold Graphics design: Peter D. Tasi and Associates and DHEC Art Department

The printing of this brochure was made possible through a grant from the Charleston Soil and Water Conservation District and matching funds from OCRM.

This document was supported in part by the financial assistance provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through grant/cooperative agreement number NA97OZ0198.

9 Native Plant List for Coastal South Carolina by Karl Ohlandt This list of plants is composed only of plants native to the coastal plain of South Carolina, and was developed for Dewees Island. The plants are therefore somewhat tolerant of salty or brackish conditions and may not include all plants that would be appropriate for freshwater riparian areas. As native plants they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native plants when planted in the appropriate locations.

Trees: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME EVG/DECID COMMENTS BLOOM TIME Acer rubrum Red Maple Decid Red fall color, fresh wet areas Feb-March Carya glabra Pignut Hickory Decid Dry or moist areas Carpinus caroliniana Ironwood Decid Smooth bark, moist areas Celtis Laevigata Hackberry Decid Corky bark ridges Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia Evg Large fragrant white flowers May-June Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Poplar Decid Moist areas Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum Decid Red fall color, moist or dry areas Pinus elliottii Slash Pine Evg Low areas Pinus palustris Longleaf Pine Evg Sandy areas Pinus taeda Loblolly Pine Evg Throughout Quercus coccinea Scarlet Oak Decid Dry areas Quercus falcata Southern Red Oak Decid Dry areas Quercus laurifolia Laurel Oak Evg Low or Sandy areas Quercus phellos Willow Oak Decid Low areas Quercus virginiana Live Oak Evg Dry or wet areas Sabal palmetto Cabbage Palmetto Evg Dry or wet areas Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress Decid Freshwater wet areas

Small Trees: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME EVG/DECID COMMENTS BLOOM TIME Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye Decid Red flowers, fresh wet areas Apr.-May Amelanchier canadensis Serviceberry Decid White flowers, red fruit Mar.-Apr. Cercis canadensis Redbud Decid Lavender flowers, dry aeas Mar.-Apr. Chionanthus virginicus Fringe Tree Decid Off-white flowers July-Sept. Cornus florida Dogwood Decid White flowers, p.shade, red fall Mar.-Apr Crataegus marshallii Hawthorn Decid White flowers, red fruit, wet areas Apr.-May Crataegus uniflora Hawthorn Decid White flowers, red fruit, dry areas Apr.-May Gordonia lasianthus Loblolly Bay Evg White flowers, wet areas July-Sept. Hamamelis virginiana Witch-Hazel Decid Pale yellow flowers, dry areas Oct.-Dec. Ilex opaca American Holly Evg Red berries Ilex cassine Cassena Holly Evg Red berries, moist areas Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar Evg Salt tolerant, dry or wet, blue fruit Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia Semi-Evg White flowers, moist areas Apr.-July Malus angustifolia Crabapple Decid Pink flowers, throughout Apr.-May Persea borbonia Red Bay Evg Used for cooking, moist areas Prunus caroliniana Cherry Laurel Evg Cream flowers, throughout Mar.-Apr. Sassafras albidum Sassafras Decid Red fall color, throughout Sorbus arbutifolia Red Chokeberry Decid White flowers, red fruit, moist Mar.-May area Symplocos tinctoria Horse Sugar Semi-Evg Cream flowers, sandy areas Mar.-May Xanthoxylum clavaherculis Hercules Club Decid Thorns, Sandy areas

Shrubs: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME EVG/DECID COMMENTS BLOOM TIME Baccharis halmifolia Salt Myrtle Evg Downy plumes, throughout Sept.-Oct. Bumelia sp. Buckhorn Decid White flowers, dry areas June-July Callicarpa americana Beauty-berry Decid Bright purple berries, pink flowers June-July Cephalanthus occidentalis Button Bush Decid White flowers, wet areas June-Aug. Clethra alnifolia Sweet Pepperbush Decid White flowers, fragrant, fresh wet Sept.-Oct. areas Cyrilla racemiflora Titi Semi-Evg White flowers, moist areas May-July

1 Hypericum hypericoides St. Andrews Cross Semi-Evg Yellow flowers, dry areas May-Aug. Hypericum stans St. Peter's-Wort Semi-Evg Yellow flowers, dry areas June-Oct. Ilex cassine Dahoon Holly Evg Red berries, fresh wet areas Ilex glabra Inkberry Evg Black berries, moist areas Ilex verticillata Winterberry Decid Red berries, moist areas Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Holly Evg Red berries, throughout Itea virginica Virginia Sweetspire Decid White flowers, red fall color, May-June moist Leucothoe axillaris Leucothoe Evg White flowers, moist areas Mar.-May Lyonia lucida Fetter Bush Evg Pink flowers, moist areas Apr.-June Myrica cerifera Wax Myrtle Evg Blue fruit , fragrant, throughout Osmanthus americana Wild Olive Evg Cream, flowers, dry areas Apr.-May Rhododendron canescens Wild Azalea Decid Pink flowers, fresh wet-dry areas Mar.-May Rhododendron atlanticum Dwarf Azalea Decid Pink flowers, moist-dry areas Apr.-May Rhus copallina Winged Sumac Decid Red fall color, dry areas Rosa carolina Wild Rose Decid Pink flowers, dry areas May-June Rosa palustris Swamp Rose Decid Pink flowers, moist areas May-July Sabal minor Shrub Palmetto Evg Moist areas Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Decid White flowers, throughout Apr.-July Serenoa repens Saw Palmetto Evg Low areas Vaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry Evg Black berries, white flowers, dry Apr.-June Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush Blueberry Decid Blue berries, white flowers, moist Feb.-May Viburnum rufidulum Blue Haw Decid White flowers, dry areas Mar.-Apr. Yucca aloifolia Spanish Bayonet Evg White flowers, dry sandy areas June-July Yucca filamentosa Bear Grass Evg White flowers, dry areas Apr.-July

Flowering Perennials: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ANNUAL/ COMMENTS BLOOM PERENNIAL TIME Aesclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed Perenn Orange flowers, dry areas May-Aug. Baptisia alba False Indigo Perenn White flowers Apr.-Sept. Baptisia tinctoria False Indigo Perenn Yellow flowers Apr.-Sept. Bidens laevis Beggar Ticks Perenn Yellow flowers, fresh wet areas Sept.-Nov. Canna flaccida Golden Canna Perenn Yellow flowers, brackish wet May-July areas Coreopsis angustifolia Tickseed Coreopsis Perenn Yellow flowers, moist areas Aug.-Oct. Coreopsis falcata Perenn Yellow flowers, moist areas May-July Coreopsis helianthoides Perenn Yellow flowers, moist areas Sept.-Oct. Coreopsis lanceolata Perenn Yellow flowers, dry areas Apr.-June Coreopsis major Perenn Yellow flowers, dry areas June-Aug. Eupatorium coelestinum Wild Ageratum Perenn Blue flowers, dry or moist July-Oct Erythrina herbacea Coral Bean Perenn Red flowers, red seed Apr.-July Helianthus angustifolius Swamp Sunflower Perenn Yellow flowers, fresh wet July-frost Helianthus strumosus Perenn Yellow flowers July-Sept. Hibiscus moscheutos Swamp Rose-mallow Perenn White-Pink flowers, fresh wet May-Sept. areas Iris virginica Blue Flag Iris Perenn Blue flowers, fresh wetlands Apr.-May Kosteletzkya virginica Seashore Marsh Mallow Perenn Pink flowers, wetlands June-Oct. Liatris graminifolia Blazing Star Perenn Lavender flowers, dry areas Sept.-Oct. Liatris spicata Blazing Star Perenn Lavender flowers, moist areas Sept.-Oct. Mitchella repens Partridge Berry Perenn White flowers, p.shade May-June Monarda punctata Horse Mint Perenn Pink flowers, dry July-Sept. Nuphar luteum Yellow Pond Lily Perenn Yellow flowers, fresh wetlands Apr.-Oct. Oenothera biennis Evening Primrose Perenn Yellow flowers, dry June- Oct. Oenothera drummondii Beach Eve. Primrose Perenn Yellow flowers, dry Mar.-Nov. Oenothera humifusa Dunes Eve. Primrose Perenn Yellow flowers, dry areas May-frost Oenothera speciosa Evening Primrose Perenn Pink flowers, dry areas Apr.-July Opuntia compressa Prickly Pear Cactus Perenn Yellow flowers, dry areas Apr.-June Phlox carolina Perenn Lavender, pink, or white flowers May-July Pontederia cordata Pickerelweed Perenn Blue-purple flowers, wetlands March-Oct Rudbeckia fulgida Black-eyed Susan Perenn Yellow flowers, spreading, moist Aug.-Oct. Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan Perenn Yellow flowers, dry areas May-July Salvia coccinea Scarlet Sage Perenn Red flowers Feb.-Nov. Salvia lyrata Lyre-leaved Sage Perenn Blue flowers, dry areas May-frost Saururus cernuus Lizard’s Tail Perenn Off-white flowers, fresh wetlands Apr.-July Solidago rugosa Rough Goldenrod Perenn Yellow flowers, moist areas Aug.-Nov. Solidago sempervirens Seaside Goldenrod Perenn Yellow flowers, moist or dry areas Aug.-Nov. Tradescantia virginiana Spiderwort Perenn Blue flowers, moist or dry areas April-July

2 Verbena scabra Verbena Perenn Pink flowers, brackish margins May-Oct. Verbena canadensis Pink Verbena Perenn Pink flower, low dry areas March-May

Grasses, etc: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ANNUAL/ COMMENTS BLOOM PERENNIAL TIME Andropogon glomeratus Bushy Broomsedge Perenn Large plumes, moist areas Aug.-Oct. Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge Perenn Gold fall color, throughout Sept.-Oct. Arundinaria gigantea Cane Perenn Wet or dry, p. shade to shade Apr.-July Calamagrostis cinnoides Reed Grass Perenn Wet areas July-Oct. Dichromena latifolia Whitetop Sedge Perenn Wet-moist, white bracts May-Sept. Muhlenbergia filipes Sweetgrass Perenn Pink plumes, dry-wet Oct.-Nov. Panicum amarum Seaside Panicum Perenn Sand dune areas Oct. Panicum virgatum Switch Grass Perenn Pink-purple plumes, wet areas June-Oct. Setaria geniculata Foxtail Grass Perenn Graceful, dry areas May-Oct. Setaria viridis Green Bristlegrass Ann Dry areas July-Oct. Sorghastrum sp. Indian Grass Perenn Tall, graceful, dry areas Sept.-Oct. Spartina patens Salt Hay Perenn Narrow blades, spreading,moist June-Sept. Uniola paniculata Sea Oats Perenn Sand dune areas, oat-like seeds June-Sept.

Vines: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME EVG/DECID COMMENTS BLOOM TIME Apios americana Herb. Purple flowers, moist areas June-Aug Bignonia capreolata Cross Vine Semi-Evg Red/Orange flowers Apr.-May Campsis radicans Trumpet Vine Decid Orange flowers June-July Clematis crispa Leather Flower Herb. Moist areas, white flowers April-Aug. Clematis reticulata Herb. Dry areas, white flowers May-Aug. Gelsemium sempervirens Yellow Jessamine Evg Fragrant, yellow flowers March-May Lonicera sempervirens Coral Honeysuckle Evg Red Flowers/ Red Fruit March-July Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper Decid Red fall color Passiflora incarnata Passion Flower Decid Lavender flowers May-July

Ferns: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME EVG/DECID COMMENTS BLOOM TIME Adiantum capillus-veneris Venus' Hair Fern Decid Shady calcareous slopes Athyrium asplenoides Southern Lady Fern Decid. Shade, moist Dryopteris ludoviciana Southern Sheild Fern Decid Moist areas Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon Fern Decid Moist areas Osmunda regalis Royal Fern Decid. Moist areas Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern Evg Shade, moist

3 Buffer Design and Price Information

On the following page, you will find an example of the types of plans required by some municipalities before making changes to the buffer area on your property. Depending on the particular ordinance, you may be able to create and submit the plans yourself. However, you may be required to work with a landscape architect or a similar design professional. Also, if you plan to alter tree cover through removal or pruning, you may be required to work with a certified arborist. For clarification on your local buffer ordinance requirements, we highly recommend reaching out to your local municipality. For your convenience, we have included contact information for buffer ordinance information at the end of this packet. The attached plan does not include cost information. Costs may involve labor fees from the landscape design professional, certified arborist, and landscapers installing the buffer should you require their services. Due to the large variability in labor prices, we are unable to provide cost estimates for these services. If you plant to install the buffer yourself, costs include purchasing materials such as plants, mulch, and soil amendments. We can provide cost estimates for these materials, but actual prices may vary depending on location, time of year, purchase order size, availability, species, and your chosen suppliers. Nurseries typically charge for plants based on the size of their containers measured in gallons. Average sizes and rough estimate of prices include: • 1-gallon plants ($6) • 7-gallon plants ($40) • 3-gallon plants ($12) • 25-gallon plants ($200) Mulch and soil amendments, such as compost, can be bought in bags or in bulk. Typically bags are measured in cubic feet and bulk is offered in cubic yards. The exception to this is pine straw, which is sold in bales. These materials can be purchased from home imporovement stores, landscape supply stores, and nurseries. Average prices for mulch and compost include: • Bagged hardwood mulch • Bulk pine bark mulch ($34/cubic ($1.50/cubic foot) yard) • Bulk hardwood mulch ($39/cubic • Pine straw ($5/bale) yard) • Bagged compost ($5/cubic foot) • Bagged pine bark mulch • Bulk compost ($60/cubic yard) ($1.50/cubic foot)

Buffer Ordinance Information Contact Sheet

Beaufort County Town of Hilton Head Island Name: Amanda Flake Name: Nicole Dixon Position: Natural Resources Planner Position: Development Review Administrator Phone: (843) 255-2142 Phone: (843) 341-4686 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: https://bit.ly/3jTkGHI Website: https://bit.ly/33URQB6 Link to Ordinance: https://bit.ly/37GrAL3 Link to Ordinance: https://bit.ly/2YQ1D7Z

Town of Bluffton City of Beaufort Name: Will Howard Name: Julie Bachety Position: Principal Planner Land Development Position: Administrative Assistant II Phone: (843) 706-7802 Phone: (843) 525-7011 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: https://bit.ly/3iZyHSO Website: https://bit.ly/34TK5uJ Link to Ordinance: https://bit.ly/3fAaPE1 Link to Ordinance: https://bit.ly/2CbL7r5 (Sections 5.3 and 5.5) (Section 8.2)

Town of Port Royal Name: Linda Bridges Position: Planning Administrator Phone: (843) 986-2207 Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bit.ly/3jXGzpf Link to Ordinance: not available