U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex Life in the Wild August, 2013 News from Cape Romain, Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin, Santee and Waccamaw National Volume 6 Wildlife Refuges

The Bulls Island Experience Stroll along the beach, littered with sea shells of all shapes and sizes. Walk a trail, carpeted with pine needles and canopied by the tall pines and palmettos of the forest. Stand at the salt marsh, amid the blooming sea-oxeye and endless sea of spartina grass. This is Bulls Island, 5000 acres of salt marsh, fresh and brackish water ponds, dense maritime forest and sandy beach – an island with spectacular landscapes and Day breaks over Boneyard Beach, credit Ben Sumrell. abundant wildlife. The island The one-mile Middens Trail will take The beach is the destination for most, is home to American alligators, you on a short jaunt through a forested if not all, visitors to the island. Bulls fox squirrels, White-tailed deer, area of Loblolly pine, cedar, Live oak, Island beach is a pristine part of the Yaupon holly, Red bay, Cabbage and Saw longest stretch of undeveloped coastline bobcat, Diamondback terrapins, palmettos, with beautiful views of the bay. on the east coast. On the north end is Loggerhead sea turtles and many Of special interest on this trail are the Boneyard, aptly named for the downed historic remains of the Native American cedars, palmettos and pines that, over other animals. Over 293 species shell “middens,” heaps of oyster and the years, have been bleached by the of birds have been recorded on the clam shells dating back for over 2000 sun and weathered by the salt air, years. The two-mile Turkey Walk Trail, rendering them skeletons on the shore. refuge and include the Bald eagle, designated a National Recreation Trail, The beach is where you can search for Wood stork, hawks, shorebirds, takes you from the salt marsh to the nature’s treasures – the beautiful sand beach. Meander along the salt marsh, dollar, olive, whelk, angel wing and other seabirds, songbirds, wading birds, over the impoundment dike separating shells that are tossed upon the beach Upper and Lower Summerhouse Ponds by the Atlantic and, the twisted pieces marsh birds and waterfowl. and, into the dense sub-tropical forest to of “driftwood” that stir the imagination. There are 16 miles of unpaved sandy Beach Road. The Dave Clough platform Watch for Bottlenose dolphins and for the roads that crisscross the island from overlooks Upper Summerhouse pond and pelicans, gulls and terns, sanderlings and the salt marsh on Summerhouse Creek is a great place to observe shorebirds, other shorebirds and seabirds that fish to the mighty Atlantic. The roads waterfowl and wading birds. Along and feed on the smaller creatures along provide unlimited opportunities for the Turkey Walk is where you might the water’s edge. In the summer months, wildlife watching, birding, photography, cross paths with a Black fox squirrel you might see the “crawl” or even a hiking and biking no matter the season. scampering over the trail, a White-tailed nest of the threatened Loggerhead sea Sheepshead Road terminates at the Jacks deer crashing through the understory or, turtle that comes onto the beach under Creek tower, an overlook for watching even catch a quick glimpse of a bobcat the cover of alligators, herons and egrets, and, in the before it disappears into the forest. In darkness. winter months, waterfowl. Also, be sure the spring and summer months, look for the colorful migratory songbirds like the (continued on to explore the two designated hiking page 3) trails. Painted bunting, Hooded warbler and Summer tanager. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Treasure in Paradise for Archers and Anglers Bowhunting Across Generations Ramsey Dawson registered for the November 2012 archery hunt with his hunter education card. John Dawson, Ramsey’s grandfather, had brought the young bow hunter to the White- tailed deer hunt on Cape Romain’s Bulls Island. John was 26-years-old when he picked up the bow and attended his first hunt in 1956. Since ’56, there have been only three years that Dawson has missed the annual hunts. Dawson, Carroll, Cassels, Hobbs, Owens, Wilkerson and Bailey are familiar names of families who have been bow hunting on Bulls Island for decades. The first archery hunt was held in December of 1954 as a means to harvest surplus deer in order to maintain a healthy deer population and, aside from a two- year closure due to Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this popular hunt continues to be offered annually in November and December. Bulls Island Hunt Camp in 1960’s, credit Cassels Collection. American alligators are the only “would-be” predator for the island’s deer, thus the hunt continues to be a valuable management tool and offers an enjoyable and challenging experience for hunters. Each year brings archers to experience their first hunt on Bulls. In the early years, the hunters brought large canvas tents, Coleman stoves and heavy wooden boxes filled with supplies that would sustain them for the week-long hunt. They used long and recurved bows, built stands in trees and used climbing spurs to reach the stands. Hunters were transported to the island on the refuges’ large landing craft. The campsite has evolved over the years, as hunters now use lightweight nylon tents and tarps, gas stoves, plastic “action packers” and portable showers. The archers carry compound bows and portable tree stands. Personal watercraft is used for transportation to the island. Joel Hobbs recalled his first experience of Bulls Island in 1961 when a friend invited him to the hunt. “My first trip captured my love for the island. I saw turkeys, ducks and other birds Archers gather on a Sunday evening preceeding the hunt, and, I saw a black squirrel for the first time. credit USFWS. The island was a wildlife paradise.” The Bulls Island hunt offers a recreational opportunity to connect youth and adults with a valuable, renewable natural Over the years, Hobbs would harvest several does and bucks. resource. Sumpter Cassels notes, Hobbs met men like John Dawson with whom he would experience the same fascination for the island. For Dawson, there is “nothing like sitting in the marsh and watching the “Because of development, we’re losing sunset over the grass; the marsh grass turns a brilliant gold places to hunt faster than we’re gaining and the beauty is a sight for the soul.” The development of friendships, the beauty and mystique of this undeveloped island them. Thanks to the federal government for and, the challenge of the bow has kept Hobbs, Dawson and other archers coming back year after year. wanting to keep the hunt going.” Cape Romain NWR typically offers two six-day hunts, Monday Bowhunting is perceived as a more primitive sport, a unique through Saturday, beginning on the first Monday in November bond with nature that requires honed skills. John Dawson has and the first Monday in December. Bulls Island is located three hunted exclusively with the bow and arrow for over 50 years. miles off the mainland and, due to travel requirements, archers Why choose the bow over the gun? “It’s the challenge. You’ve may camp in a designated camping area. Individuals must have got to get it all together.” According to The American Archery a refuge hunt permit, a state hunting license and be registered Council, over 9 million people participate in archery sports and, before setting up camp or starting to hunt. of those, more than 3 million are bowhunters. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Experiencing the Estuary of Cape Romain - Cast Away! species as well as bonnet head sharks and Gallagher notes that “the sting rays. Yergin and Gallagher note that the tidal fluctuations of the estuary are fishing is a part of it but the synonymous with the repetitive patterns of fish. With an in-coming tide, fish environment itself is a big follow smaller minnows into the sparse treasure.” grass. As the tide recedes, fish come onto oyster reefs to feed on fiddler crabs Gallagher guides fishing trips into the and shrimp before reaching the tidal refuge. He recalled two visitors from flats. In the northern end of the estuary, Indiana who had caught two trout and, shallow creeks and areas behind Cape, upon getting a close sighting of a mother Lighthouse, and Mill Islands and the dolphin and her calves, commented shorelines along Muddy Bay are well- that they didn’t care if they caught fish known “hot” spots for catching fish. as, they had never had an experience like that in their lives. For those who George Cross hooks a sea trout, credit Tidal fluctuations and shallow estuarine live in more populated areas, the Marlene Kooper. waters require those who wish to fish solitude afforded and the opportunities and collect shellfish to have knowledge to see wildlife such as the bottlenose For as long as humans of the channels, creeks and shoals in dolphin offer new, rare and memorable the area and be aware that, with storms experiences in nature. have inhabited the Bulls and shifting sands, changes will occur in Bay coastal area of South the waterways. As Yergin notes, “If you don’t watch yourself, you can get trapped The Bulls Island Carolina, people have been out there and be there ‘til the next tide change, maybe 12 hours. I’ve set many Experience continued fishing the expansive estuary an hour out there saying ‘Durn, I didn’t know it was that shallow.’” Gallagher Bulls Island, teeming with wildlife and waters that comprise over advises anglers new to the area to go awe-inspiring landscapes, provides 30,000 acres of intricate into the estuary on a low tide. If you excellent opportunities for nature should become stranded on a mudflat, photography. Coastal Expeditions, the creeks and bays of the the incoming tide will free the boat. refuge concession, offers rare pre-dawn Cape Romain NWR. These Anglers should work with the tides and photography tours to the beach. The become familiar with the waterways. The refuge is closed from dusk to dawn and nutrient-rich shallow lighthouses on Lighthouse Island and camping is not allowed on the island. The the tower in Muddy Bay are well-known photography tour, suitable for amateurs estuarine wetlands harbor a reference points that fishermen use to and professionals, is a special opportunity orient themselves in the estuary. to see daybreak over the Atlantic. The myriad of saltwater finfish, sun-bleached trees of the Boneyard shellfish and crustaceans. intensify the dynamics of the sunrise. Captain Chris Crolley, steward of Coastal The estuary is a fisherman’s Expeditions, says it best. delight. “Bulls Island is less of Anglers cast their lines for popular fish species such as the spot-tail bass, sea a place and more of an trout, sheepshead, whiting, flounder and experience.” black drum. Oysters, clams, shrimp and blue crabs are abundant. June through Bulls Island is the southernmost barrier January is considered to be the most island within the Cape Romain NWR and favorable period for catching finfish, with is located three miles off of the mainland. September through November known Accessible only by boat, the refuge boat as the peak time for catching the prized landing, Garris Landing, provides the spot-tail bass. closest access point to the island. Visitors who do not have personal watercraft can George Gallagher displays a prized spot- Local anglers Jim Yergin and George arrange ferry transport to the island tail bass, credit Gallagher Collection. Gallagher have been fishing the northern through Coastal Expeditions at waters of Cape Romain for over 25 years. 843/881 4582 or www.coastalexpeditions. Gallagher primarily fishes in the shallow Why do people travel from other areas to com. The concession runs regularly flats, one to two feet or less, using a fly fish the waters of Cape Romain? Many scheduled trips throughout the year. rod to catch sea trout and spot-tailed are drawn to the vastness, remoteness For information on other refuge islands, bass. Yergin uses the spinning rod to and beauty of the estuary. An angler may contact the Cape Romain NWR office at fish in deeper waters for a variety of fish go out and not see another boater. 843/928 3264. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Watching at Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge As of June 2013, refuge. The smartphone Waccamaw NWR offers tour is educational, a variety of additional fun and makes use of recreation opportunities the technology at your that are sure to enrich fingertips. your outdoor nature experience while The recent addition of visiting the refuge. The guided birding trips Waccamaw Visitor on the Refuge is a and Environmental popular activity for both Education Center novice and experienced boasts a beautiful new birdwatchers. As of garden, designed and June 1st, the Waccamaw created to attract those Audubon Society is brilliantly colored slated to lead guided “flowers in flight”- the birding trips on the butterflies. The garden first Saturday of each includes raised flower month. The trips will beds, basking areas and visit a different area watering holes. There is on the Refuge each also a picnic table where month and will include you can sit and have birding walks, birding lunch while you enjoy boat tours, birding the flowering plants photography sessions, and the butterflies and and guest speakers. birds that are attracted Visitors will have to the garden. Plants The quiet waters of a Cypress Swamp offer opportunities to view migratory opportunities to see chosen for the garden songbirds, alligators and other wildlife at Waccamaw, credit USFWS. Prothonotary warblers, include varieties of Swallow-tailed kites, Mississippi kites, osprey, Buddleja or butterfly bush, Lantana, The Refuge announces exciting new egrets, herons, woodpeckers, and many Pentas, honeysuckle and many others amenities at the Cox Ferry Lake more bird species. which provide nectar for the insects. Recreation Area (CFLRA). This summer, Several species of shrubs and trees such the replacement and expansion of the After several years of consideration, as the hollies, pines and oaks are also boat dock is underway and will include a planning, and coordination, the Refuge in the garden area and serve as host fishing pier, kayak launching access onto will offer boat tours from the Waccamaw plants for female butterflies to lay their Cox Ferry Lake and a floating dock that Visitor and Environmental Education eggs. Tiger and Giant swallowtails, the will allow visitors to arrive by boat or Center in the near future. Coastal Carolina Satyr and many other species of kayak. The new dock system will connect Expeditions, the concessionaire for the butterflies are enjoying the garden and the newly designated Waccamaw River Cape Romain NWR, will conduct the several Ruby-throated hummingbirds National Water Trail to the refuge. tours on their boat the “Island Cat.” have stopped in to enjoy a taste of the Tours will travel around Bull Island The Recreation Area provides picnic nectar. and Sandy Island via Bull Creek and facilities, hiking and biking trails, a the Great Pee Dee River, a designated boardwalk that takes you through Wild & Scenic River, cypress swamp wetlands and interpretive while in search of Swallow-tailed panels that highlight the unique wetland Kites, Mississippi kites, Red-cockaded habitats and wildlife. woodpeckers, osprey, egrets, herons, A great addition to the CFLRA is alligators, and other fascinating wildlife an interpretive “smartphone” tour. associated with the lowcountry of South Interpretive panels are placed at various Carolina. The boat tours will give visitors locations in the Recreation Area and on an up-close and personal experience with the panel is a Quick Read (QR) Code. some of the Refuge’s best-kept secrets. Visitors can use their smartphone’s Coastal Expeditions will also offer guided camera and a free downloadable kayak tours into some of the hidden application to scan the code. The app backwater areas of the Refuge. will allow you to listen to a podcast with sounds of nature, view pictures of For more information about any of wildlife, or watch a short educational the recreational programs offered at video. Some topics included feature the Waccamaw NWR, please contact the Butterflies, birds and people are cypress swamps, long-leaf pine forest, Refuge Visitor Center at 843/527 8069 or attracted to the newly constructed and volunteer opportunities on the visit www.fws.gov/waccamaw. Butterfly Garden, credit USFWS. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Lowcountry Refuges Remember George Garris We remember George Garris, Refuge a unique partnership with the Francis Manager, whose tenure of service with Marion National Forest, U.S. Forest the National Wildlife Refuge System Service, to build the Sewee Visitor spanned 44 years, from 1959 until 2003. and Environmental Education Center, Upon his retirement, George was honored known throughout the region today for as the longest serving Refuge Manager in exemplary environmental programs for the history of the System. On youth. September 13, 2003, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford issued a George was instrumental proclamation honoring George for his service to the State and Country by in the implementation of declaring the day George R. Garris Day. The U.S. Senate also honored George the endangered Red wolf with a proclamation that renamed Cape recovery program at Cape Romain’s Moore’s Landing as Garris Landing. Romain. George began his distinguished career In 1976 Bulls Island was chosen as the in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service breeding site that would allow wolves at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, to produce wild-born young. This was Florida in 1959. In 1961, George left St. a first-time attempt to reintroduce a Marks NWR to serve as the Assistant species declared extinct in the wild. Refuge Manager at Cape Romain. George Under George’s watch, 26 pups were accepted an assignment at Piedmont born on Bulls in a period that spanned 18 National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia in years. 1962, where he served three years before moving to Carolina National During his time of service Wildlife Refuge as the Refuge Manager in 1966. In 1974, George left Carolina at Cape Romain, George Sandhills and returned to manage directed the Loggerhead sea Cape Romain until his retirement in September, 2003. turtle nest recovery program, a program that continues to Throughout his celebrated be acclaimed as one of the career, George was a strong most successful sea turtle and passionate voice for nest recovery programs in the natural resources. He the country. faced difficult challenges Lastly and perhaps more importantly, and witnessed many George served as a steadfast and accomplishments. George encouraging mentor to dozens of men and women as they began their careers as guided Carolina Sandhills refuge managers, foresters, park rangers, maintenance leaders and administrators. through recovery from the Kay McCutcheon, retired Park Ranger, worst ice storm of the century attributes her memorable 36-year career George, assisted by Bio-technician Chris to George, who hired her at the age of in 1969. While at Carolina Lucash and Dr. Roland Smith, places a eighteen for a part-time clerk position Sandhills, his foresight for the radio transmitter collar on a Red wolf in at Carolina Sandhills. Kay notes that 1988, credit USFWS. his commitment to the resources served enhancement of the Longleaf as a benchmark for her own career. pine ecosystem and his George was Refuge Manager at Cape “Anyone who worked with George long Romain NWR when Hurricane Hugo saw him dig his heels to support issues efforts to save the endangered devastated the area in 1989, battering and projects.” George had a profound Red-cockaded woodpecker the refuge with 150+ mph winds and influence on the careers of many during a 20’ tidal surge. George was at the his service with the Refuge System. continue to serve as a helm of recovery efforts. With the loss The Service men and women George hallmark for management of the refuge office/visitor center at mentored are his true legacy and they Moore’s Landing, his visionary efforts have formed the backbone of the U.S. programs today. for Cape Romain forged the creation of Fish and Wildlife Service today. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Birds and Bucks in the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge Get outside and experience the wildlife and beauty of the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. At approximately 12,000 acres, the refuge is part of the 350,000 acre ACE Basin, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. The forested uplands and wetlands, tidal marshes, freshwater creeks and impoundments, and grass habitats support a wealth of diverse wildlife. The refuge is not only significant for wildlife - it also offers Hunt Manager’s Office, credit USFWS. outstanding recreational (black powder) rifle hunts. Hunters are also encouraged to harvest feral hogs as opportunities for people, controlling the population of this animal is especially those who enjoy crucial to the habitat and native species. hunting and bird watching. One mobility impaired hunt is offered each year and hunters are permitted to The history of hunting in the ACE Basin use the center-fire rifle. For this hunt, can be traced back to the late 1800’s. permanent blinds are positioned at After the decline of the rice culture, designated sites and are accessible by wealthy sportsmen purchased plantations 4WD vehicles. The mobility impaired as hunting retreats and managed the hunt is a two-day hunt and open to areas for a diversity of wildlife, especially people who are permanently confined to for large game and waterfowl. In the a wheelchair or who require the use of near future, the story of the early 1900’s mobility aids to walk. sporting era will soon be interpreted at the refuge’s Kitchen House Visitor With the founding of the Contact Station, an outbuilding adjacent to the Grove Plantation house. The South Carolina Disabled Kitchen House was, at one time, the plantation manager’s office and designs Sportsmen in 1993, the first are underway for the small building to be representative of the period. mobility impaired hunt was As in the past, deer hunting is extremely held at the EFH ACE Basin popular on the EFH ACE Basin NWR. Indeed, this hunt was NWR. Hunts were offered with the establishment of the refuge in 1990. Not the first of its type in the state. Chad Hett harvests a six-point buck, only are the hunts a benefit to people but credit USFWS. they benefit a healthy habitat and herd Bobby Harrell, retired wildlife and as well, maintaining a well-balanced and forestry consultant, was on the first hunt. years and enjoys watching others “get healthy deer population. If you enjoy Harrell had always hunted and fished back into doing stuff that they used to do hunting, plan a trip to the refuge. Several and, following his accident, realized the but didn’t think they could.” For Harrell, white-tailed deer hunts are scheduled significance of those activities in his life. the refuge has wonderful resources and and include the bow and muzzle loading He has participated in the hunts over the this hunt is “a good way to use it.” U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Birds and Bucks in the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge continued

Perimeter Pond is a prime spot for waterfowl, credit USFWS.

If you are interested in participating in Beginning in late fall and Pack your binoculars the 2013 Mobility Impaired Hunt, contact through early spring, and lunch and head out the Refuge office at 843/889 3084. Space is the refuge is a haven to the refuge, whatever limited to 12 hunters per day and hunters for wood ducks, pintails, the season. There are will be selected from a random drawing. shovelers, mallards and numerous points for widgeon, to name a few bird watching along of the waterfowl species refuge service roads, The EFH ACE Basin NWR that winter here. During impoundments, and rice lies along the Atlantic the spring, summer, and field dikes. The roads, early fall, neo-tropical impoundments and dikes Flyway - the “highway in songbirds call the refuge are only accessible by foot their home. or bicycle. the sky” – and is a known Great egret, Prothonotary warblers, credit Ryan Hagerty. You also have access to 25 destination for bird watchers. painted buntings, and miles of unpaved refuge ruby throated hummingbirds are just a service roads and the Grove Plantation Literally thousands of few that use the refuge to replenish their site. The refuge includes two units, the energy reserves. Edisto and the Combahee unit. Be sure waterfowl, shorebirds, neo- to walk the two hiking trails at the Edisto The bald eagle can be seen using the unit as there are two elevated platforms tropical songbirds, and birds refuge as a feeding ground throughout – Goose Pond and Perimeter Pond. You of prey migrate from their the year. Wading birds such as egrets, can pick up a trail map and bird list from herons, and ibis live in large active the refuge headquarters office, located nesting grounds to wintering rookeries and forage the impoundments at the Grove Plantation. The refuge is for food. Refuge wetlands provide nesting located approximately 25 miles south of areas, passing through the and feeding sites for sandpipers, plovers, Charleston. yellowlegs, and black necked stilts. The ACE Basin. EFH ACE Basin NWR is a birdwatcher’s Visit the refuge website at www.fws.gov/ paradise! acebasin for more information. Enjoy your refuge! U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Highs Across the Lowcountry

Santee NWR sponsored the Nature Festival on May 17, working diligently to survey all of the 1st Annual Santee Refuge 2014. Visit www.fws.gov/ islands, protect all of the nests and collect Nature Photography Contest caperomain.gov. genetic samples from each. this spring. The Contest, open to The Sewee Visitor and Santee NWR is partnering with amateur photographers Environmental Education the Conservation Fund to restore both young and old, solicited Center is the new home for approximately 450 acres of Longleaf Pine over 60 entries from all four endangered Red Wolves. habitat on the Cuddo and Pine Island over South Carolina and Two five-year old sisters Units. The project was kicked off with beyond. Photographers arrived from the Salisbury contractors doing site inspections and submitted beautiful and Zoological Park on November bids in July. captivating images in the 1, 2012. On May 21, 2013 Coastal Expeditions led its first boat trip categories of landscapes, an eight-year old male and from the Waccamaw NWR Visitor Center wildlife, flowers and plants, six-year old female arrived to Sandy Island on July 6th. The wildlife and Santee NWR. First- from the captive facility at This Barred owl takes observed on the trip was plentiful and place winners were Colin Alligator River NWR. The 1st place in Wildlife, exciting and included Swallow-tailed Knight-Wildlife, Carl Miller- male sired three pups in credit Colin Knight. Kites, Red-cockaded woodpeckers, Landscapes and Flowers 2012 and we have high hopes alligators, and much more. Reggie Daves and Plants, and Zelma Covington- that pups will be born at the of the Waccamaw Audubon Society was Santee NWR. The photographs are on Center in 2014. Red wolf interpretive the birding guide and seats sold out in tour as a Photographic Exhibition and programs and feedings are scheduled two days. Another trip is scheduled for will be displayed at the Santee-Cooper Tuesday and Thursday (3 - 4 pm) and August 3rd. Visitor Center, , South Saturdays (11 am - 12 pm) at the Center. Carolina Welcome Center on 1-95 and With a population of approximately Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin NWR the Sewee Visitor Center. View the 300, the Red wolf is one of the most has completed renovations on the photographs and obtain information for endangered animals in the world. The Kitchen House. Built in 1929, the house the 2014 Photography Contest and the Sewee Center is one of 43 captive facilities was assumed to be a hunt manager’s Santee Birding and Nature Festival, across the country. office. In the mid 60’s, a complete scheduled for April 25-27, 2014 at Construction www.santeebirdingfestival.com. began on Cape Romain NWR and partners the new Cox celebrated the 1st annual Bulls Bay Ferry Lake Nature Festival – From the Forest to the Recreation Sea on March 23rd. Fifteen federal, Area dock at state and local agencies, local townships, Waccamaw organizations, businesses, churches and NWR on July schools came together to get community 15th. The residents outside to enjoy our natural new dock places and wildlife. Festival activities will include and programs occurred in Cape Romain access for NWR and Francis Marion National boaters and Forest, at Camp Sewee, the Sewee Visitor kayakers Sewee sisters, credit Nicole Rankin. Center and Hampton Plantation State and an Park. Community school children in observation/ restoration was done and, this year grades 3-8 participated in the Wildlife Art fishing pier. This will be a great addition another restoration was completed to Contest and Exposition. The student’s and will link the Waccamaw River, a interpret the sporting period of the early wildlife art creations will be showcased National Water Trail, to the recreation 1900’s. Plans are to use the building as in a 2014 wildlife calendar that will area which has 3.5 miles of hiking and a visitor contact station, decorated to be on sale, with proceeds benefitting biking trails. The construction is expected appear has a hunt managers office with the student art programs. Dr. Patrick to take three to four weeks to complete. a brochure stand and information panels McMillan, host of ETV’s Expeditions Loggerhead nesting sea turtles made on the “duck stamp” Act, the Dingle- with Patrick McMillan, closed the festival a slow arrival to Cape Romain beaches Johnson Act and the sporting period. with his intriguing presentation on but, as the summer has progressed, Panels will also be installed to interpret nature, man and our evolving landscapes. the turtles are nesting in record numbers the chronology of plantation life after the The outstanding support from 31 with an average of 26 nests each day. On turn of the century and, in agreement sponsors and a Connecting People with June 13th, 46 nests were laid, breaking with the State Historic Preservation Nature grant awarded by the USFWS the daily record for the refuge since the Office (SHPO), panels will interpret enabled Cape Romain and its partners 1980’s! The refuge is on pace to match if former out-buildings which were located to offer the festival. Bulls Bay partners not exceed the 1,675 nests laid in 2012. adjacent to the office. have scheduled the second Bulls Bay The Cape Island Turtle Crew has been U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Nature Discovery at Santee National Wildlife Refuge and various turtles and frogs are quite common. There are also Bald eagle nests located nearby, so our proud national symbol is often spotted soaring high above the waters of Lake Marion.

For those who want to get out of the car and explore the refuge areas, there are over 42 miles of hiking and kayaking trails located on the refuge. Visit the newly constructed boardwalk loop at Dingle Pond or climb the observation deck to see a unique Carolina Bay ecosystem, as well as migratory waterfowl, alligators and other wildlife species. On the Cuddo unit you have a choice of two kayak trails, one that will take you through the interior canals and the other around the lake shore. A primitive boat launch is located at the Santee is a well-known birding “hot spot” in the South East, credit USFWS. Pine Island parking area, providing access to the lake for canoes, kayaks and Santee National Wildlife The Visitor Center, located near the small boats. Refuge is yours to enjoy! Bluff unit, is a popular starting point for becoming acquainted with the refuge. Santee NWR provides hunting and fishing opportunities for recreational sportsmen Located along the banks of Whether it be viewing the Bald eagle Lake Marion, the refuge display and climbing the overlook to throughout the year. view an osprey nest, or learning about Deer hunts and hunting small game such comprises four separate Fort Watson which was erected by the as raccoon and opossums are offered land areas, the Cuddo, Pine British during the Revolutionary War, during designated state seasons. The there are opportunities to learn about the refuge’s annual Family, Friends and Island, Dingle Pond and fascinating cultural and natural history of Kids deer hunt is a highlight for many the refuge. local residents and grows more popular Bluff Units that together Be sure to check the “wildlife each year. This special event is a lottery encompass 13,000 acres observations” notebook that visitors hunt with applications received from maintain or, perhaps the children would September 1st - 30th. of upland pine forest, enjoy spending time in the Kid’s Corner Fishing is also quite popular on the freshwater impoundments where they can learn about the refuge refuge and permitted on the four units system and play fun, educational wildlife and within the refuge boundary waters and marsh, and bottomland and habitat games. of Lake Marion. The lake is known for Outside on the Bluff area is where you its trophy Blue catfish and Largemouth hardwoods that include a will find the Santee Indian Mound which bass and, a variety of bream species can unique Carolina Bay. Best dates back more than 1000 years and, the be caught in the inland ponds. Be sure to site of Fort Watson that was constructed have your state licenses and free fishing known for the migratory on top of the Mound. permits in hand before hunting and fishing. neo-tropical and waterfowl The Cuddo unit is the largest of the four Many visitors enjoy nothing more than bird species which draw units, and it contains what might be sitting back and watching the world considered the “fan favorite”- the 7.5-mile thousands of visitors each unfold in front of them. Santee NWR has Wildlife Drive. year, the birds and many long been a destination for South Carolina The Wildlife Drive affords visitors the photographers. other intriguing aspects of opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitats, all from the comfort All of the flora and fauna that makes the refuge attract nature of their automobile. You are all but the refuge so attractive to naturalists guaranteed to see Great Blue heron, also makes it irresistible to those lovers, young and old. egrets and alligators. Other species, wishing to capture the color and including Painted bunting, wild turkey movement of Mother Nature. There is U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Nature Discovery at Santee National Wildlife Refuge continued always something to catch the eye and the camera lens at Santee. And with photography, we highlight our most popular yearly event- the Santee Birding and Nature Festival. Into its seventh year, the festival attracts hundreds of participants from all over the country to experience some of the best birding in the east. And the festival’s newest activity - our photo contest - has once again proved the deep connection people feel to the natural world. Armed with cameras, big and small, we challenged our visitors to capture Santee National Wildlife Refuge - and indeed, South Carolina as a whole. The 2014 Festival is slated for April 25th – 27th and, the Nature Photography Contest will be coming soon so start shooting for 2014 now! These are the things proudly displayed as representing the best of Santee NWR. The refuge is many things to many people, but we are sure of this — there is no end to the discovery and no limits to the inspiration Santee NWR will strike in all of us. Kayaking around the Plantation Islands is a popular activity at Santee, credit USFWS.

Contact Information SC Lowcountry Refuges Complex

South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex Raye Nilius, Project Leader 843/928 3264 [email protected]

Cape Romain NWR Sarah Dawsey, Refuge Manager 843/928 3264 [email protected]

Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin NWR Mark Purcell, Refuge Manager 843/889 3084 [email protected]

Santee NWR Marc Epstein, Refuge Manager 803/478 2217 [email protected]

Waccamaw NWR Craig Sasser, Refuge Manager 843/527 8069 [email protected] Family and friends connect with nature and each other at the Bluff Unit, credit USFWS.