Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Numerous small creeks and tributaries flow through the Carolina Sandhills U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (NWR) encompasses approximately 45,000 refuge and drain into either Black Creek on the east side National Wildlife Refuge and Lynches River on the west side. Atlantic white cedar, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acres in northeastern South Carolina. The pond pine, and dense stands of evergreen shrubs occur 23734 U.S. Highway 1 refuge is one of more than 560 refuges in along these streams forming pocosin (swamp on a hill) McBee, SC 29101 Carolina Sandhills areas throughout the refuge. Thirty man-made lakes and 843 335 8401 office the National Wildlife Refuge System, the ponds and 1,200 acres of old fields, forest openings, and world’s most outstanding network of lands and cultivated fields contribute to the diverse habitats found on http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Carolina_Sandhills National Wildlife the refuge. waters dedicated to wildlife the conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge management, and where appropriate, restoration Refuge Wildlife 1 800/344 WILD of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources The refuge supports a diverse assemblage of plants and http://www.fws.gov animals including more than 190 species of birds, 42 and their habitats for the benefit of present and species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, 25 species of August 2019 future generations of Americans. amphibians, 62 species of butterflies and moths, 56 species of native bees, and more than 800 species of plants! Refuge History In 1939 the federal government purchased land under Threatened and Endangered Species the provisions of the Resettlement Act. The eroded land An abundance of rare and uncommon wildlife species are supported very little wildlife. Efforts began immediately to found on the refuge. Several state and federally listed restore this damaged, barren land to a healthy, rich habitat threatened and endangered species occur on the refuge for the plants and animals that historically occurred. including the Pine Barrens treefrog and red-cockaded woodpecker. There are dozens of plant species of The longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem, concern found on the refuge, including white-wicky, the characteristic habitat of the refuge, Well’s pixie moss and three species of pitcher once covered more than 90 million acres plants. across the southeastern United States from Virginia to Texas. Natural fires that Migratory and Resident Birds burned every two to four years shaped this Several species of waterfowl use the refuge in the unique ecosystem. Today, only scattered fall and winter, including mallards, black ducks, patches of this ecosystem remain, totaling pintails, green-winged teal, American widgeon, approximately 4.3 million acres. Factors ring-necked ducks, and hooded mergansers. contributing to the demise of this ecosystem Canada geese and wood ducks reside year round. include aggressive fire suppression efforts, The refuge provides stop-over or nesting habitat clearing for agriculture and development, for many species of neo-tropical migratory birds and conversion to other pine types. and resident songbirds, including the prairie warbler, Bachman’s sparrow, American redstart, Carolina Sandhills NWR serves as a and Kentucky warbler. demonstration site for land management practices that preserve and enhance Great egrets and anhinga use refuge ponds in the diminishing longleaf pine/wiregrass spring and fall. A resident population of great Red-cockaded woodpecker, ecosystem. blue herons nests on the refuge. Common raptors credit USFWS include red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and Refuge Habitat American kestrels. Bobwhite quail, credit William Alexander The refuge lies in the Sandhills physiographic region which separates the Piedmont Plateau and the Atlantic Coastal Mammals Plain. Elevations range from 250 feet to more than 500 feet After the refuge’s establishment, beaver, wild turkey and above mean sea level. Rolling beds of deep sandy soils are white-tailed deer were restocked. The deer population has host to an extensive longleaf pine forest. Longleaf pine is grown from an original restocking of 12 deer to a healthy easily identified by its long needles and large cones. The population. Beaver and wild turkey populations have also midstory consists of scrub oaks and scattered shrubs, made impressive recoveries. Resident mammals include while wiregrass is the dominate plant in the ground layer. raccoon, opossum, otter, fox, bobcat, fox and gray squirrel, and cottontail rabbit. Herpetofauna May/June - Neotropical songbirds migrate through Of the many reptile and amphibian species that occur on the refuge. Endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers the refuge, the Pine Barrens treefrog is the most unique. nest in mature longleaf pines. Young wood ducks This bright green frog inhabits boggy areas and breeds in swim in vegetated perimeters of ponds and lakes. slow moving streams. Many areas of the refuge provide Carnivorous pitcher plants begin to flower and the the unique shrub-bog habitat required for breeding. white wicky blooms in stream head pocosins. Near seepage bog edges, the Pine Barrens treefrog calls at Red-cockaded Woodpecker night. White-tailed deer give birth. The refuge supports the largest population of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) July/August - Wildlife activity slows due to hot on Service-owned lands and the second largest weather. White-tailed deer does forage with their population in South Carolina. RCWs serve as an fawns. Abundant rainfall during the month is indicator species of the overall health of the longleaf quickly soaked up by the deep, sandy soils. Many fall pine/wiregrass ecosystem. The needs of the RCW wildflowers, including lobelia, blazing star and hairy guide management decisions and actions. false-foxglove bloom along roadsides and field edges. Listen for the call of the chuck-will’s-widow and the whip- Unlike other woodpeckers, RCWs roost and nest poor-will. in cavities in living pine trees. The RCW requires older pine trees in which to excavate cavities. These older pines September/October - Hawks, warblers and other migratory are more likely to have “heart rot,” a fungal disease that songbirds travel through the refuge along pool edges and softens the heart wood of the tree, thus facilitating cavity water courses. Pine Barrens gentians bloom in refuge excavation. RCWs also require large, older trees for woodlands. White-tailed deer bucks rub the protective foraging. Such habitat is plentiful on the refuge and forest velvet off of their antlers and stake out a territory. Look management activities, particularly in the last 40 years, for blue winged teal in refuge ponds. have created more. November/December - The first frost arrives. Mockernut Other management practices including the installation hickory, red maple, black gum, and dogwood show their of artificial nesting cavities, population monitoring, and radiant fall colors. Ducks, such as mallard, gadwall, and midstory control also contribute to recovery efforts for this Ponds Nest Boxes widgeon arrive. Canada geese call from refuge ponds and species. The refuge supports more than 150 family groups Refuge biologists manipulate water levels on several Bluebirds, kestrels, and wood ducks use artificial lakes. Fox, bobcat and raccoon are more obvious because of of red-cockaded woodpeckers. Their cavity trees are refuge ponds to encourage growth of desired emergent nesting boxes placed near ponds and fields. These boxes the coming of winter and the reduction of natural cover. painted with a white band. aquatic vegetation and to control unwanted submergent supplement natural cavities and are monitored for vegetation. These unwanted weeds can degrade pond reproduction. Refuge staff maintain the boxes to ensure Visitor Opportunities Habitat Management habitat. The process of drawing down the pools provides their integrity. The refuge offers numerous opportunities and facilities The refuge conducts a variety of management programs to unique wildlife habitats as the pond transitions from for wildlife-dependent recreation such as hiking, bird enhance the diversity of habitats on the refuge, benefiting full pool to mudflats and back to full pool. Wading and Seasonal Events watching, photography, and nature study. Please review many wildlife species. shore birds exploit recently exposed mudflats, feeding The calendar of events highlights seasonal wildlife events the reverse side for details about recreation areas, trails, on invertebrates and fish. Pool drawdowns begin in and recreational opportunities. and exhibits. The refuge is also open to hunting for several Prescribed Burns species and numerous ponds and lakes provide fishing May through July and are staggered to meet specific January/February - Waterfowl concentrate on several An important tool used to manage the longleaf pine/ opportunities. Please consult the refuge office or web management objectives. Pools are returned to full level in refuge ponds, especially Martin’s Lake. Bald eagles may wiregrass ecosystem is prescribed burning. These site for current hunting and fishing seasons, dates, and late fall to provide habitat for waterfowl. Some pools are occasionally be seen soaring over refuge fields or water controlled burns mimic the natural fires that historically regulations. burned throughout this ecosystem. These fires suppress stocked with catfish, bream, crappie and bass to provide areas. Wood ducks begin nest building in artificial boxes