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Audubon's Beidler Forest Sanctuary

Nature preserve in Dorchester County, South Carolina

Travel Tips

Spend time listening to the natural sounds, including owls. 1

Ideal for a morning walk to appreciate nature. 2

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature. 3

Spend a serene two hours walking through the swamp. Listen for owls calling to each other. 4

Ideal for nature lovers looking to explore unique ecosystems. 5

Perfect for nature lovers looking to explore unique ecosystems. 6

Introduction

Overview

• 🌳 Location: Situated in Four Holes Swamp, South Carolina
• 📏 Size: Covers over 18,000 acres
• 🌲 Unique Feature: Largest virgin stand of cypress-tupelo forest in the world
• 🦅 Governing Body: Managed by the National Audubon Society
• 🏞️ Designation: Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, National Natural Landmark

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Trails

• 🚶 Boardwalk Trail: 1.75-mile loop through the old-growth swamp
• 🌾 Grassland-Woodland Trail: 2+ miles, open daily from sunrise to sunset
• 🦺 Accessibility: Boardwalk is ADA accessible; Grassland-Woodland Trail is not
• 🚫 Restrictions: No pets or bikes allowed; strollers are permitted
• 📍 Starting Point: Both trails start at the visitor center

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Wildlife

• 🦉 Birds: Over 140 species, including Prothonotary Warblers, Barred Owls, and Swallow-tailed Kites
• 🐍 Reptiles: Snakes, turtles, and alligators frequently seen
• 🦇 Mammals: Bats, bobcats, river otters, and white-tailed deer
• 🦗 Insects: Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly, Great Blue Skimmer Dragonfly
• 🕷️ Spiders: Dark Fishing Spider, Marbled Orbweaver

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Visitor Information

• 🕒 Hours: Center & Boardwalk: Wed-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-4PM; Grassland/Woodland Trail: Seven days a week, sunrise to sunset
• 💵 Admission: Adults: $12, Children (ages 6-12): $7, Children (under 6): Free
• 📞 Contact: 843-462-2150
• 🌐 Website: Beidler Forest
• 📍 Address: 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448

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Special Programs

• 🛶 Canoe Trips: Guided trips in the spring
• 🌙 Night Walks: Monthly night walks available
• 📅 Events: Check the programs page for more details
• 🎟️ Tickets: Online registration available but not required
• 💡 Education: Environmental education center on-site

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History

• 📜 Origins: Land acquired by Francis Beidler in the 1890s
• 🏞️ Preservation: National Audubon Society acquired the land to protect the old-growth forest
• 🌍 Designations: Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (2008), National Natural Landmark (1979)
• 🚶 Boardwalk: Established in 1977
• 📈 Expansion: Additional 909 acres acquired in 2003

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Travel Information
📞   Phone: (843) 487-9988
🌐   Website: http://beidler.audubon.org/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 336 Sanctuary Rd #3324, Harleyville, SC 29448
🔗   Profiles:

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "A Journey Through The Francis Beidler Forest", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DrGnVUssOs", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 14, 2009", "length": "" }</div>