169 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com on the coast vibrant golden yellow prothonotary warblers, which breed in cypress swamp habitat. Their grassland-woodland trail winds through grassland and woodland habitats as well as longleaf pine, which attracts bluebirds, sparrows, purple martins and depending on the time of year, indigo buntings, blue grosbeaks, painted buntings and loggerhead shrikes. Beidler also offers guided bird tours and kayak tours, as well as night exploration programs, so make sure to check online for their upcoming activities schedule. The grassland-woodland trail is free, but there is an admission fee to access the boardwalk. Pets are not permitted. Visit beidler.audubon.org/visit for more information on cost and hours. BOTANY BAY PLANTATION HERITAGE PRESERVE This 4,000-acre+ wildlife management area on Edisto Island featuring a network of nature trails and historic buildings offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. Just over an hour’s drive from Mount Pleasant, Botany Bay lies within the boundary of the ACE basin, one of the largest undeveloped areas of wetland ecosystems on the Atlantic Coast, according to the Nature Conservancy. The unspoiled areas of the management area help protect wildlife species, providing nesting areas for loggerhead sea turtles and least terns. Songbirds flit and dart through the maritime forest and shorebirds forage along the seashell-strewn Boneyard Beach (only accessible at low tide), so named for the stark and skeletal appearance of the trees dotting its shoreline. Watch for waders such as herons and egrets skulking in the tidal marsh. Its open fields are a great place to spot a variety of hawks and falcons; the Charleston Bird Club has even held raptor sit-in bird counting events here. Other possible animal sightings include deer, alligators, raccoons and crabs. Free admission. Pets are prohibited. Botany Bay is closed to the public on Tuesdays and for seasonal hunts, so check SCDNR’s website before planning a day trip. EDISTO NATURE TRAIL If you’re already planning a trek out to Botany Bay, then consider making a pit stop at the Edisto Nature Trail in Jacksonboro on your way. Also situated within the ACE Basin, this lesser-known 1.5mile gem just off U.S. Highway 17 gives you the option of a short or longer looped trail that takes you by several interesting historic features such as an old phosphate operation, an old canal, rice fields and an old railroad tram. The trail crosses through mature pine and hardwood forest and a small boardwalk section passes through cypress swamp leading out to a dock overlooking the Edisto River. Another neat aspect of this National Recreational Trail are the interpretive signs along the route that identify 60 varieties of flora and fauna. For more info, visit sctrails.net/trails/trail/edisto-nature-nrt. AWENDAW PASSAGE This easy 7.1-mile walking/biking path located at the Southern terminus of the mountains-to-sea Palmetto Trail starts at the Intracoastal Waterway and meanders through maritime forest. It offers picturesque views of salt marsh habitat along Awendaw Creek where you might see shorebirds and other wildlife. At Walnut Grove you can drink in more vistas of the surrounding marsh and Intracoastal Waterway at the scenic overlook and boardwalk. Awendaw Passage provides additional opportunities to experience the Lowcountry waterways, with kayak and canoe launches located at the Buck Hall Recreation Area and the end of Rosa Green Road where you park for the trailheads. Pets are allowed, so don’t leave your canine companion behind. There is a fee to use the Buck Hall Recreation Area. Learn more at palmettotrail.org/trails/trail/awendaw-passage.
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