53 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ShemCreekRestaurants.com Audubon Beidler Forest Sanctuary- Audubon’s 18,000-acre Beidler Forest Sanctuary in Harleyville provides a vital refuge for birds and other wildlife such as snakes, gators, turtles and deer. Home to the world’s largest oldgrowth cypress-tupelo swamp forest, the center’s 1.75-mile raised boardwalk allows you to immerse yourself in an untouched, dynamic ecosystem containing thousand-yearold trees. It is one of the best areas in the Lowcountry to observe prothonotary warblers, vibrant yellow songbirds that nest here during their spring migration. There is also the Grassland-Woodland trail near the entrance to the center. Includes welcome center and restrooms. For hours, boardwalk registration information and special programs such as guided birding tours and guided canoe and kayak trips, visit them online. For more info: beidler.audubon.org/ Santee Coastal Reserve- Seeking escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Head north up Highway 17 to the SCDNR-managed Santee Coastal Reserve in McClellanville. This tranquil 24,000-acre Wildlife Management Area situated along the South Santee River has several trails traversing mixed hardwoods, swampland, wetlands and former rice fields with opportunities for viewing songbirds, wading birds, gators, fox squirrels and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for the endangered redcockaded woodpecker, which can sometimes be spotted among the longleaf pine forest habitat as you enter and exit the reserve. Admission is free. Closed during scheduled hunts. See their website for hours and other recreational activities. For more info: www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ ManagedLand/ManagedLand/61 South Tibwin Trail- South Tibwin Trail just north of Awendaw in the Francis Marion National Forest is located our town
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