Contact Information
SC Department of Natural Resources311 Natural Resources Drive
Clemson, SC 29631
Mary Bunch, Preserve Manager
(864) 654-6738 ext. 15
Tom Swayngham, Region 1 Coordinator
(864) 654-1671 ext. 21
Hours of Operation
This preserve has no developed access. The small size and predominate sensitive wetlands restrict use. Visitation is allowed and research or group visits require a permit.
Contributions to the Endangered Wildlife Fund on the South Carolina Income Tax Form help to make the identification and management of these preserves possible.
Photographs
Description
The 15.8-acre preserve is located within an intricate network of springs and small streams that drain hilly topography bordering the narrow floodplain of the Enoree River. The streams are well channeled with some flow throughout the year. Although eventually merging with the floodplain of the Enoree, these streams are spring-fed and not dependent upon seasonal flooding of the river. This produces constant groundwater seepage and extensive saturated soil conditions, which are quite rare in the Upstate and are classified as piedmont seepage forests. As the name implies, the vegetation is dominated by hydrophytic tree species that include red maple, swamp tupelo, gum, American elm, and pumpkin ash. Increased development around the preserve increases runoff which sometimes scours of the seepage sites.
The seepages and streams provide habitat for the federally endangered plant species, bunched arrowhead. Approximately 75 percent of the preserve is wetlands and over 10 acres are accessible only by wading the Enoree River. The small portion of land not in wetlands is dominated by Virginia pine. Pink lady slipper orchids can be observed in the pine areas.
A portion of the preserve was aquired via wetlands mitigation by the SC Department of Transportation.