Nature and Wildlife Galore around Santee Cooper Country by Lake Marion, SC

Birders and other Wildlife Enthusiasts! Visiting South Carolina soon? Check out the diverse wildlife in federal, state, and local parks around around Lake Marion, Santee, and Summerton S.C.

Wildlife traditionally refers not only to non-domesticated animal species, but also generally includes all plants, fungi and other organisms which grow or live wild in an area not inhabited by humans.
 
Wildlife can be found in many diverse ecosystems such as deserts, forests, rain forests, plains, swamps, grasslands, and other areas. Each may have very distinctly different forms of wildlife.

To view the diverse wildlife around Lake Marion, Santee, and Summerton S.C., visit one of the many local, state, and national parks and wildlife refuge areas such as:

• Bennett's Bay Heritage Preserve
• Beidler Forest & Wildlife Refuge
• Manchester State Forest
• Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area
• Santee National Wildlife Refuge
• Santee State Park
• Taw Caw Park
• Woods Bay Heritage Preserve
• Woods Bay State Park

Other Selected Information Sources

• Camp Wildlife
• National Wildlife Federation
• Santee Cooper Country
• SCWA Wildlife Education Center
• South Carolina Wildlife Magazine
• South Carolina Wildlife Federation
• US Fish & Wildlife Service

* For more detail see Summerton SC Nature & Outdoor Recreation web site and related articles posted on the Summerton SC Blogspot.

Hike & Bike the Pine Island Unit of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge

Pine Island is one of four management units of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Summerton, S.C. The refuge was established in 1941 and consists of approximately 13,000 acres that lie within the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

The Santee National Wildlife Refuge consists of four major units - Bluff Unit, Dingle Pond, Pine Island, Cuddo Unit. The refuge is made up of mixed hardwood and pine forests, freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, waterfowl impoundments, croplands, grassland fields and open water. The refuge protects 39 miles of shoreline along the northern side of Lake Marion that supports a wide range of wildlife.

Santee National Wildlife Refuge is one of 550 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to preserve a national network of lands and waters for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and plant resources of the United States for the benefit of present and future generations. The Refuge System encompasses over 150 million acres administered by the Fish & Wildlife Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Hailed as one of the best birding areas in South Carolina, the Santee National Wildlife Refuge is home to 296 bird species as well as 45 mammals, 54 reptiles, 35 amphibians and more than 100 fish species. The brilliantly colored painted bunting breeds and nests here during the summer months as do many other neo- tropical migratory songbirds.

The Pine Island Unit is very diverse, with wet, grassy fields, lakeside scrub, ponds, marshes, and oak-pine forest. Pine Island provides protection and habitat for American alligators, numerous species of wading birds, nesting bald eagles, several grassland bird species, and is home to thousands of wintering ducks, geese and swans.

In the Pine Island unit of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, you will find plenty of scenic dirt roads and trails suitable for hiking or off-road bicycling. You can observe the wildlife, and also see what is being done to attract and retain wild animals. Fishing and canoeing are permitted here also - but camping and swimming are not.

Habitat Management - Water levels in the refuge are manipulated to create optimum conditions for water birds, wintering waterfowl, and many resident and migratory species. Nest structures are provided for wood ducks and other species in areas lacking available natural cavities. Planting of supplemental crops along with periodic flooding of forested wetlands insures that adequate wildlife foods are available.

Refuge trails and grounds in Pine Island [Savannah Branch] are open daily from sunrise to sunset, from March through October - though it is best to swing by the main visitor center for more up to date schedules and information.

Visitor access on Pine Island is limited to either foot and bicycle traffic only on approximately four miles of trails. A primitive boat launch area is provided for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. A parking area for visitors is also provided.

Santee National Wildlife Refuge: Pine Island Unit on Lake Marion, S.C.

* Visit the Summerton S.C. - Nature, Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation web site.

** Also, view the brief video tour of Santee National Wildlife Refuge - Pine Island Unit.
 

Cuddo Unit of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge near Summerton, S.C.

Cuddo?!?! Cuddo is one of four units of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge near Summerton, S.C.  It was established in 1941 as a sanctuary for the wildlife displaced by the Santee Cooper hydro-electric project that first brought electricity to many rural areas in the midlands of South Carolina. In total. it encompasses approximately 13,000 acres along the shores of beautiful Lake Marion.

The Cuddo Unit of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge includes a 7.5 mile wildlife drive and another 8.5 miles of hiking and bicycling trails that let you explore the fields, woods, and wetlands and observe a wide range of wildlife, e.g. birds, deer, alligators. The Cuddo Unit also includes at least 8 miles of watercourse for canoe or kayak enthusiasts to enjoy.

The refuge is normally open year round from dawn until dusk. However, visitor access to portions of the refuge are seasonally restricted to provide migratory bird sanctuary areas for wintering ducks and geese. For example, the waters of Cantey Bay Savannah Branch, and Black Bottom are restricted from the beginning of November through the end of February. Visitors should stop at the main office of the wildlife refuge check the schedule.

Both hunting and fishing are permitted in the area, subject to state, federal, and refuge regulations. Permits are available at no cost from the main office or the Santee National Wildlife Refuge web site. Enjoy your visit to the Cuddo Unit of the wildlife refuge and make sure you explore other sites around nearby Historic Summerton, S.C.

Looking for Blogs and Articles about Summerton, S.C. - Draft

If you’re looking for blogs and articles about Summerton, there are several useful online resources covering its history, civil rights legacy, Lake Marion, local attractions, and small-town life. Here are some of the best places to start.

Blogs specifically about Summerton, SC

1. Summerton S.C. Blog

Best site for: Local history, community life, tourism, and outdoor recreation.

The Summerton S.C. Blog⁠ features articles about Summerton and the surrounding Santee Cooper Lake Country.

Recommended blogs or articles include:

• Brief Historical Sketch of Summerton (1889): A historical account of the town’s early development.
• Notable Historic Sites Around Summerton: A guide to historic buildings, landmarks, and Revolutionary War sites.
• Historic Summerton in the 1900s: Important events that shaped the town during the twentieth century.
• Nature, Wildlife & Outdoor Activities in Abundance: An overview of the area’s outdoor attractions.
• Canoeing & Kayaking Around Lake Marion: Information about paddling and exploring local waterways.

2. Historic Summerton, SC, Web Site

Best for: Detailed local Clarendon County history and related research.

The Historic Summerton website⁠ explores the town’s origins, historic buildings, local families, and significant events.

Topics include:

• The founding and development of Summerton.
• The history of local railroads and businesses.
• Historical photographs and documents.
• Summerton’s role in the American civil rights movement.
• The history of Clarendon County.

The site also references Summerton SC: Past, Present & Future, a book about the town and its development.

3. Articles about Summerton’s Civil Rights history

Summerton holds an important place in American history because of the local school desegregation lawsuit that helped lead to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

Learn all about Briggs v. Elliott

The 1951 case, Briggs v. Elliott, challenged racial segregation and unequal educational opportunities in Clarendon County, South Carolina. It became one of the cases consolidated into the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision.

You can learn more through these resources:

• Town of Summerton — Historic Places⁠: Information about local historic sites and landmarks connected to the case.
• Historic Summerton — History of the 1900s⁠: A timeline of important local events, including the lawsuit.
• Summerton S.C. Blog — Historic Summerton in the 1900s⁠: An overview of significant events in the town’s history.

These resources are especially useful for anyone writing about Summerton’s contribution to the civil rights movement.

4. Summerton wildlife and outdoor recreation web site

Best for: Tourism, fishing, boating, wildlife, and outdoor lifestyles.

The Summerton area offers access to Lake Marion, various waterways, nature trails, and wildlife habitats. Summerton S.C. blogs and outdoor recreation article⁠ discuss the area’s natural attractions and recreational opportunities.

Other useful resources include:

• Santee National Wildlife Refuge — Wildlife observation, bird watching, and nature exploration. Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website⁠.
• Santee State Park — Camping, fishing, boating, and lakeside recreation. See South Carolina State Parks⁠.
• Taw Caw Creek Park — A local waterfront area for boating and enjoying the outdoors.

These sources are useful for articles about tourism, outdoor recreation, lake living, and the natural beauty of Clarendon County.

5. Local news and community articles

Town of Summerton official website

Best for: Official town information, community developments, and local landmarks.

The Town of Summerton's official website⁠ provides information about the town, its history, and local government.

It’s a good starting point for researching municipal developments and community initiatives.

 

6. The Sumter Item

Best for: Regional news and reporting about the surrounding area.

The The Sumter Item covers news from the broader Sumter area, including subjects that may be relevant to Summerton and Clarendon County.

Visit The Sumter Item⁠ and search for:

• Summerton, SC
• Clarendon County
• Lake Marion
• Local government
• Education and community events

Where Parks & Wildlife Preserves Abound - Summerton, S.C.

Summerton has become well known across the South for its offering of a wide range of outdoor recreational activities like camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking, boating, and golfing to its many visitors. Because of the many parks and nature preserves in the area, it has become one of the better places to visit on the East coast for wildlife and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Parks are open-space areas set aside for recreational use. It can be in a natural, semi-natural state, or planted state. They are often set aside for either human enjoyment or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats - and to prevent these areas from ever being spoiled by uncontrolled development.

If you are planning a visit to the area, check out some of the following local, state, and federal parks and wildlife refuge areas around Summerton and nearby Lake Marion.

• Bennett's Bay Heritage Preserve
• Beidler Forest & Wildlife Refuge
• Manchester State Forest
• Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area
• Santee National Wildlife Refuge
• Santee State Park
• Taw Caw Park
• Woods Bay Heritage Preserve
• Woods Bay State Park

* Also, check out the Summerton S.C. Nature & Outdoor Recreation web site.

Morning Dove 2016-2017 Hunting Season in South Carolina

Morning Dove #Hunting Season starts September 3, 2016, in South Carolina. For more details, see  http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/dove/fields.html 

Hunting is the practice of pursuing, trapping, killing, or 'harvesting' animals and/or other wildlife  for food, recreation, or trade. The species that are hunted are referred to as game and are usually either mammals or birds. 

Hunting is primarily regulated by state law, though additional federal regulations may be imposed especially in the case of migratory birds and endangered species. Laws and regulations governing the areas, time periods, techniques and methods by which specific game animals may be hunted vary widely from state to state. 

If you are a hunter, Summerton, Lake Marion and the surrounding area are the place to be. Deer, racoon, feral hogs, coyote, opossum, squirrel, turkey, dove, and waterfowl are just some of the game available for hunting.

Check out the following hunting locations near Summerton, S.C.

• Hickory Top Wildlife Management Area
• Oak Lea Wildlife Management Area
• Potato Creek Hatchery Waterfowl Management Area
• Santee Dam Wildlife Management Area

Selected Information Sources

• Bow Hunters Magazine
• Bow Hunters of South Carolina
• Cabelas Superstore
• Crossroads Archery
• Ducks Unlimited
• Santee Cooper Sportsman TV
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• SCDNR Hunter Education Courses
• South Carolina Great Outdoors
• South Carolina Hunting & Fishing eRegulations
• South Carolina Hunt Clubs
• South Carolina Sportsman
• South Carolina Waterfowl Association

 * Find out more about Duck Hunting Guides & Services near Summerton, S.C.

Hunting Near Lake Marion in Summerton S.C.

Hunting Alert! If you are a hunter, Summerton, Santee, Lake Marion and the surrounding area are the place to be. Deer, racoon, feral hogs, coyote, opossum, squirrel, turkey, dove, and waterfowl are just some of the game available for hunting.

Hunting is the practice of pursuing, trapping, killing, or 'harvesting' animals and/or other wildlife for food, recreation, or trade. The species that are hunted are referred to as game and are usually either mammals or birds.

Hunting is primarily regulated by state law, though additional federal regulations may be imposed especially in the case of migratory birds and endangered species. Laws and regulations governing the areas, time periods, techniques and methods by which specific game animals may be hunted vary widely from state to state.
 
Visiting hunters and their families might also want to do some camping, hiking, biking, boating, or fishing on beautiful Lake Marion or visit one of the many federal and state parks in the area, such as the Santee National Wildlife Refuge.

Check out the following hunting locations near Summerton, S.C.

• Hickory Top Wildlife Management Area
• Oak Lea Wildlife Management Area
• Potato Creek Hatchery Waterfowl Management Area
• Santee Dam Wildlife Management Area

Also, you might want to visit some of the following selected Information sources:

• Bow Hunters Magazine
• Bow Hunters of South Carolina
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• South Carolina Great Outdoors
• South Carolina Hunting & Fishing eRegulations
• South Carolina Hunt Clubs
• South Carolina Sportsman

* Don't forget to visit the Summerton SC: Nature & Outdoor Recreation web site.

Bird Watching around Summerton, Santee, and Lake Marion, SC

Birding, or bird watching, involves the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by simply listening for bird sounds. 

When you visit Summerton, nearby Lake Marion, and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, you will find many parks, wildlife management areas, nature trails and back roads you can use for bird watching and to observe the other wildlife throughout the region. Sightings of nearly 300 bird species have been recorded in the area. These include songbirds, wading birds, and several species of waterfowl.

Some of the many other birds sighted in the area include quail, turkey, loons, grebe, storks, cormorants, herons, egrets, eagles, hawks, falcons, rails, cranes, plovers, sandpipers, gulls, terns, doves, owls, swifts, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, flycatchers, jays, crows, larks, swallows, wrens, thrushes, mockingbirds, warblers, sparrows, cardinals, blackbirds, finches, and much more.

Selected Information Sources

• All About Birds
• American Birding Association
• BirdWatching Daily
• Carolina Bird Club
• National Audubon Society
• Santee National Wildlife Refuge - Local Bird List
• South Carolina Young Birders Club
  

* Make sure you visit the Summerton SC 'Nature & Outdoor Recreation' web site.

Dingle Pond - Wildlife Refuge near Summerton, S.C.

Dingle Pond is the smallest unit of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, encompassing approximately 350 acres of a unique 'depressional' wetland. It is located near the town of Summerton in Clarendon County, S.C.

Dingle Pond is one of the many unusual wetland formations known as Carolina Bays concentrated along the Mid-Atlantic coastal seaboard of the U.S. The origins of the Carolina Bays are still a mystery. Nobody knows for sure what formed these eliptical depressions in the ground, though some speculate they were formed by the impact of asteroids.

A short hiking trail runs beside Dingle Pond, with a raised observation platform next to it which provides some wonderful views of the wetlands and the wildlife in the area. The area is home to a variety of wildlife species including alligators, wood ducks, mallards, great blue herons, numerous songbirds, and other wading birds.

Several campgrounds are located near Dingle Pond, e.g. Polly's Landing, Palmetto Shores RV Resort, Santee Lakes KOA Campground. A development composed of luxury condos and home sites called North Shore Villas is located on Lake Marion, adjacent to Dingle Pond.

Native Plants at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge

The Santee National Wildlife Refuge maintains a Native Plant Pollinator Garden at the Visitor Center.  This garden is constantly being modified as we learn what plants are adapted to the site.  Part of the site was previously a parking lot and is full of stones making digging almost impossible. The original planting is partially under a Red Maple whose roots have invaded the garden.  We have had some overly aggressive plants such as the Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris) and the Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) spread and takeover large areas. Ideally these need to be contained in large pots or an area with defined with concrete or wood borders. Our Northern Obedient Plants (Physostegia virginiana) have not done well for lack of water.  We have seen these in other areas with consistent irrigation and they are beautiful, but spreading aggressively.

In November of 2018 we seeded a section of the lawn on the left side with native wildflowers and grasses. As of January 2019 we appear to have had good germination and growth of the plants.  We hope to add another seeded area in the Spring of 2019.  The purpose of these plots is to demonstrate ways to reduce lawn area while providing habitat for wildlife.  First flowers were blooming on Feb 7, 2019.   Written by Mike McCully

* Don't forget to visit the Santee National Wildlife Refuge and Pink Dogwood Garden Club web sites in Summerton, SC.. 

Nature, Wildlife & Outdoor Activities in Abundance

Summerton is a small town in rural South Carolina by the shores of beautiful Lake Marion. The town and the surrounding area have become known as a wonderful place to vacation, raise a family, run a business - or retire to, when all is said and done. The deep spiritual commitment and sound family values of its people are reflected in the many churches and close-knit residential communities in Summerton and the surrounding area.

Summerton has become well known across the South for its offering of a wide range of outdoor recreational activities like camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking, boating, and golfing to its many visitors. It has become one of the better places to visit on the East coast for wildlife supporters and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

In addition to the outdoor activities and abundant wildlife, Summerton and the surrounding area are also known for its rich local history encompassing the early settlement of the area by Native American tribes such as the Catawba and Santee Indians, followed hundreds of years later by the some of the first European settlers.

The history of Summerton is also closely coupled with many other events such as the daring exploits of the 'Swamp Fox', Gen. Francis Marion, during the Revolutionary War; Gen. Potter's raid during the Civil War; key events leading up to school desegregation in the U.S.; construction of the Santee-Cooper canal and dams at the start of World War II; the creation of Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, and much more.
 

Take some time to learn more about the town of Summerton and Historic Clarendon County by beautiful Lake Marion in South Carolina.

While Summerton still retains the feel of a small rustic town, it is slowly changing and benefiting from the creation of numerous new residential and business communities that are continuing to grow up around Summerton and beautiful Lake Marion. Vacationers and retirees continue to flock to the area in ever greater numbers.

Summerton---where the fish are jumpin' and livin' is easy.

* Make sure you visit the new Summerton SC: Nature & Outdoor Activities web site.

Birders: Annual Local & National Bird Count to get Underway in December

The annual local and national Christmas Bird Count is coming up in December. Birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and citizen scientists get ready!

The National Audubon Society's 115th Christmas Bird Count will occur between December 14, 2014 thru Jan 5, 2015. For more details, go to http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/

Each year, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in this event that has become a family tradition across generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on this annual mission.

 
Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations - and to help guide conservation action.
 
The Christmas Bird Count at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge near historic Summerton, S.C., occurs December 20, 2014. It is one of the most popular Bird Count events in South Ca rolina. This one-day bird survey will generally result in over 130 species seen. If you would like to participate in the event or need more details, please contact Dennis Forsythe: email dennis.forsythe@gmail.com or call his cell phone: 843-708-1605

Share your experiences with our readers.