Come to Edisto Island & Meet Nature up Close at
BOTANY BAY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Highlights of any Edisto vacation have always included a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of normal routines (“Edislow”), the magical sounds of the surf and the nearness of nature. On July 1, 2007, a new natural treasure was made available to visitors and residents alike. Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, a 4600 acre parcel of mixed pines and hardwoods, salt marsh, maritime forest, fresh water
wetland and creeks and even an undeveloped beach is now the property of the people of South Carolina. The property is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is managed by staff of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with assistance from numerous local volunteers.
What is there to see at Botany Bay? It offers a fascinating mix of both human and natural history. Reminders are there of the presence of Native Americans. There are visible clues to plantation life of the nineteenth century. Probably the most talked about area is the beautiful, undisturbed beach and there is much there. To get to the beach, though, one drives down a long avenue of majestic oaks and Spanish moss. On the way, the astute visitor will hear the calls of numerous bird species and perhaps catch a glimpse of a red bellied woodpecker, scarlet tanager, tufted titmouse, orchard oriole, rufous-sided towhee, indigo bunting, bluebird, Carolina chickadee, the beautiful multicolored painted bunting or even one of the Lowcountry’s birds of prey. The morning or late day visitor might be greeted by deer or wild turkey along the drive.
It’s hard not to be a wildflower enthusiast at Botany Bay. Every few weeks the colors change as wildflowers fade only to be replaced by the
new colors of succeedingwildflowers. On the drive down the avenue, look for rattle bush, coral bean, tickweed, lizard’s tail, prickly poppy,wisteria, passion flower, morning glory, wild mustard, crimson clover and trumpet vine.
Upon reaching the marsh-side parking, the ½ mile walk down the causeway to the beach begins. This is an opportunity to experience multiple natural habitats in the course of a short walk. The parking area/pines merges into a salt marsh habitat and the salt marsh ends at the entranceto a maritime forest habitat which will, in turn, open onto a beach habitat. Note how the plants, trees, animals, and birds change with each habitat. Consider, especially, the special adaptations necessary for plants and animals to survive the high salt load of the marsh or the sandy beach environment.
Returning from the beach, a self-guided driving tour leads past surviving plantation out buildings, through fields and woodlands, past a pond and lake and along the marsh that borders Ocella Creek. Stop at the kayak/canoe landing for a great view of the marsh, shore birds and perhaps even watch the dolphins “stranding” their meal. On the driving tour notice how the density of the forest canopy changes in places, leading to changes on the forest floor. Enjoy the sight of varied species of ferns forming natural fern “gardens.”
What should you bring with you? Bring bug spray. This is the South Carolina lowcountry so protect yourself against mosquitoes, chiggers and
ticks. Bring your binoculars to better appreciate the birds, butterflies and wildflowers. And bring your camera to record your experience. Eventhe experts find it helpful to have a good birding or wildflower reference handy.
Botany Bay is a wildlife management area and as such, is managed for wildlife rather than for humans. There are no restrooms, water fountains or food sales. Bring your own water and a picnic lunch if you like. Remember to carry out anything you bring in. Leave everything you find behind, including the sea shells. Allow the shells to continue to accumulate so that future visitors will know what a natural South Carolina beach looks like.
The price is right, too! No admission charge. A great bargain in tough times.


