Forest Preserve Improvement Initiatives

The Sea Pines Preserve has a long and colorful history. Its landscape of sand ridges and long wetlands was sculpted by changing sea levels over the past 15,000 years. The first inhabitants, 4000 years ago, were nomadic Indians who hunted and gathered shells in salt marshes that are freshwater wetlands today. They left a trace of their lives in the Sea Pines Indian Shell Ring, a circular mound of shells that were placed outside of their huts. Since 1700, the area has been used for growing rice, indigo and cotton, for hunting and for harvesting timber.

In 1959, the Fraser family, founders and developers of Sea Pines, established a tract of 572 acres for the Preserve. The Frasers filed legal covenants in 1970, dedicating a total area of 605 acres for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation.

The first trails in the Preserve were constructed in the early 1970's. They followed antebellum rice dikes, originally built by hand around 1840, and old logging trails from the 1950's. Bridle paths, wetland boardwalks, observation decks, bridges, and fishing docks have been added to improve visitor access and enjoyment. Fish Island Trail was constructed to allow motorists to drive to the lakes in the center of the Preserve.

Between 1968 and 1980, four lakes (Joe, Thomas, Mary and Chapin) and several small ponds were dug. These are the largest, open freshwater resources on the Island, and are renowned for their birdlife and fisheries. Since 1981, the Sea Pines Public Service District has utilized the wetlands known as Boggy Gut for innovative filtration of advanced-treated water.

Our Forest Preserve is staffed by a full-time ranger, Warner Plahs, who also is the creative mind behind the creatures of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Just recently a request was mailed to property owners asking for help to support the Preserve by donating to the Sea Pines Museum and Forest Preserve Foundation. Your tax-deductible contribution helped build a new sign for the Lawton Entrance and will allow continued stocking for kids fishing in Lake Joe.

If you have already donated thank you for your support. If not, please take a moment to contribute to the Sea Pines Museum and Forest Preserve Foundation.

Click here for Forest Preserve Rules & Regulations