Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
Myrtle Beach & The Grand Strand
The refuge encompasses approximately 30,000 acres that include large sections of tidal emergent wetlands, forested wetlands and upland forests associated with the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers. Wetland habitats range from historical and actively managed tidal rice fields to black water and alluvial flood plain forested wetlands of the Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee Rivers. Species such as swallow-tailed kite, osprey, wood stork, white ibis, prothonotary warbler and many species of waterfowl can be observed on a seasonal basis. The refuge and surrounding area support the highest density of nesting swallow-tailed kites in South Carolina and it's the northernmost documented nesting site for this species. The visitor center houses a state-of-the-art environmental education center, exhibit hall, auditorium, and nature store. The Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area is a 325-acre property located on W. Cox Ferry Rd, in Conway, S.C. It offers the public three miles of interpretive nature trails, a mountain biking trail, boardwalk, kiosks and a weather shelter with picnic tables.
