People tend not to think of rare plant and animal species when they think of Myrtle Beach. Yet, not far from the Grand Strand’s signature city, and just off the beaten path of Conway, sits a nature preserve of over 10,000 acres that feels worlds away from the sights and sounds of the popular beach town. Not only do endangered red cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) make habitat within the preserve’s longleaf pine trees (Pinus palustrus) – themselves rare species due to over-harvesting – but rare and endangered Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) can be observed in the longleaf pine savannahs of the preserve.
Though Venus flytraps (seen below) can be found for sale in most nurseries or hardware stores, their natural range is quite limited, and South Carolina can boast that it is home to the carnivorous plant. Though its range technically extends from Charleston County to the Green Swamp of North Carolina, it is primarily found within Horry County in the Palmetto State. In fact, no populations are presently known below Horry County. Unfortunately, the species is vulnerable to poachers who collect them to propagate and sell.
Other carnivorous plants can be found in abundance throughout the preserve, such as frogs’ breeches (Sarracenia pupurea), dwarf sundew (Drosera brevifolia), and yellow trumpet pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava), which can be seen below. The poor soil quality and drainage create ripe habitat for these plants, which use insects for supplemental nutrition. The natural communities, ranging from sandy flatwoods to pine savannahs, allow for great species diversity within the preserve. The preserve is also home to 23 Carolina bays, geographical occurrences of unknown origins. The elliptical formations act as basins and collect freshwater, hosting several water-tolerant plant species such as pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens).
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the preserve undergoes regular maintenance including periodic burns to keep diversity thriving. Lewis Ocean Bay is considered a small-scale diversity site, meaning that several species of plants exist within a small area. Around 150 different plant species can be observed in 1 square meter of this site.
The preserve is also known for being the home of South Carolina’s largest population of black bears (Ursus americanus). Increased traffic due to nearby development has resulted in the accidental killing of several black bears by vehicles. A 2007 study found that 41 bears in the area were killed by cars on neighboring roads. Such encounters can be dangerous not only for bears, but also for motorists, so be on the lookout when driving near the preserve.
Nature lovers will appreciate the plant and animal diversity of Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve. A walk through the savannahs, Carolina bays, and wildflower meadows of the site make visitors feel far-removed from the hustle and bustle found just up the road. In fact, visitors need to be careful not to accidentally trample the plants that occur so frequently throughout the preserve, such as the abundance of frog’s breeches, seen above. For those looking to experience the ecology of the Grand Strand without the noise and crowds – and to see what the land off Ocean Boulevard may have looked like generations ago – venture to Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve.
My husband and I have visited the preserve twice now and it’s beautiful. But each time we were unable to get out of the car and explore the woods because our car was under attack by giant horse flies! They swarmed us and kept aggressively slamming into the car. And they seemed to follow the car as we tried to speed away from them. There were at least 20 of them after us. Has anyone else encountered this before in the preserve? Is there a time of year when they are not around?? We want to explore the area so badly, but are afraid to because we fear the giant horse flies will attack us and those bites will be VERY painful going by the size of them.
We were looking forward to walking in your preserve but we were unable to find an entrance . The road off of International was gated. It looked like a gated community was there. And we could not find an alternate entrance. Very disappointing.
Great nature preserve to hike on and explore. Bring waterproof shoes/boots if it has rained recently, the paths into the woods can get wet. The main dirt roads stay dry and can also be hiked on.
I saw what I believed to be a golden eagle today 5/10/19. Also some beautiful pitcher plants. My first visit to the preserve, I loved it! I will be back.
Loved this preserve but am struggling with ID of some of the wildflowers We took LOTS of photos. Found Pitcher plants, but no Venus Flytraps. We will visit this place often. Easy access off International Dr. When is hunting season here and what is targeted?
So glad that the preserve was enjoyed! We do not see specific hunting guidelines outlined on the SC Department of Natural Resources website, but we do have a point of contact so you’re able to reach out to get more detailed answers.
James Fowler
420 Dirleton Rd.
Georgetown, South Carolina 29440
843-546-8119
fowlerj@dnr.sc.gov
Hope this helps!
Is there an access while International Drive is closed for construction. Where will the access be once the construction is finished?
I circled this entire area looking for an entrance and parking. Where is it?
It does look a bit obscure. We searched online and never got a clear answer on how to get there so we just scoured over the area on Google Maps and it looks like you can access what is known as Telephone Rd which is located off of Water Tower Rd, here are the coordinates: 33.806525, -78.800514. There is a phone number online for a DNR office that can shed some more light on the actual entrance to this management area. That number is 843-546-8119. Hope this helps some!
It’s on International. (The section under construction). Won’t let me add a photo here.
I was hunting for deer and I saw a big mama bear with two little ones on 10-07-2017.
My home borders this preserve in my backyard. I have seen bears, almost daily, in my backyard for almost 2 weeks now. One appears to have a tracking collar. Is there any info available?
On 1/26/16 I saw a bald eagle flying right in front of me on the International Drive area heading north east. Beautiful!
Wow, thank you for sharing!
We have linked to it in the comments.
Would you be willing to share the 2007 study referenced above?
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/publications/pdf/blackbearmanagmentDRAFT.PDF
http://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1778&context=utk_gradthes
I agree, Jim. That Tara is a keeper! I loved reading this page and seeing the pictures from her trip. She is a joy to work with and I learn so much from her every day.
What a neat photographer you are in addition to all the other nice things you do for SCIWAY. I found this interesting, thanks for sharing these photos.
Jim
Thank you for your kind words, Jim!