Enjoying Pinckney Island near Hilton Head Island, SC
On an unseasonably warm day on Hilton Head Island I headed to one of my favorite peaceful places: Pinckney Island. This is a national wildlife refuge managed by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. In total it's over 4,000 acres and includes Pinckney Island as well as Corn Island, Big and Little Harry Island, and Buzzard Island. There are other small 'hammocks' but Pinckney is the only one open to public.
The beautiful maritime forests, salt marshes, grasslands, freshwater ponds, and tidal creeks. Its name omes from one of the owners; Charles Pinckney, father of General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney - a commander during the Revolutionary war, as well as a signer of the U. S. Constitution and a presidential candidate.
The Pinckney family at one time actually developed the islands into a plantation and removed much of the maritime forest and by 1840 there were almost 400 slaves used to produce fine quality Sea Island cotton. During the Civil War the plantation was occupied by Union Troops. A series of other owners and uses ensued until 1975 when it was donated to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It's virtually untouched and is home to a wide range of animals. It's a wonderful opportunity to listen to the yellow rumped warblers as they flit through the trees, smile at the ibis digging for snails in the mud flats, watch the ospreys as they circle, plunge down, then shriek with glee when they catch a fish. Because there are freshwater ponds, there are some alligators that lurk in the ponds that are scattered on the various hammocks. From the snails that crawl up the stalks of the sea grass, to the fiddler crabs, the whole island is teeming with nature. It's important to remember that this is a true natural habitat; there are no restrooms anywhere on any of the islands. You may not remove any artifacts that you may come across and no vegetation may be removed - that includes the pine cones, or beautiful leaves that may fall, or the feathers shed by the birds. There is no fishing allowed in the freshwater ponds or the saltwater marsh areas. Pets are not allowed on Pinckney Island. There are 8 walking trails with varying lengths so you have all kinds of options depending on your levels of fitness - another tip, the trails are either grassy or on a rough gravel road so bring sturdy walking shoes. If you bring your bicycle, it's a nice opportunity to take in the trails and views. The most important thing to remember is that you can enjoy this beautiful natural place but - as at the beach - leave only your footprints.
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