Taking a hike through the wilderness next door.
Will Mundhenke, State Naturalist
There is nothing quite like the early blooms of Spring to make us start feeling restless for a breath of fresh air. As the greys of winter start giving way to the multicolored hues of the new season, we are fortunate to have a plentiful variety of SCDNR Heritage Preserves and Wildlife Management Areas to explore. Shealy’s Pond Heritage Preserve is a 62-acre piece of public land managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The property was acquired partly for its natural wonders such as the rare Rayner’s blueberry or the yellow and purple pitcher plants. Another purpose is to provide South Carolinians with a location near the capital city to stretch their legs and experience our state’s natural and cultural resources.
banks.
Shealy’s Pond is just 9 miles outside of Lexington, South Carolina and provides an opportunity to experience wildlife and unique biodiversity for the visitor looking to hike the easy 1.4 mile loop trail. Upon entering the preserve, you are greeted with grey squirrels scampering up and down turkey oaks while the stately northern cardinal and Carolina wren greet your presence with their persistent song. American holly is present at the trailhead and reminds us of the beauty that our native flora holds. Note the greater amount of leaf points that differentiate the American holly from its European counterpart. The beautiful – albeit invasive – wisteria’s lavender blooms are striking on the green backdrop. Asian derived wisteria was transported to South Carolina from China in the early 20th century. The flowers are a consistent Spring reminder of the battle our native species fight against their invasive counterparts each year.
As you continue down the trail, the upland ecosystem of turkey oaks and flowering dogwoods gives way to a boggy, nutrient rich bottomland habitat. This ecosystem supports an uncommon grove of Atlantic white cedar trees that grow upwards of 50 to 80 feet in height. These impressive trees are only found in remote sections of South Carolina and their bark is distinctive from the eastern red cedar with a pale grey coloration with great reach. This stand of cedars has a few senior residents with some dating 150 years old. The Atlantic white cedar serves an important ecological function as it filters and purifies water flowing through its grove.
Carolina.
During your visit you may hear fighter jets, likely from the local air base, that can silence the wood’s chatter with a deafening sonic boom. A quick reminder of the urban part of urban preserves. However, the woods will quickly recover, and the warblers and gnatcatchers will continue their courtship rituals. This experience can be a reminder of our impact on the landscape – and soundscape – for which we are stewards.
Wildlife and humans have interacted on the piedmont landscape since the earliest days of exploration and settlement by indigenous peoples. There has been a consistent interchange of give and take from a working landscape that served as a hunting ground, fishing hole, mill pond, and now a sanctuary for urban flora and fauna. Shealy’s Pond is just one of the many Heritage Preserves and Wildlife Management Areas available to the public and stands as a great example of an urban greenspace ready to welcome visitors. Spring is a wonderful season in the midlands with surprising pops of color around every bend in the trail. Next time you feel the call to head into the great outdoors, check out one of many SCDNR Heritage Preserves like Shealy’s Pond.
understory of its taller neighbors – the towering Atlantic White Cedars.
Activities at the Heritage Preserve
There are numerous outdoor recreation opportunities at Shealy’s Pond Heritage Preserve. The most popular activity is coupling hiking with wildlife viewing. With enough patience and observational skills, you may catch a belted kingfisher speedily swooping down on an unsuspecting bluegill. You can also find eastern wild turkeys, whitetail deer, beavers, grey squirrels, and many more fauna that call the Heritage Preserve home. Fishing and paddling are enjoyable in the warmer weather, and you can catch largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, and chain pickerel with a little good luck. Taking a kayak or canoe upstream to Scouter Creek is a fun adventure on its own. Note that motorized boats are not permitted, and hunting is not allowed at this location.
Wilderness Safety Considerations
As with any excursion into the outdoors, it is wise to prepare for the conditions that may be present. Sunscreen and bug repellants such as permethrin are recommended to prevent sunburns and tick bites. Along with topical treatments, wearing long pants and boots can help deter potential tick bites, but always perform a full body scan after a day in the woods. If you plan to enjoy the Preserve by kayak or canoe, always wear a life jacket and carry a whistle in case of an emergency. Letting a friend or family member know of your location and float plan is a good idea. The trail along the mill pond can be boggy so sturdy footwear that can get a little muddy will make your journey more enjoyable. Remember to always give wildlife their space and to leave the Heritage Preserve better than when you arrived by practicing Leave No Trace ethics such as packing out any trash you bring in and taking home nothing but photos and memories.
wildlife as you are a visitor to their home.
Additional Resources
Shealy’s Pond Heritage Preserve
https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/74
South Carolina Trails
https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/shealy-s-pond-heritage-preserve
SCDNR Shealy’s Pond Heritage Preserve Video Tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijLmwvGmtzY
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