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Wannamaker Nature Preserve
June 27, 2020 @ 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Audubon Wannamaker Preserve
Calhoun County, SC
Saturday, June 27, 2020 10:30am
Trip Leader: Dave Schuetrum
Audubon Wannamaker Preserve located on Hwy 6 in Calhoun County is privately owned by the Columbia Audubon Society. It is approximately 530 acres in size and encompasses a variety of forest types. Lyons Creek flows through the middle of the property with little disturbance upstream. There are hills, valleys, seeps, and springs on the property. A trail system is in place, but I would recommend getting off some of the trails to see the real beauty of the land. The hardwood drains are superb with some black walnut and 150-year-old Loblolly Pine in places.
George Sterling was granted the property in 1705 and it was one of the first settlements in the area. The original Cherokee Trail traversed the property and Sterling established an outpost to trade with the Indians on the trail near Lyons Creek on the property. The land was last owned by John Wannamaker who farmed the property and had cattle. He had a love for the woods and willed it to be a preserve upon his death.
Jan Ciegler compiled a beetle list of over 640 species. There is a species of butterfly that has carnivorous caterpillars (help me, butterfly people). Steve Bennett, a retired SCDNR Herpetologist, studied the seeps for amphibians. I am sure there is much more to be discovered. There is a pavilion with picnic tables as well as a restroom. There is no potable water so bring your own.
Directions
Coming from the west, the entrance is 4.6 miles east of St. Matthews on Hwy 6.
Coming from the east, the entrance is 17.5 miles from I-95 at Santee on Hwy 6.
GPS coordinates for the entrance: 33 38.149, 80 42.206.
There will be a SCAN sign at the gate.
Dinner
Dinner will be at the Thai House 2. They have outdoor seating and are vegetarian friendly. It is just on the east side of I-95 at Santee.
9086 Old Number Six Hwy
Santee, SC 29142
803-854-9060