Woodbury HP and WMA

It has been a while since we have been able to visit the Woodbury Tract due to flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms, but it looks like we will not get rained/flooded out this year. Thanks to the generosity of the Ervin family, we will be staying overnight at Ark Lodge which will give us extra time to cover more ground in our ramblings. The Woodbury Tract is a 25,668-acre Heritage Preserve/WMA, owned by the SCDNR. It is situated south of US Route 378 and between the Great Pee Dee and Little Pee Dee Rivers. Ark Lodge is owned by the Ervin family and is located on 200 acres adjacent to the Little Pee Dee River.

On previous trips to, we explored the grounds of Ark Lodge on Saturday, and depending on the potential for hunting activity, we may start this trip out in the same fashion. On this trip I hope to take the group to a couple of my favorite spots, one being a relatively undisturbed pine stand that supports a variety of grasses and forbs that are adapted for life in a xeric habitat. When we head downgradient, toward a swamp managed for ducks, we will see bay forest wetlands that border the pine habitat. We tried to go to this area on our last couple of trips to Woodbury, but the sand on the road was too deep for some vehicles to get through. I think we have enough Subaru owners in the group now, and Jerry said he would bring his truck, so we should be able to carpool to reach these locations with no trouble. Francis says that the water level in the Little Pee Dee River has been low this summer, but I encourage you to bring along your kayak or canoe for some paddling on one of South Carolina’s most beautiful rivers (my personal opinion).

Accommodations: This is intended to be a camping trip; however, a limited number of beds are available in the Lodge, as well as fold-out sofas and cots in the great-room of the Lodge. There are three bedrooms with two beds in each room; therefore, rooms may have to be shared. Two full bathrooms are in the Lodge and are accessed through the bedrooms. I recommend bringing sleeping bags or blankets, so we do not dirty up the linens. Towels and toiletry items should also be brought along. Flooding associated with hurricane Florence ruined the smaller guest house, which is now slated for demolition. I would ask that the Lodge accommodations be reserved for our “veteran” members and those with medical issues that prevent them from camping. There is a large grassy area in front of the Lodge as well as shady areas to the sides and in the rear that are suitable for pitching tents. For those that would like to participate both days, but would rather stay in a hotel, Conway is only 16.5 miles from the Park ‘n Blow, however I encourage you to stay with us at the Lodge as we always have fun socializing late into the night.