A Hammock Coast Nature Guide in Celebration of Earth Day

Pawleys Island lies off Waccamaw Neck, a long, narrow peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Waccamaw River. A beautiful salt marsh separates the four-mile barrier island from the mainland. 

Pawleys Island has nine public beach access parking lots, including the largest free public beach access lot in Georgetown County at its south end. A local tip: This beach at the sound end of Springs Avenue offers great shelling at low tide. 

The salt marsh also makes up the magic at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet. Park at the end of the causeway and walk both sides to see the marsh during a visit. The park also has three miles of undeveloped beach for surf fishing, along with the one-third mile Kerrigan Nature Trail that leads to an observation deck and the two-mile Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail through a maritime forest of ancient dunes covered in oaks, pines, and cedars.

Nature lovers can take advantage of guided “field trips” and environmental programs held through November. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including alligators and loggerhead turtles, along with more than 300 species of birds. 

Brookgreen Gardens, which is hosting an Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 20, is also home to amazing birdwatching. The event is included in Garden Admission. Meet at the Butterly field for a day filled with educational activities for all ages, including STEAM stations and games that teach about the natural environment.

Another great birdwatching site is Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre preserve that is open for tours. Carolina Chickadees, American Oystercatchers, and Lesser Yellowlegs sightings have been recorded at Hobcaw Barony. A three-hour Explore Hobcaw Barony Tour takes place at 10 a.m. on April 20 with stops at the North Inlet salt marsh, Bellefield Plantation grounds, and the main floor of Hobcaw House. Two-hour Discover Tours take place on April 22 where visitors can get a glimpse of the various ecosystems that make up the research reserve. 

Book a stay in a great Pawleys Island property, like The Porch, a four-bedroom property with gorgeous views of the ocean and a private creek dock for fishing and crabbing. Or book the six-bedroom End of the Rainbow where guests can take in the sunset from the creek dock, the home’s sunset porch, or the second story of the lookout on the beach. A view of the sunrise from the second-story lookout is also amazing, as is nightly stargazing.