The Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve opened on June 1, 1971.
Charles and Joseph Fraser of the Sea Pines’ founding family filed legal covenants in 1970 dedicating the 606 acres in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve as a Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Recreation Facility.
The Frasers created the Preserve for everyone to enjoy and appreciate the varied bounty of our very special natural environment.
The Forest Preserve is one of Hilton Head’s finest assets.
Many visitors consider a visit to the Preserve the highlight of their visit here. It offers an insight into the value of land left in its natural state for thousands of visitors to enjoy.
A Shell Ring made by Indian Mound builders 4,000 years ago, sits within the Preserve. That’s the same time as the Pyramids! Locals used to say that the Ring had some religious significance, but scholars say that the Ring was created around a campsite and old oyster shells form its base. Ancient artifacts have also been found there to give the historians insight into the Indians’ daily life.
The Preserve provides an oasis of valuable natural habitats in an otherwise heavily developed coastal island.
The “Forest” describes the varieties of trees and plants. You might be able to enjoy the spectacular wildflower meadow in full bloom by Lake Thomas. Don’t miss the herons nesting by the thousands on the shores.
The wildlife flourishes in the Preserve. Visitors often pass alligators basking in the fishing lakes or sunning themselves on the banks. The Hilton Head Whitetail Deer population is also very prolific, although rarely spotted during daylight hours.
Over 200 species of birds live in the Preserve.
The National Audubon Society recognizes the area as an “Important Bird Area”. Ornithologists come from all around to view the birdlife in and around Lakes Mary, Thomas and Joe.
Lawton Stables offers one-hour guided Western-style trail rides into The Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve on gentle horses for adults and children at least eight years old. Call (843) 671-2586 or visit www.lawtonstables.com for more information and reservations.
Courtesy of Lawton Stables
