Nestled in the south end of Hilton Head Island is a 50-acre nature preserve called the
Audubon Newhall Preserve. As the island was rapidly being developed, Caroline
“Beany” Newhall saw the need to preserve the natural areas and woodlands. In 1965,
with land deeded by Charles Frasier, the Island Wildlife Preserve was established. In
1976, the Preserve was deeded to Hilton Head Aububon to ensure future conservation.
The Preserve has five distinct communities within its fifty acres.
The Carolina Scrub is a woodland community ruled by pines and saw palmetto. Below
the canopy a variety of shrubs and herbaceous plants thrive. Most of Hilton Head Island
once resembled this community.
The Wetlands community is a spawning ground for insects, fish and animal wildlife. It
serves to purify water and store floodwater. Only forty million acres of this nation’s
swampland forests in the southeast remain. The loss of wetlands greatly contributes to
the decline of migratory birds and other wildlife.
The Pine Flatwoods is another type of wetland in the Preserve. It is a dramatically
different environment dominated by pine trees growing in a low-level basin. There is no
saw palmetto to be found in this area.
The Pond Trail is home to indigenous hardwood trees. Along the water line you will find
Cherokee rose, native to China, this plant is now naturalized throughout the
southeastern United States.
Three Other Trails grace the preserve. In the spring these trails are awash in yellow,
pink and white blooms from an assortment of trees and shrubs.
Wildlife abounds and over 140 bird species have been recorded within the confines of
the Preserve. Stroll the easy trail to unwind and recharge. There is a boardwalk and
wide paths, many benches to sit and rest as well as an observation deck overlooking
the pond.
The Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Please be aware of your
surroundings. The Preserve is home to alligators, snakes and many other species of
wildlife. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed. Native materials and plants may not
be removed. Smoking is not permitted within the 50-acre Preserve due to the ever
present danger of fire.
Entrance to the Preserve is free but donations are always welcome. For additional
information please go to https://hiltonheadaudubon.org/audubon-newhall-preserve/
