WHOOPING CRANE POND CONSERVANC Y
Wetlands Conservancy
Monitored and protected by the Land Trust, Whooping Crane Pond Conservancy is a 137 acre wetlands conservancy located within the gates of Hilton Head Plantation. Formed as a shallow valley between ancient shoreline dunes, it consists primarily of freshwater black gum (or tupelo) forested swamp and open "savannah" swamp. Surrounding the wetlands is a swamp edge transition zone of thick, head-high bushes that separates the swamp from the pine dominated uplands. This breadth of habitats supports approximately 75 plant species and 100 wildlife species, identified by various interpretive signs throughout the Conservancy.
The Conservancy consists of two distinct components. The first is along the the Nancy Cathcart Path which winds through a dry pine forest consisting of numerous old growth hardwoods. The Path joins the second section of trail on the Whooping Crane Boardwalk. The Boardwalk stretches over 1,100 feet and allows access to the heart of the swamp, without disturbing this delicate ecosystem.
Since 1986, the Hilton Head Public Service District has supplied highly treated reclaimed water to restore Cypress and Whooping Crane conservancies and in doing so has played a key role in the sustainability of Hilton Head’s environment. Reclaimed water is the longest running and most beneficial green technology on Hilton Head.
The Land Trust surveys the plants and animals of the Conservancy, places interpretive signage along the boardwalk and trails, and provides informational brochures to visitors. To learn more about the Conservancy, email the Land Trust.
Where is Whooping Crane Pond Conservancy Located?
This Conservancy is located within a private neighborhood called Hilton Head Plantation. Access is restricted to those individuals living in Hilton Head Plantation and Sea Pines. To learn more about the Conservancy, email the Land Trust.
