"The best birding center in South Carolina and the Southeast."
Santee NW Refuge 2125 Fort Watson Rd. Summerton, SC 29148
803-478-2217 West of I-95, exit 102 @ US 301/US 15, 6 miles south of Summerton, SC
BE A FRIEND, BRING A FRIEND.
Events are held often and coming events of the Friends of Santee Refuge will be announced.
Come join in.
The Santee National Wildlife Refuge is proud to announce our participation in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count from February 12th – 15th, 2010. This annual bird count is organized by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a way for people of all ages and level of bird-watching experience to participate in observing birds in their backyard, off their balcony, or at their local refuge! Each year, tens of thousands of people throughout the U.S. and Canada take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Each checklist will contribute valuable information for conservation, by submitting the data online at www.birdcount.org. The information gathered through this bird count will help scientists understand how the distributions of birds are changing over time.
The refuge will host an early morning bird walk on Saturday February 13th starting at 7:30 am as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Refuge staff hopes to observe wintering sandhill cranes as well as snow geese from the trail’s observation tower to add to the count tally. Ducks, geese, and a variety of wintering songbirds may also be seen. Interested participants should meet at the visitor center.
We are also encouraging visitors to the refuge to observe and keep track of all birds seen during the 4-day count period. Individuals interested in participating can pick up a bird check list at the refuge’s visitor center or information kiosk at the Cuddo Unit and start counting. Not only is the count keeping track of different species seen but also numbers of each of those species. Once a person has completed their hike, drive, or bicycle ride around the refuge, they can return their checklist to the refuge visitor center, where staff will compile the sightings of all participants. Individuals must return their checklist to the visitor center no later than February 15th for their count to be included, and if the visitor center is not open when you come by, the refuge will have a box on the front porch for folks to leave their checklists. Please make sure that participant names and contact information is included.
Santee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 as a sanctuary for migratory birds. The refuge encompasses just over 12,400 acres of habitat along the banks of Lake Marion in four separate units. The refuge visitor center as well as the Santee Indian Mound and site of Fort Watson are located on the Bluff Unit, 8 miles south of Summerton on Hwy 15/301.
Santee NWR is one of 550 national wildlife refuges across the country that make up over 150 million acres of land and water for fish and wildlife conservation. The refuge system offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, environmental education, wildlife observation and photography. Each year, about 40 million Americans discover the wonders of nature by visiting a wildlife refuge. There is at least one wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count and visitor opportunities at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, contact Susan Heisey, Park Ranger, at 803-478-2217 or susan_heisey@fws.gov
Santee National Wildlife Refuge and Santee: 803-478-2217
Santee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 as a sanctuary for migratory birds. The refuge encompasses just over 15,000 acres of habitat along the banks of Lake Marion in four separate units. The refuge visitor center as well as the Santee Indian Mound and site of Fort Watson are located on the Bluff Unit, 8 miles south of Summerton on Hwy 15/301.
This year, Refuge Week also focuses on the health of the world’s birds − especially those that depend on refuge lands and waters for nesting, foraging, wintering or rest stops on their migration routes. Last spring a national report by the Department of the Interior credited conservation efforts over the past four decades with saving some species from extinction. The bald eagle and peregrine falcon are among them. However, the “State of the Birds” report noted major population drops for several other bird species, particularly along the coasts, in Hawaii and in the North, where 38 percent of Arctic nesting birds are thought to be in decline. Threats to birds include climate change, loss of habitat and disease.
Meanwhile, the number of Americans enjoying birding as a hobby is on the rise. More than 40 million Americans feed wild birds at home or travel to see them. National Wildlife Refuges − many of which were first established as bird sanctuaries − are finding new ways to encourage and support birding.
“Birds are key indicators of our nation’s environmental health,” says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton. “Their ability to survive is a measure of the quality of our air and water, the fertility of our soil, the abundance of our natural resources − factors on which human health also depend. National Wildlife Refuge Week is a perfect time to remember how interdependent all species are.”
There are 550 national wildlife refuges across the country that make up over 150 million acres of land and water for fish and wildlife conservation. The refuge system also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, environmental education, wildlife observation and photography. Many wildlife refuges offer nature hikes, bird watching tours, wildlife drives and trails, and other adventures. Each year, about 40 million Americans discover the wonders of nature by visiting a wildlife refuge. There is at least one wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
For more information about Santee National Wildlife Refuge, contact the refuge office at 803-478-2217 or email Susan_Heisey@fws.gov .
SANTEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Santee National Wildlife Refuge announces opening of the refuge for public hunting of white-tailed deer and raccoon during the special seasons listed below. Please note that non-toxic shot is required when hunting with shotguns.
The deer hunt schedule begins with the special Youth Hunt on the Bluff Unit. As announced during May and June, there will not be deer hunting on the Cuddo Unit this year due to extensive road repairs. A week long primitive weapons hunt on Pine Island will start October 5th and end October 10th. Additionally, the Refuge is will be hosting two special quota deer hunts on the Bluff Unit this fall. These special hunts, called “Family, Friends, and Kids” are an effort to encourage adults to share an outdoor experience with kids by bringing a child hunting with them.
Refuge visitors should also note that for the protection of all visitors, Refuge units that are open to public deer hunts are closed to general public access during designated hunt periods.
Four managed hunts for white-tailed deer will be held on the Refuge in 2009 as follows:
Bluff Unit Youth Hunt; Quota Hunt September 25-26, 2009
Pine Island Unit Primitive Weapons Only October 5-10, 2009
Bluff Unit Family, Friends, Kids; Quota October 2-3, 2009
Bluff Unit Family, Friends, Kids; Quota October 16-17, 2009
For the Pine Island hunt, long, recurved, or compound bows and muzzle loading (black powder) rifles only are permitted. All other weapons including handguns and crossbows are prohibited.
For the Bluff Unit Special Hunts, only shotgun slug or muzzle loading black powder rifle are allowed.
For the Special Bluff Unit Hunts, Youth or Family, Friends and Kids Hunts, a completed application form must be returned to Refuge Headquarters by September 15, 2009. These forms and instructions are available on line at: http://www.fws.gov/santee/pdf/09SanteeBluffUnitHuntsInstructions.pdf
or by calling the Refuge Headquarters office at 803-478-2217(Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.) or by written request to Santee NWR, 2125 Fort Watson Road, Summerton, SC 29148.
There is no bag limit for the deer hunts and either sex may be taken. Antlerless deer tags will be furnished by the refuge at each check station. Hunters may legally harvest feral hogs as an incidental take while hunting for deer. Feral hogs are an exotic species and the refuge is allowing this harvest as an effort to minimize potential habitat degradation. All deer and hogs killed on the refuge must be checked at the check station prior to removing the animal from the refuge.
Hunters under age 17 years old are reminded that they must complete a state approved hunter education course before they are allowed to hunt on any National Wildlife Refuge. This requirement applies to all refuge hunts. Evidence of successful completion of such a course will be required. In addition, all youth hunters (under age 16) must be supervised by an adult at least 21 years of age.
To be eligible for Youth Deer hunts, applicants must be at least 10 years and no more than 17 years of age and must possess a valid hunter education certificate. For the Family, Friends, and Kids hunts, eligible youths and adults can hunt. Stands and access will be provided by the Refuge during the Bluff Unit Special Hunts. Please obtain detailed rules and instructions about these hunts from our brochure or the Refuge webpage.
The refuge will also host a raccoon and opossum hunt from 6:00 p.m. on March 1, 2010 through 6:00 a.m. on March 13, 2010. No hunting will be permitted on Sunday, March 7, 2009. Night hunting only is permitted and special State regulations on night hunting apply. Raccoons and opossums may be taken with a shotgun using non-toxic shot size no larger than #4's or a .22 caliber rimfire rifle.
All hunts, except special Youth Only quota hunts on the Bluff Unit, are open to anyone who wishes to participate. A permit is required for all hunts. A free refuge permit allowing participation in all hunts is included on the lower front portion of the hunting regulations brochure. A special refuge permit, signed by the hunter, along with a valid State hunting license, and photo identification (such as a driver’s license) are required and must be in your possession while hunting.
Camping, overnight parking, ATV’s and open fires are not permitted during any of the hunts. Dogs may be used only for raccoon and opossum hunting. Man-drives, stalk hunting and dog drives are prohibited. Special regulations and/or restrictions apply to all refuge hunts.
Scouting on the Pine Island Unit is allowed during periods when it is open to general public access. Hunter access for Pine Island roads will be opened only during each deer hunt and on the Friday and Saturday prior to each hunt to allow hunters to place their stands on the area. Stands may be placed on respective hunt areas on the Friday and Saturday immediately prior to each hunt (from 8 am until 5 pm) and must be removed by 8:30 pm on the last day of each hunt. Weapons and dogs are not allowed during scouting.
Refuge gates for hunting areas will be open from 5:00 am until 8:30 pm during designated hunt periods. All other access (i.e., scouting and stand placement) will be limited to the refuge's normal hours of operation (April - September: 7:00 am until 7:00 pm; October - March: 8:00 am until 5:00 pm).
Hunters are limited to one stand per person regardless of type, including tree stands, ground blinds, and ladder stands. Deer stands on the refuge must be clearly marked with the owner's name and telephone number.
Hunters are reminded that littering is a serious problem on the refuge. Regulations against littering will be enforced.
Since refuge hunting regulations often include changes from years past, hunters are advised to study a copy of current regulations before hunting on the refuge. Any questions regarding permitted activities and all requests for information about hunting, fishing, and other public use programs should be directed to: Santee National Wildlife Refuge, 2125 Fort Watson Road, Summerton, SC 29148. Information may also be obtained by telephoning (803) 478-2217. Hunters may also find information on the Refuge website at: http://www.fws.gov/santee/
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service, is the world's premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants. Since President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida's Pelican Island as the first wildlife refuge in 1903, the System has grown to more than 150 million acres, 550 national wildlife refuges and other units of the Refuge System, plus 37 wetland management districts. The agency oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to State fish and wildlife agencies.
- FWS -
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2nd Santee Birding Festival
April 24-26, 2009 Santee National Wildlife Refuge
803-478-2217 Summerton, SC Santee Cultural Arts Center Santee, SC Click on date for Link to details. REGISTRATION FORMS ONLINE http://www.fws.gov/santee/images/SanteeBirdingNatureFestival.pdf |
With a variety of places to see and explore, there will be plenty for all to enjoy like: the Audubon Center at Beidler Forest, Brosnan Forest, Congaree National Park, Santee State Park, Poinsett State Park, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Santee Swamp and Wannamaker Preserve, Audubon Sanctuary. In addition to birding trips, there will be guided canoe and kayak tours, butterfly walks, wildlife photography workshops, behind-the-scenes tours of Santee Ntional Wildlife Refuge, conservation exhibits, music and food.
See details: http://www.fws.gov/santee/Santee-birding-festival-2009.pdf
Listing of events below:
Event Times & Fees: Friday, April 24th
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration - Santee Cultural Arts Center
7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Santee NWR (Bluff Unit) & Dingle Pond $15
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Audubon Center at Beidler Forest Canoe & Kayak Trip $20 adult / $12 child
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Audubon Center at Beidler Forest Boardwalk & Trail Tour $10
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fish Eagle Boat Tours $25
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Santee NWR Archeology Field Trip $10
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Santee Lakes Sampler $10
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Santee NWR (Cuddo Unit) $10
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Santee NWR (Pine Island Unit) $10
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker Event & Dinner, Holiday Inn, Santee $30
Saturday, April 25th
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration - Santee Cultural Arts Center
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Birding with Pete Dunne – Santee NWR (Cuddo Unit) $65
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Santee Swamp Canoe & Kayak Excursion $20 adult/$12 child
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wannamaker Preserve Audubon Sanctuary $10
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Audubon Center at Beidler Forest & Brosnan Forest $15
7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Manchester State Forest & Poinsett State Park $15
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Santee NWR - Wildlife Management & Research $5
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wildlife Photography Workshop with Len Rue $75
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Commemorative Battle of Fort Watson FREE
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Art of Pishing with Pete Dunne – book & CD included $45
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Santee NWR - Kid’s Nature Walk FREE
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Santee NWR - Butterfly Walk $10
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Giant Cement Quarry Fossil Walk with Rudy Mancke $30
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Countdown (Finger Foods provided) FREE
Sunday, April 26th
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration - Santee Cultural Arts Center
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Santee NWR (Bluff Unit) $10
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Santee NWR (Cuddo Unit) $10
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Santee State Park $10
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Congaree National Park FREE
7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Manchester State Forest & Poinsett State Park $15
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Fish Eagle Boat Tours $25
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wildlife Photography Workshop with Len Rue $75
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Congaree National Park Canoe & Kayak Trip FREE
Event totals:
Participant Name(s), Etc.:
Send info to Santee NWE Refuge
2125 Fort Watson Rd. Summerton, SC 29148
Audubon of South Carolina The Beach Company - Cantey Bay Plantation
Carolina Bird Club Holiday Inn—Santee
National Park Service Nature Adventure Outfitters
Santee Cooper Country Santee Cooper Public Service Authority
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
South Carolina State Parks South Carolina Forestry Commission
Town of Santee Tricounty Regional Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Woodley’s Garden Center
.. This was great. See the report of the walk on the Past Friends Events ....
Birding and Nature Walk on June 16 (2007) with Josh Arrants
At Santee National Wildlife Refuge
The public is invited to join the refuge staff and
Friends of Santee National Wildlife Refuge for a birding and nature walk with
local naturalist Josh Arrants. Josh will lead a guided bird walk leaving
from the Wrights' Bluff Nature Trail parking area at 8:30 AM. A combination driving and walking tour on the Bluff Unit will provide participants with an opportunity to see and hear a number of delightful songbirds including the very colorful Painted Bunting. Other songbirds we can expect to encounter include: orchard orioles, common yellow-throats, blue grosbeaks, northern parulas, indigo buntings, summer tanagers, yellow-billed cuckoos, osprey, and red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks. Sightings of nearly 300 bird species have been recorded on Santee National Wildlife Refuge,
making it one of the best inland bird watching areas in South Carolina.
Bring your binoculars and fields guides for a great day of bird watching.
Call the refuge office at 803-478-2217 for information or to sign up for the walk. You may also email Park Ranger Kay McCutcheon (kay_mccutcheon@fws.gov) with participant information (name, # in party, telephone number). Pre-registration is not required, but the refuge staff would like to have an estimate of the number of attendees.
Call Santee National Wildlife Refuge at 803-478-2217 for more information or to learn about wildlife observation and public use opportunities on the refuge. National Wildlife Refuges protect some of our nation’s most unique, spectacular and truly wild places. Learn more about your National Wildlife Refuge System by visiting one of the eight refuges found in South Carolina. Follow the links from http://refuges.fws.gov to find information on your favorite refuge destination.
grounds landscaping is planned.
Come walk Nature Trails, there's been some renovation.
mail your membership or renewal to:
Friends of Santee NW Refuge
2125 Fort Watson Rd.
Summerton, SC 29148
Friends
of Santee National Wildlife Refuge 
Santee NW Refuge 2125 Fort Watson
Rd. Summerton, SC 29148
803-478-2217 West of I-95, exit 102 @ US 301/US 15, 6 miles south of Summerton, SC
803-478-2217 West of I-95, exit 102 @ US 301/US 15, 6 miles south of Summerton, SC