It’s Wild Out Here…

..that’s part of the plan.

If you venture off storied U.S. Highway 1, outside of McBee, don’t be alarmed by sightings of native wildlife… that’s part of the plan.

Set on over 46,000 acres, the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is just that, a refuge for animals and insects, all in a natural gallery for your viewing pleasure.

From a tall observation tower at Oxpen Lake you may catch a glimpse of ducks skimming the waters surface, a beaver curiously swimming about, a white-tailed deer at waters edge, or the colorful beauty of wildflowers and vegetation.

The refuge was created in 1939, it’s purpose was to provide habitat for migratory birds and demonstrate management practices that enhance the area’s natural resources.

One would never imagine when passing these lush forest acres from Highway 1 what they behold… just for you. Hiking trails that let you get up close and personal to nature, fishing ponds, lakes, and so much more. I can remember taking our grandson on a quick drive through one afternoon, stopping at one of the roadside ponds, letting him launch a lure in, and BOOM he was reeling in an impressive Largemouth bass.

Make an outing of it with a picnic at Lake Bee Recreation Area, shelters with dozens of tables and nearby restrooms provide just the spot for time with family & friends in a beautiful setting.

Rather stay in the car? Not a problem, the refuge holds 140 miles of “dirt”, gravel, and paved roadways that let you travel about and absorb all the awesome that surrounds you.

The refuge is an alluring and fascinating place, and each visit, I see or experience something different than before. Recently I decided to sojourn and as I passed a forest, a pond, and then a hiking trail, I thought of the magnitude of resources needed to keep this slice of earth available for me to revel in. Those who work to maintain the refuge are doing a fine job indeed.

So, if you find yourself in the area, take a few moments, enter the enchanting Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, located at 23734 U.S. Highway 1, McBee… you’ll not be disappointed.

Whew… all that adventure, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, could work up an appetite, but not to worry, nearby Sonny’s in McBee offers up some tasty menu items, look’em up – www.facebook.com/sonnys.mcbee or call (843) 335-7784… a great way to finish off the day!

To learn more about Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge and other opportunities visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Carolina_Sandhills/

by Rodney