About: The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a 605 acre nature preserve in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. It's a protected area for wildlife and outdoor activities featuring trails, boardwalks, bridle paths, fresh water lakes, a wildflower meadow, and 4,000-year-old ring of shells made by Indian moundbuilders. The National Audubon Society has recognized the area as an "Important Bird Area.
There is a 3-acre wildflower field next to the picnic area at Fish Island, which has a good display of wildflowers in spring and summer. This is a good area for Killdeer, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Bluebirds, Purple Martins and Mourning Doves. Beyond the wildflower field lie open fields and forest edge that may be the best passerine-watching location on the Island, particularly during migration or nesting season. The area contains diverse habitat, with many small trees and shrubs. Morning birding is optimum with the sun behind when facing the forest edge.
Location: The West entrance is located on Greenwood Drive, one mile south of the Sea Pines Main Gate. Maps are available showing a path along a lagoon to trails following a boardwalk, a restored rice dike along the marsh edge, and a woodland trail. Beyond the boardwalk the trails lead to the Preserve lakes.
The East entrance is via Lawton Road off North Sea Pines Drive one-half mile beyond the Sea Pines Ocean Gate. Turn right on Lawton Road, take the third right after the Hilton Head Prep Fraser Field House, and park adjacent to a shelter on the left. The trailhead is just past the shelter.
The third entrance is also via Lawton Road and is the access to the Preserve’s lakes, wildflower garden and picnic pavilion. Approach as per the East entrance, but turn immediately left after turning off Lawton Drive. Follow the asphalt road along the canal to the sign directing a right turn toward the fishing lakes. There are 3 lakes in a row, all of which might have numerous wading birds and waterfowl. There is a rookery at Lake Mary.
