Download Fording Island Nature Preserve Guide

FORDING ISLAND RESERVE
NATURE GUIDE
A PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE FOR
MOSS CREEK MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS
Fording Island is a small, natural island (or hammock) connected to the rest of Moss Creek
by two raised boardwalks which pass over the salt marsh. It has a general east to west
orientation. Its 11 acres comprise a pine straw/Saw Palmetto/Flatwoods plant community
which reaches its northern most extension in Beaufort and Jasper counties, and is noted
for a great variety of low-growing shrubs and herbaceous plants. These in turn provide
wonderful undisturbed habitat for a variety of wildlife including various animals, birds and
insects.
We hope that you will find this guide to be a source of education and inspiration to explore
all that the island has to offer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 3
Fording Island Reserve: An Overview…………………………….4
Plant Life…………………………………………………………………….5
Wildlife……………………………………………………………………….9
Marine Life………………………………………………………………..11
Salt Marshes of the Lowcountry: Observations…………...12
Page 4
FORDING ISLAND RESERVE: AN OVERVIEW
Besides the paved leisure trail connecting the two boardwalks, there are two loop walking
trails (East and West), both of which lead to their own observation deck on the south side of
the island. From these vantage points, you can take the time to observe and enjoy your surroundings. Some of the birds you may see include wading birds such as great Blue Herons,
Egrets, Snowy Egrets, little Blue Herons, Tri-Color Herons and Yellow Crowned Night Herons.
If you are especially lucky, you might see some birds of prey such as Bald Eagles, Ospreys,
and several types of Hawks. In fact, we are fortunate to have a large and active Osprey nest
in a tall dead pine tree on the south side of the island (East loop); please be especially careful
not to disturb them.
On the North and East part of the island (just North of the leisure trail) is a small natural bog of
“fresh” water which supports its own special flora and fauna. Throughout the island you may
notice a number of dead trees (or “snags”), which have not been removed. Unless they pose
a danger, they are left standing because they provide so many benefits to the wildlife.
Listed on the following pages are descriptions of some of the plants and trees you will see on
Fording Island that can be identified by the small signs provided. The map above will help
you locate where you are on the reserve.
Page 5
PLANT LIFE
Live Oak
This is the grand old tree of the South. Truly majestic as it ages and spreads, it may
grow to only 40-50’ tall, but its trunk can be huge (3-4’ in diameter), and its twisting
limbs often droop to the ground. It holds its leaves until spring when the new leaves
push off the old, thus it looks “alive” all year long. Live Oaks produce extremely sweet
acorns which are a major source of food for many animals. Their branches also serve
as a platform for the Resurrection Fern and a support for Spanish Moss.
Water Oak
The Water Oak grows to 60-70’ tall, usually with a rounded crown. While deciduous, it usually
holds its leaves well into the winter. Its acorns are small and black. The bark is blackish gray
and scaly. It is a “good” tree because it can absorb the large amounts of surface water that we
get from our heavy rains. In the winter, you will often see mistletoe clumps growing in its otherwise empty branches.
Red Bay
This was a very common tree in Moss Creek until about 2003/04 when they began to
die for some undetermined reason. However, they are coming back, but as a result
are still quite small. Full grown Red Bays can reach 60’ tall. Their 3-4” long evergreen
leaves are aromatic, and they produce creamy-white, bell shaped flowers.
Pignut Hickory
This Hickory can be identified by its bark which looks like water rivulets. It grows slowly and
puts down a long tap root to find sufficient fresh water sources. Green Hickory wood and nuts
can be used to flavor meat when grilling or smoking. Squirrels love the nuts, as do Wood
Ducks, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and many other birds. Because Hickory wood is strong and
resilient, it is used for tool handles, athletic equipment (especially baseball bats), and furniture.
Some early automobiles even had parts made out of Hickory.
Slash Pine
This fast growing southern Pine is extensively cultivated for wood pulp and lumber. The
seeds, bark and needles are eaten by a variety of animals. The orange to reddish brown
scales of its mature bark look furrowed and constantly shed. Both the needles and cones help
distinguish it from the Loblolly Pine. Slash Pine needles usually come in bunches of two, and
their cones are “squeezable” while Loblolly Pine needles usually are in bunches of three and
their cones are very “prickly.” Indeed, the name “Loblolly” is an Indian word for “mud puddle.”
Cabbage Palm
This true palm is also called a “Sabal Palm” or just “Palmetto” (not to be confused with the
“Saw Palmetto.” During the revolutionary battle on Sullivan’s Island, the stringy, soft wood of
the palm logs absorbed the British fleet’s cannon balls and led to an American victory, and
thus to our state tree! It can grow 30-60’ tall, live to 75 years, and has long (6’) drooping
fronds. Its tiny, fragrant cluster of white flowers turn into black berries which are devoured by
squirrels, raccoons, and birds. The Cabbage Palm’s long, stringy roots help bind the soil and
prevent erosion. Besides providing wind resistance, its soft “wood” allows it to bend in hurricane force winds without uprooting or breaking.
Page 6
PLANT LIFE
Saw Palmetto
As a shrub palm, Saw Palmettos often form impenetrable thickets. Its fan-like fronds are
armed with sharp spikes resembling teeth of a saw, and can easily cut you if you are not
careful. Small white flowers which appear in June produce a dark berry in the fall, which are
enjoyed by birds and other small animals. The spiny and sharp stalks provide cover and
nesting areas for reptiles, White-Tailed Deer, small mammals, and many birds.
Southern Red Cedar
This Juniper is a salt marsh evergreen that prefers sandy soil. You’ll often see it along
brackish mud banks and on sand/oyster pits. Its shredded-looking rust-red bark makes it
hard to tell apart from its relative, the Eastern Red Cedar, but it does have much smaller
cones. Cedar berries are the preferred fruit for hungry Cedar Waxwings, hence their name.
It grows very slowly, so any large tree (up to 40-60’) is probably quite old. The beautiful red
wood of this tree is used for cabinet work, storage chests, shingles, fence posts, furniture
American Holly
This native holly is most like the English Holly familiar to colonists. Because of its popularity
as a Christmas decoration, American Holly has become scarce in many areas. It can be
either a thick shrub or a tree. Both male and female plants have small fragrant white flowers,
but only the females produce the bright red berries which are poisonous to man. However,
the berries are eaten by deer and 18 different species of birds. The fine textured wood is
especially suited for cabinet inlays, utility handles, and even piano keys.
Yaupon Holly
This prevalent, distinctive shrub or small tree (up to 25’) has its evergreen leaves and cluster
of numerous tiny greenish-white flowers in the spring, but only the females produce berries.
Local Indians made a drink, similar to tea or coffee, from its highly caffeinated leaves. The
berries cause vomiting and diarrhea, so Indians turned them into the “black drink” which they
drank in purification rites before battle. Birds, however, love the bright red berries! The
name Yaupon comes from the Indian word for “small tree.”
Sparkleberry
This shrub, which has a smooth bark, is part of the blueberry and cranberry family. It has a
lovely white bell-shaped flowers which become shiny dark berries relished by song birds,
game birds, and small mammals. It happens to be a plant that deer ignore. In the fall, the
Sparkleberry leaves turn a spectacular red.
Fetterbush
The name originated from early explorers and hunters who had great difficulty in penetrating
the tangled growth of this plant. As a member of the Heath family, this deciduous shrub can
be recognized by its leathery, toothless leaves. It prefers shade and moist soil. When it blossoms in the spring, it is festooned with any small white/pink bell-shaped flowers that resemble
the familiar Lilly of the Valley flowers.
Page 7
PLANT LIFE
Inkbery or Gallberry
This is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub with somewhat leathery, narrow leaves. It thrives in
moist to wet sites, and blooms from May to July with single or clusters of small white flowers.
Later, it produces black berries. Rabbits and deer love the leaves; at least 15 species of birds
eat the berries. It can grow in both the shade and sun, and does a great job in halting erosion
and protecting watersheds.
Wax Myrtle
This salt tolerant member of the Bayberry family is an aromatic shrub or small Evergreen tree
which can grow up to 25’ tall. The leaves are coated with tiny yellow glands and can be used
in cooking like bay leaves. Its leaves also seem to repel insects, particularly fleas, so they
were often planted close to southern homes. Its waxy, grayish-blue berries provide energy to
our winter birds, especially Tree Swallows and the Yellow Rumped Warbler (which is the only
Warbler able to digest the wax). By the way, Myrtle Beach got its name from this plant!
Wild Olive or Devilwood
A member of the same family as the Olive tree, this fragrant evergreen can grow up to 25’ tall.
It has dark green opposite leaves, small white flowers and dark blue fruit that looks like olives.
Because it sprouts readily, it often forms dense thickets. Its common name, “devilwood”, reflects the fact that it fine-textured wood is difficult to split and work.
False Willow
This medium-sized shrub grows on the edge of the salt marsh. Its leaves are very narrow,
and the flowers of the female plant, which bloom in August – September, are very showy and
look like they are snow covered.
Marsh Elder
This is another shrub grows near the edge of the marsh. It is very similar to the Groundsel
Tree and is often mistaken for it, but its leaves are broader and opposite. Its blooms are also
quite showy and snow–like from a distance.
Muscadine Grape
This native grape vine, also known as “Scuppernong,” thrives in our hot and humid climate.
The vine will grow up to 100’ and become quite thick. Female plants are the ones to produce
the grapes, which they do in clusters of up to 40 grapes, but do so only if a male plant is
nearby.
Page 8
PLANT LIFE
Carolina Jessamine
This attractive and fragrant native vine with its yellow trumpet shaped flowers is South Carolina’s state plant. Its blossoms are one of the first signs of spring in the Lowcountry. While it is
toxic to man, butterflies enjoy the nectar.
Poison Ivy
Unlike Virginia Creeper, which is a harmless vine, Poison Ivy has three shiny leaves and can
give you a very bad, itchy rash on your skin if you come in contact with it. Therefore, do not
touch it. Birds love its many berries.
Similax or Carolina Flower
This tough, fast growing vine comes in many varieties, but all are part of the Catbrier family.
Its common name comes from its “putrid” smelling flowers.
Spanish Moss
This is not really moss at all, but an epiphytic plant (which grows on another plant), and does
not rely on the host plant for nutrients; epiphytes make their own food. It uses its long, thin,
scaly stems to wrap around the host tree and hang down from the branches. The leaves are
covered with cup-like, permeable scales that 'catch' moisture and nutrients from the air and
from pockets on the surface of the host. This water-trapping ability allows it to withstand long
dry periods. In extreme dry spells, the plant becomes dormant until moisture returns.
Entrance to the Fording Island
Reserve from the Marshwinds
Boardwalk.
Page 9
WILDLIFE
Mink
Minks live their entire lives on floating mats of dead marsh grass. Their bodies range from 1218” in length, and their tails from 6-10”. They are brown in color and are prized for their soft
fur.
River Otter
The largest member of the weasel family found in South Carolina. The River Otter has a long
cylindrical body with a powerful tail, making it ideal for life in the water. Adult otters measure
35 to 55” in length, about one-third of which is tail. They are excellent swimmers and are
known to eat almost any animal matter found in aquatic systems including crayfish, crabs,
mollusks, fish, turtles, and waterfowl.
Raccoon
These masked bandits often swim through the marsh to get to high ground to hunt. Dipping
their food in water makes it easier for them to tear it apart.
Cotton Rat
A small, stout-bodied animal with small ears, short tail and coarse, grizzled coats ranging
from grayish brown to dark brown.
Osprey
Sometimes known as the Sea Hawk, Fish Eagle or Fish Hawk, the Osprey is a fish-eating bird of prey. It may reach more than 24” in length
and 71” across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly grayish on the head and underparts, with a black eye patch and
wings.
The Osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location
near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. It is found on all
continents except Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as
a non-breeding migrant. As its other common names suggest, its diet
consists almost exclusively of fish. Ospreys and Owls are the only raptors whose outer toe is reversible, allowing them to grasp their prey with
two toes in front and two behind. This is particularly helpful when they
Page 10
WILDLIFE
Great Blue Heron
It is the largest North American heron and has head-to-tail length 38–54”, a wingspan of 6679”, and height of 45–54”. Features include slate colored flight feathers, red-brown thighs, and
a paired red-brown and black stripe up the flanks; the neck is rusty-gray, with black and white
streaking down the front; the head is paler, with a nearly white face, and a pair of black plumes
running from just above the eye to the back of the head. They can stand still patiently for what
seems to be hours when fishing.
American Egret
The largest of the egret family, they have all-white plumage and can be distinguished from
other white egrets by their yellow bill and black legs and feet.
Snowy Egret
They are about 2’ in length and have a wingspan of about 3’. They have white feathers, a yellow patch of skin around the eyes, a black bill and black legs with bright yellow feet.
White Ibis
Approximately 2’ tall and with a wingspan of around 3’. It is entirely white, except for its blackedged wings. Its blacked tipped wings may not be noticeable when at rest, but they are easily
seen when the ibis is in flight. It has a long, down-curved, reddish-orange bill and a reddishorange face. Its legs are long and gray, except for during breeding season when they turn reddish-orange.
Wood Stork
A large, long-legged wading birds, about 50” tall, with a wingspan of 60- 65”. The plumage is
white except for black primaries and secondaries and a short black tail. The head and neck
are largely unfeathered and dark gray in color. The bill is black, thick at the base, and slightly
decurved.
Clapper Rail
A ground-dwelling bird, with strong legs and short, rounded wings. Resembling a
chicken, it is nicknamed the Saltwater Marsh Hen. This secretive bird may be briefly
viewed on high ground during the highest tides, or glimpsed running across openings
in marshes. They are able to hide in dense reeds and grasses because of their thin
bodies. It has gray upperparts, a white throat, and white and grayish-brown streaked
flanks. They are more often identified by their clattering call, a loudly repeated, chik,
chik, chik, chik.
MARINE LIFE
Page 11
Fiddler Crabs
They live in holes they dig in the marsh. There are an estimated 1,000,000 per acre! Males
have one big claw and one little claw, while females have to little claws.
Wharf Crabs
They look very similar to the female Fiddler Crabs, but tend to be on upper marsh or dead
cordgrass.
Blue Crabs
The traps you see out in the marsh throughout the Lowcountry are set to catch these tasty little
creatures.
Oysters
Unlike oysters in the northeast which are always under water, these oysters spend half their
lives out of the water and live in attached clusters called oyster racks. Besides being tasty,
they are important because they help filter and clean our waters.
Atlantic Bottle Nosed Dolphins
These beautiful creatures often feed in the marsh creeks at high tide. If you are lucky, you
may see them “strand feeding,” which is when the dolphins surge out of the water in unison
onto the mudbanks to feed on the small fish stranded by the surge wave.
Mud Snails
Approximately 1” long with a black shell. Seen by the thousands on our tidal flats.
Coffee-bean Snails
They are approximate ½” long with a black shell. They can usually be seen close to plants
near the high tide mark.
Marsh Periwinkle Snails
The white snails found on Cordgrass stalks. They breathe air, so you can see them climb to
the top of the grasses during high tides. They can hold their breath for up to an hour.
SALT MARSHES OF THE LOWCOUNTRY: OBSERVATIONS
Our wetlands change constantly with the comings and goings of the tides. Marshes are
flooded to grass tops at high tide, and drained down to glistening mud flats with shallow salt
pools at low tide. They are an extremely productive area between land and water and have
a salinity (salt content) that ranges from near ocean strength to near fresh, depending on
where they are, the amount of rainfall, and the tide. In Mackey’s Creek, the difference between high and low tide can be as much as 9’ when it’s a full or new moon!
Because of the varying tides, temperatures, and salinity, a salt marsh can be a difficult place
for an animal or plant to live. Indeed, in the low marsh which is covered twice daily by salt
water, only one plant is truly adapted to life there – Spartina Alterniflora or Salt Marsh
Cordgrass. It is able to pull fresh water out of the sea and also has special glands that allow
it to secrete salt crystals which you can see sparkling on its leaves on a sunny summer day.
In the upper or high marsh, which is flooded only occasionally, you will see more variety in
the plant life – Salt Meadow Cordgrass, Black Needle Rush, Sea Oxeye and Glasswort.
We now know marshes play a huge role in flood control, as well as helping to filter out harmful sediments and toxins. We also realize that, acre for acre, salt marshes are among the
most productive areas in the world. They are nurseries for shellfish and fish, as well as nesting and feeding grounds for birds. Indeed, nutrients from the marsh begin the food chain
which produce up to 95% of our commercially valuable fish and shellfish. Therefore, besides admiring and enjoying our marshes, we must also be sure to protect them.
Tidal Change
These photos were take from the Marshwinds boardwalk at high and
low tide, which occurs twice daily.