51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú

51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú's Francis Beidler Forest is 18,300-acre preserve located between Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina. Within this preserve is a habitat unique to Earth—approximately 1,800 acres of original-growth, cypress-tupelo swamp. Visitors to Beidler Forest can stand beside and even touch Bald Cypress trees that are some of the oldest living organisms in the eastern United States. This ancient ecosystem is accessible via a 1.75-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk, the longest such boardwalk in South Carolina. Visitors can explore the boardwalk on their own or join one of the many guided programs offered throughout the year. Between searching for the abundant wildlife that lives in this landscape, to learning about 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú's work on the sanctuary (and across the hemisphere), to experiencing the natural and cultural history of the land, there is something for everyone at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú's Francis Beidler Forest.

Photos from left: Richard Covey; Jen Tyrrell; Richard Covey; Prothonotary Warblers, Donald Wuori/51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Photography Awards; Camilla Cerea/51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú; Richard Covey