Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference News: Walterboro Great Swamp Sanctuary: Front Porch of the Lowcountry
Great Swamp Sanctuary
Located within the ACE Basin (one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast), the Great Swamp Sanctuary, Walterboro, South Carolina, is a nature based conservation area that combines history, culture, recreation, and education in a singularly southern lowlands setting. The more than 600 acre sanctuary, which may be the only “braided creek” swamp accessible to the public, is centrally located about an hour from Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Columbia, and Charleston, and is one of the East Coast’s largest estuarine preserves. The Sanctuary’s Washington Street entrance is located only steps from the City of Walterboro’s main historic district.
New Boardwalk Opening
On September 10, 2011, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held to mark the opening of an additional boardwalk at Walterboro’s Great Swamp Sanctuary. The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at the S. Jefferies Boulevard and Ivanhoe Road entrance. This boardwalk, which is a continuation of the Great Swamp Sanctuary’s master plan, will function as part of the park’s current four-mile network of boardwalks, hiking, biking and nature trails, providing visitors with additional vantage points for observing the diversity of wildlife inhabiting the black water bottomland.
Get Involved
The Friends of the Great Swamp Sanctuary invite volunteers to join the efforts to support the expansion of additional nature, kayak, and canoe trails. For more information, contact the Friends of the Great Swamp Sanctuary at the City of Walterboro Welcome Center by calling 843-538-4353 or by visiting www.walterborosc.org.
About the City of Walterboro, SC
Established in 1826, the City of Walterboro is hailed as the “front porch of the Lowcountry,” with its historic charm, plentiful natural resources and warm Southern hospitality. The area around the city, rich with forests and vast quantities of water, is known as the gateway to the ACE Basin. Home to the S.C. Artisans Center, the city is designated by the state’s legislature as the Official South Carolina Folk Art and Craft Center. Walterboro serves as the economic heart of Colleton County and maintains a small-town Americana atmosphere.
The City of Walterboro, SC is exhibiting at the ESTC 2011. Join us at the ESTC Exhibition to learn more about Walterboro and its attractions!
