Saturday, January 24, 2026 7:30am – 2:00 pm (roundtrip from Seabrook Island)
Leave Seabrook Real Estate: 7:30 am
Hollings Ace Basin: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: Meet at Real Estate Parking lot at 7:30 am to carpool to Hollings ACE Basin
Max: 12
Cost: None for members; $10 donation for guests
Activity leaders: Susan Markum and Judy Morr
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is a 11,815-acre portion of the larger ACE Basin area, and the only portions that are federally protected. The wildlife refuge is divided into two units: the Edisto River unit and the Combahee River unit. We will be visiting the Edisto River unit which has portions closed in the winter to provide a safe resting area for the ducks during the hunt season. The ducks therefore may be at a distance. When we visited in November 2024 we saw 50 species. In February 2023, 59 species were seen including Blue Winged Teals, Gadwalls and Shovelers. A pair of nesting American Eagles are on the nest at the facility in the area open. Expect to walk approximately 3 miles on flat terrain. There are restrooms on the property but whether they will be open or not is unknown as the drive closer to the restrooms is closed on weekends.
After birding, we may lunch at Roxbury Mercantile (http://roxburymercantile.com/). This previous country store now has both inside and outside dining offering “Lowcountry cuisine”.
Be sure to bring binoculars, camera, hats, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks and water.
If you are not yet a 2026 SIB member, you may become a member for only $15 by following the instructions on our website: https://sibirders.com/join-sib/ . You may bring the form and your dues to the event. Or you may pay the Guest Fee of $10.
Once you are a member, please register no later than Thursday January 22. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior the event.receive a confirmation letter the day prior the event.