Field Trip: Onslow Island, Savannah Nat Wildlife Refuge

(Member registration opens on 12/1; Nonmembers on 12/8)

Onslow Island is a section of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, consisting of an elevated area of dikes and water impoundments immediately adjacent to the Savannah River. For several years its impoundments have been nearly dry and so rarely used that many now have shrubs and small trees in them. However, in October 2024, some were being used as a dredge spoils sites. So we hope there will be more nutrients and water, which we also hope will attract our wintering ducks and shorebirds.  Join HHA VP Lynn Hodgson for a hike of 2 -3 miles, to and around the impoundments.  She will bring a spotting scope. No facilities. Footing is uneven on the only occasionally mowed grassy dikes.

Onslow is only open on Wednesdays. This property is very exposed, with no protection from the weather. If the weather looks really nasty, especially if very windy, we will postpone to the next Wednesday that your leader is available, Feb 5.

Directions:  From north of Bluffton take Rte 170 West (Okatie Hwy).  Follow Rte 170 the WHOLE way. It turns here and there, so you have to pay attention.  At one point it joins Rte 17, then in about a mile, exits right. Follow Rte 170 right, pass the entrance to the Laurel Hill Drive (which your GPS can probably find). Cross over 1 bridge, then look for a small dirt parking lot on the left. At that turn, you will be able to see the Savannah River bridge ahead of you (which has been under construction and may still be so).  If you cross the river into Port Wentworth, turn around! 

Tickets for Members and Nonmembers are $12.00. Limited to 15 people.