Field Trip: Onslow Island (Savannah NWR)

(Member registration opens 10/5; nonmembers on 10/12)

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 many now have shrubs and small trees in them. However, in October 2024, some were being used as dredge spoils sites. So we hope there will still be more nutrients and water, which we also hope will attract our wintering ducks and shorebirds.  Join Master Birders Jim Asmuth and Simon “Chip” Walker for a hike of 2 -3 miles, to and around the impoundments.  They will bring a spotting scope or two. No facilities. Footing is uneven on the only occasionally mowed grassy dikes. We usually spend about 2 hours, more or less depending on what birds are there. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and bug spray. 

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. Watch for messages from the leader that morning.

Directions: Head west from Bluffton on Rte 170.  Stick with it all the way. It turns and changes names, but is well marked as 170. When it joins Rte 17, keep right as 170 will split off again in another mile. In about 2 miles from that split, you will pass the entrance to Laurel Hill Drive. About 2 miles further, the entrance to Onslow is on the left, poorly marked and easy to miss. You will have gone across one bridge, and you will see the higher bridge over the Savannah River ahead of you. The Onslow parking lot is on the left literally yards from the high bridge.  If you cross into Georgia, you need to turn around!