Exploring The Wetlands Of Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is home to many exotic species of birds and other animals, many of which live in the islands wetlands. Wetlands are an important part of the islands ecosystem. They improve water quality by filtering harmful pollutants out of surface water, and help to minimize flooding, in addition to providing a habitat for threatened and endangered species. Most of the wetlands are protected by the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, but every year, continued development threatens these habitats, shrinking their borders and negatively impacting the animals and plants who call them home. If you are interested in supporting the wetlands on Hilton Head Island, keep reading to find out more about them and what you can do to help preserve them.

The three types of wetlands found on the island are freshwater marshes, saltwater marshes, and freshwater forested wetlands. Saltwater marshes are the most prominent type, and help to form a boundary between land and open water. The low march is the flooded zone and is home to the smooth cordgrass that helps to give the island its lush, green appearance. The high marsh is home to many unique plants as well, and both marshes are home to wading birds, crustaceans, and other types of animals.

The freshwater marshes make up a very small portion of Hilton Head Island marshland, but are home to a wide variety of animals including beaver, muskrat, snapping turtles, water snakes, herons, egrets, and many types of plants. The most well known freshwater marsh on the island is located in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

The Freshwater forested wetlands provide the only source of freshwater for many of the islands animals, and as a result are crucial to the survival of many species. Rabbits, deer, reptiles, and amphibians, among other types of animals, depend on these wetlands for survival. This wetlands were once prominent, but development has reduced their size, and now the majority of forested wetlands on Hilton Head Island are located in the Cypress Conservancy in Hilton Head Plantation.

Residents can do their part to help protect the wetlands by planting a vegetated buffer around any wetlands in your yard or business, and minimizing the amount of pavement used in constructions. Visitors and residents alike can help to support organizations that are dedicated to the preservation of these unique habitats. Everyone can take the time to appreciate the beauty of the wetlands and the many species of plants and animals that call them home.