About Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Santee National Wildlife Refuge, encompassing 15,000 acres, was established in 1942 and is located in the upper Atlantic Coastal Plain region of South Carolina. The refuge is superimposed on the lands and waters of the 110,600-acre Lake Marion reservoir in Clarendon County. The South Carolina Public Service Authority, a.k.a. Santee Cooper, created Lake Marion as a hydroelectric project on the Santee River. Santee NWR benefits migratory waterfowl, neo-tropical songbirds and other birds, and terrestrial and aquatic wildlife in this ecosystem. The refuge contains a wide diversity of habitats including mixed hardwoods, mixed pine hardwoods, pine plantations, marsh, croplands, old fields, ponds, impoundments, and open water.A myriad of wildlife species inhabit the diverse landscape of Santee NWR. From November through February migrating waterfowl such as ring-necked duck, pintail, teal, and wood ducks, along with Canada geese, are a major attraction. Throughout the year, red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks can be viewed as can a variety of songbirds, wild turkey and wading birds. The forests are home to white-tail deer, squirrels, bobcat and other woodland creatures. Alligators, turtles, fish, insects and other wildlife are found in ponds and marshes.Santee NWR also contains areas of cultural and local significance. The 420-acre Dingle Pond Unit consists primarily of a Carolina Bay and is a designated public use natural area. A historic site on the refuge is the Santee Indian Mound-Fort Watson area. The mound is over 1200 years old, dated as built sometime between 1200 and 1400 A.D. During the Revolutionary War, a garrison of 100 British soldiers were at the mound, giving strategic control over the Santee River and a road connecting Charleston to Camden. The fort was later captured by American forces under General Francis Marion. Santee NWR has several special designations that include an Audubon Important Bird Area, a Refuge Waterfowl Sanctuary and, the Santee Indian Mo
