Forest Type
SAF 102: Baldcypress - water tupelo, 7 acres
Water, 3 acres
Total acres: 10
Description
The Wassamassaw Natural Area is an island
located within a swamp hardwood timber type.
The island is approximately 2 acres in size
and has firm ground conditions. The island is
surrounded by shallow "runs" or streams having
typical swamp characteristics. Although the
island is only 2 acres, the surrounding stream
and vegetation has been designated as part of
the total 10 acre area protected.
The vegetative overstory is primarily bald cypress
and water tupelo. Also, the overstory consists
of ash, holly, maple, oak and sweetgum. The
understory contains palmetto, greenbriar, muscadine,
switch-cane and others. Wildlife which can be
observed includes deer, squirrel, fish, reptiles,
amphibians, and several species of birds including
the little blue heron and white ibis.
The Wassamassaw Swamp has evidence of early
timber cutting. The most recent cutting occurred
about 15 or 20 years ago as a selection harvest.
The island and surrounding buffer zone were
not cut at that time. The edge of the swamp
is relatively dense in vegetation cover and
only an occasional hunter or fisherman enters,
therefore, nature has provided past protection.
Location
The Wassamassaw Natural Area is located on
Westvaco's Harvey Unit, Berkeley County, South
Carolina. The area is one mile northeast of
Interstate Highway I-26.
Access
From I-26, northeast on S.C. S-16, north on
Westvaco's Prettyman Tram Road and west on Smith
Road to the intersection of the Smith and Duncan
Roads. Marked forest path (unimproved) of 14
chains crossing one shallow stream before reaching
island. Hip boots recommended.
For information contact
Westvaco Corporation
Forest Resources Division
P.O. Box 1950
Summerville, SC 29484
(803) 871-5000
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