Francis Beidler Forest, Protected swamp forest in Four Holes Swamp, South Carolina.
Francis Beidler Forest is a swamp forest located within Four Holes Swamp and protects an extensive area of wetlands dominated by cypress and hardwood trees. The forest contains multiple ecological zones that support diverse plant and animal species adapted to wet conditions.
The area was acquired by Francis Beidler in the 1890s and subsequently protected through conservation efforts by his family. After his death in 1924, the family continued stewardship until the National Audubon Society assumed management of the land.
The Four Holes Swamp area gained recognition in 2020 as part of the National Park Service's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.
A wooden boardwalk allows visitors to explore the swamp landscape on foot while observing wildlife from a safe vantage point. During warmer months, guided canoe trips and evening walks offer additional ways to experience the area.
This location contains one of North America's oldest tree populations, with cypress trees exceeding 1,000 years in age and soaring more than 100 feet high. These ancient trees have survived hundreds of years of environmental changes and natural disturbances, making them scientifically valuable today.
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