Our Unique Island: Part Two

The sun is shining, humidity is low, sky is blue here on the Island-- what a beautiful day! I often feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place. Actually, I always feel blessed, but many times I even stop to appreciate the moment......

More of what makes our Island different from other resort islands: Nature! Hilton Head is still a wildlife and environmental "sanctuary" in many ways, despite being a sporting, beaching, shopping, and dining mecca as well. Have you crossed the bridge to HHI and noticed Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge? This 4,000 acre refuge comprises Pinckney and several other small islands and hammocks (very small islands) and is home to numerous white ibis, herons, and egrets, as well as other wading birds, as 67% of the refuge is made up of salt marsh and tidal creeks. Fourteen miles of trails are available for hiking and biking. See http://www.fws.gov/pinckneyisland/ for details, activities, and history of the refuge.

Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island is also home to a 572 acre Forest Preserve, dedicated by the Fraser family in the late 1950's. The Preserve is home to leisure trails, which were constructed in the 1970's and followed antebellum rice dikes (built by hand into he 1840's) and old logging trails built in the 1950's. The Preserve also boasts small lakes, bridle paths for horseback riding, observation decks, picnic areas, and fishing docks.

Getting the picture? We co-exist with nature, and it benefits all who call this place home-- even if it is only home for a week of vacation into he summer! Homes and retail establishments blend in to the natural scenery, signage is small, lights are dim at night. Special and unique, a blend of old and new, serene but happening..... a very unique Island is Hilton Head!