This large marsh is named ‘Lodge Pond’ as it backs up to an old hunting lodge built by a wealthy northern industrialist that purchased the plantation here after the US Civil War. It actually was large rice fields. This particular spot is about 4,000 acres, 6 1/2 miles long.

Most of the wetlands is covered with cattails, cane, reeds, all the usual southern marsh plants.

The marsh is a series of wetlands, ponds, and dikes. An additional 5,000 acres of swamp and woodlands surround the wetlands.

Wildlife is everywhere, people not so much. The changing climate has affected the area. Water levels are higher, rarely dropping now. Wading birds find it harder to feed due to the depth. I would imagine salt levels are rising because these marshes ultimately connect to the St. Helena Bay, Atlantic Ocean.

Donnelley wildlife area, ACE Basin, South Carolina.