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Description
Conestee Nature Preserve is a 400-acre (160 ha) preserve along three miles of the Reedy River in Conestee. The Preserve contains both hardwood and evergreen forest, extensive wetlands, and a rich diversity of birds. At least 223 bird species have been reported, and the National Audubon Society has designated the park as an Important Bird Area of Global Significance.
Some common birds of South Carolina you may catch a glimpse of at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve include Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinals, Chipping Sparrows, Blue Jay, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Headed Nuthatch, Red Shouldered Hawk, Red tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove and American Robin.
The lake and river are good places for several resident waterfowl species as well as for wintering ducks and migrating shorebirds (Yellowlegs, Least, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers, Wilson's Snipe). American Bitterns have been observed between January and May. In the winter several sparrow species (including Field, Swamp, White-throated, Song, and Fox Sparrow) have been seen, particularly along the wetland edges. More than 30 warbler species have been reported. In spring and summer the preserve is especially good for observing Prothonotary Warbler.
Conestee also provides critical habitat for the Rusty Blackbird, who spend their time in warmer months in northern forests before flying south in the fall. In winter up to ninety Rusty Blackbirds have been counted in Conestee Nature Preserve.
Details
Access
Conestee Nature Preserve is located just five miles south of downtown Greenville. Park in the largest lot in Conestee Park. Click on the P in the map for directions. From the parking you can access Conestee Nature Preserve through the arch across the grassy field beside the playground. The park is open sunrise to sunset 7 days a week. There is no fee to visit the preserve. Suggested is a $3 donation per person. The preserve has 13 miles (20.9 km) of trails, more than 6 miles (9.7 km) of them paved and 1 mile (1.6 km) of boardwalk. Plenty of bugs in the summer, so be sure to pack repellent.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , ForestConditions
WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- Conesteepreserve.org
- Ebird hotspot
- Photo Conestee Nature Preserve by Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons