Cattail Wildlife Refuge

The diversity of Magnolia Plantation’s terrain lends itself to a broad spectrum of bird, mammal, reptile, insect, and plant life. Because of its diverse ecosystem, the Plantation is managed as a wildlife refuge.  Hunting is forbidden on the property in perpetuity.

Magnolia is perhaps best known, however, as one of the best birding area in the country.  You’re likely to see rare waterfowl and nesting birds, especially in the Cattail Refuge near the Ashley River.  But one drawback to the Lowcountry is that it is so flat, it can be hard to grasp the lay of the land afforded by an expansive view. 

To help visitors get beyond this limitation, Magnolia built a Wildlife Tower just beyond the Camellia Collection, at north edge of the Garden.  From this tower, you’re eye-level with ospreys and eagles, and you can see ducks, herons, and egrets below as the Ashley River stretches out towards Charleston.