A rare visit to the Dill Sanctuary

If, like me, you'd never heard of the Dill Sanctuary before, then feel free to read on! 
Owned by The Charleston Museum, the Dill sanctuary is a 580 acre wildlife sanctuary on James Island, and gets it's name from the Dill sisters who were the owners of the property prior to it being bequeathed to the museum.
The other part of the property that the Dill sisters owned became what is now James Island County Park, and the two properties are therefore adjacent to each other along the Stono River on James Island.

Primarily a wildlife preserve, the sanctuary is home to a 6 acre pond, and earthen Confederate fortifications that were part of Charleston's defenses during the civil war. 
The wildlife pond was actually 'man-made' during the mid to late 90s and was designed so that it would attract a wading bird population which it has successfully accomplished to the tune of an estimated 1500 pairs!
Wood Storks in particular have been nesting on the islands to the tune of over 100 nests in some years!
To read more about the wildlife pond and its creation, click here

Unfortunately the sanctuary is not generally open to the public, but for one day in early October, the sanctuary was open for a day of tours, talks and displays, so like many others I decided to take the day and discover this hidden gem!

The museum is aiming to have this public open day on an annual basis, so watch out for the next one in October of 2023, but before that is Turkey Discovery Day on Nov 22 and an oyster roast in February!
The Charleston Museum events listings can be found here