ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, SC

The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is the only federally protected component of the greater ACE Basin area, covering 11,815 acres. The Edisto River unit and the Combahee River unit are the two sections of the wildlife sanctuary.

What is the meaning of ACE Basin?

The Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Basin (ACE Basin, pronounced ace basin) is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the United States' Atlantic Coast.

Is it possible to visit a national wildlife refuge?

Visitors can borrow a canoe from the marina and paddle right into the marsh portion of the refuge. The refuge's 8.5-mile canoe track winds through a maze of tule reeds and cattails, with tourists spending an average of three hours canoeing. Visitors may witness wading birds, waterfowl, otters, and beavers along the walk.

What is the size of the ACE Basin?

The Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers, which create the estuary and part of the Refuge boundaries, are referred to as the ACE Basin. The Refuge is just over 12,000 acres in size, with the total basin covering more than 350,000 acres.