THE PORT ROYAL CYPRESS WETLANDS

DISCOVER THE WONDERMENT

story by KATE HAMILTON PARDEE photos by JOHN WOLLWERTH

The Town of Port Royal is often described as cool, coastal, and far from ordinary. This portrait is more than substantiated when visiting the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. This unique, seven-acre property, owned by the Port Royal YMCA, is located in the heart of the community’s downtown. The wetlands provide a tranquil landscape filled with wading birds, alligators, and lush native fauna. The half-mile boardwalk is just the place for a stroll to learn about the varieties of wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking views. Either alone or with friends or family, it is an educational, fascinating, and unforgettable experience.

Through the years, as the project came alive, it has taken a team of engineers and wildlife professionals, who, along with the Town of Port Royal, have all worked together to see this area transformed into the extraordinary property it is today. The history of the project dates back to 1999 when it served as a low area for stormwater runoff. However, Robert H. Folk III, the proprietor of Folk Land Management, a land management firm, had a new vision for the area. Robert shared this idea of a Rookery with Dr. Chris Marsh, executive director of Lowcountry Institute Spring Island who suggested to Van Willis, the Town Manager, that he reach out and connect with Folk to learn more about the plan. “The wetland area had little ecological value and was not diverse in plant assemblage to function as a wading bird habitat.” Travis Hayes Folk, Ph.D., who works along with his father, explained, “Diversity could be executed by creating islands surrounded by a canal as a safe place for wildlife.” The goal would be to create both nesting and roosting habitats for wading birds.

In 1999, the Town of Port Royal secured a grant to restore the Rookery’s ecological heritage to begin this much-needed restoration to create the original wetlands. Working in partnership with the Port Royal’s Department of Public Works, the Town Manager Van Willis explained, “This would be a perfect opportunity to manage the stormwater while offering great educational experiences and an enjoyable amenity to the people who live and visit here.”

The first step was to plant hundreds of wetland trees, such as Tupelo and Cypress among the various bushes throughout the property and islands. According to Dr. Chris Marsh, this work was essential in preparing the Rookery for nesting birds. The Storm Management Department, with its mission statement “dedicated to the management, construction, maintenance, protection, control, regulation, use and enhancement of stormwater systems and programs in Beaufort in concert with other water resource management programs,” would fund the wetlands’ work. Willis added, “It was essential to all involved to keep the footprint undisturbed.”

Continuing the identification of wildlife — birds explicitly — with Dr. Marsh, the work continued. Additions to the property include the half-mile boardwalk, signage to identify points of interest and the wildlife that inhabits there, and an amphitheater for the community.

As Dr. Marsh states, “The Port Royal Cypress Wetlands is truly a special place. It gives the Town of Port Royal the ability to retain stormwater while also providing critical roosting and nesting habitats for egretsand other birds. Its wonderful boardwalk enriches the lives of local residents and attracts wildlife photographers from as far away as Washington, DC.”

Sam Murray, Port Royal’s past mayor and council member, shared, “He very much looked forward to seeing children’s concerts held in the amphitheater.” In May 2012, the Town of Port Royal recognized this new wildlife area with a dedication ceremony to thank the team for their work and contribution to the Town of Port Royal.The recent Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Restoration Project begins a new chapter for the wetlands. Van Willis again reached out to Robert and Travis Folk to contract the project. “The first order of business is to renovate the wetlands back to a secure area as a roost and rookery because the Colonial wading birds need to be in a place they feel safe. That is, on islands surrounded by water,” said Dean Harrigal, wildlife biologist for Folk Land Management. Tony Magilione from Magilione Consulting,LLC, a consultant on the project added, “This Cypress Wetlands incredible location is unique, being both an urban and wildlife area. “It is in the center of Port Royal’s downtown.”

Plans include renovating the islands, clearing the canals, and removing the vegetation used as bridges to the islands, as well as replanting trees and shrubs. The Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Restoration Project will provide better nesting habitats for the wading birds that coexist with other wildlife, including yellow belly pond sliders, Florida Cooter turtles, and alligators.

Colonial wading nesting birds, including egrets, herons, and wood storks, all nest together and in the same place, and therefore, “the goal is to manage the succession to recreate a habitat for the birds to roost and nest,” says Dean Harrigal, “Although there will be trees and vegetation removal, a good part of this area will grow back soon or be replanted.”

Richard Wood, owner of Wood Brothers Construction, did the original work over 20 years ago and is now doing the renovation project. “They have great expertise in this kind of work,” said Harrigal.

“These wetlands are among the county’s largest stormwater areas and have an essential role in stormwater filtration,” adds Maglione. Asking how the community can support these efforts in the future, Tony responds, “They can contribute by buying trees to replace the ones gone.”

The newly formed Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, a 501(c)(3), might just be the group to step in to help. The Committee was established by Pete Richards, a retired salesperson, along with his wife, Betsy, a retired corporate child care consultant. They moved from Fripp Island to Port Royal in 2014. While on Fripp, Pete was chairman of their Audubon Club and had become a Master Naturalist under Dr. Chris Marsh’s Naturalist Program on Spring Island.

One day as Betsy and Pete rode stationary bikes at the Port Royal YMCA located with views of the Rookery, Pete turned to her and said, “This place is a real find.” Pete met with Van Willis, the town manager, to share his ideas or ways to sponsor some educational programs for Beaufort and Port Royal Elementary, including creating the Birthday for the Birds event held at the Wetlands. Part of this process also included Pete and his friend, Ken Scott, identifying and documenting all the variety of birds living there.

Shortly after that, Pete formed the 501(c)(3) Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, and his mission of sharing the “Wonderment of the Wetlands” is now a reality. Sadly, Pete passed in 2019. His vision continues through the Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Group with the members he personally asked to be part of the Committee.

The Friends remain committed to raising awareness and providing educational opportunities for the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. Pete’s wife, Betsy, is focused on his mission, specifically the role of education and is now working on continuing these educational goals. With some helpful guidance from Dr. Chris Marsh, Betsy plans to incorporate interactive programs for local elementary students and said a goal is “to develop educational partnerships with the help of the Master Naturalists in creating programs for the children that will include many lifelong learning experiences about the birds.”

Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands with the support of the Town of Port Royal, is committed to raising awareness about the Wetlands through educational outreach, fundraising opportunities, and special events. As Joe DeVito, Port Royal’s mayor, confirmed, “The town staff, council, and I are honored to be stewards of the Cypress Wetlands and offer a fantastic view of a Lowcountry rookery to the greater Port Royal area.”

Follow Friends of Port Royal on Facebook, on Instagram @friendsofprcypresswetlands, and on their new website www.friendsofportroyalcypresswetlands.org. Watch the Rookery Roots series, hosted by Dr. Chris Marsh. In the future, enjoy the 8th year celebration of the Birthday for the Birds where you can play kazoos, join a scavenger hunt to identify the wildlife, and learn about and see the newly hatched birds. Make plans to visit the area to witness the incredible work of many dedicated individuals whose support provides access and opportunities to learn through engagement, so we can all enjoy the opportunity to discover the “Wonderment of the Wetlands.”