Ecological Mapping and Characterization of the Wannamaker Nature Preserve, South Carolina, USA

The Wannamaker Nature Preserve (WNP) is a new (170 ha) natural area on the inner Coastal Plain of South Carolina. It is biophysically diverse and includes examples of some interesting natural features in that part of the state. An ecological mapping study of the WNP was completed in 2002. Using GIS (Geographic Information System) and fieldwork, the objective was to classify and map as many of the natural and anthropogenic features as possible. In an undisturbed state, the entire preserve will eventually be a mixed-hardwood forest, but most of it is in an earlier successional state due to human alteration. Current ecosystems were mapped based on landtype phase and forest community type and successional state. Audubon South Carolina envisions using the Preserve as a center for community-based natural history and ecology education. The results of this study suggest a broad spectrum of possible themes ranging from individual organisms to landscape and rural ecology. Many of the themes would require active management to maintain a balanced mix of ecosystems. Classification and mapping projects, such as the work described here, would be a useful first step for management planning for any new natural area.