A Painted Bunting sits on a branch, turning its head back as if to regard you. Male Painting Buntings are known for their bright and varying colors, and having one in your yard is likely to make birds jealous.
Painted Bunting perched on branch, male with multi-color plumage
Visit

Grassland-Woodland Trail

Life is abound through open grassland and dense forest.
Photo: Julie Torkomian
Photo: Julie Torkomian
Visit

Grassland-Woodland Trail

Life is abound through open grassland and dense forest.

Our trail system meanders through Longleaf Pine, grassland and woodland habitats being restored by Beilder Forest staff and volunteers. Free to the public and open everyday from sunrise to sunset, the trails give visitors the opportunity to explore a new section of the sanctuary in beautiful Harleyville, SC. The diverse habitat attracts birds and other wildlife not typically seen on the Beidler Forest boardwalk, such as Painted Buntings, Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Loggerhead Shrikes, Eastern Bluebirds, Purple Martins, and many sparrow species. Grasslands are an important habitat for these species, especially nowadays with habitat fragmentation and the desire for perfect grass lawns. Check out our grassland page for more information, including native plant lists!

This trail is a dirt path that is not always level depending on the season, based on weather and plant growth. Strollers and other wheeled devices may not work well. The bird feeder stations are fairly close to the parking lot and in an area that stays relatively flat throughout the year.

Parking for the trails are located only a few feet from the Beidler Forest gate off Mim's Road. Be sure to watch the bird feeders for buntings, woodpeckers, and sparrows!

This trail has an eBird hotspot! Check it out here.

Trail Guidelines:

  • Trails are open from sunrise to sunset
  • Please stay on the marked trails at all times
  • Trails are open for foot travel only
  • Dispose of all trash properly, including any found on trails
  • Do not leave food behind or attempt to feed animals (we manage the bird feeders weekly!)
  • Supervise children at all times
  • To benefit all visitors, maintain respectful noise levels

The following are not permitted on the sanctuary:

  • Dogs, horses and other animals
  • Bicycles, ATVs and other vehicles
  • Drones
  • Overnight parking on the property is not permitted
  • Smoking, vaping, alcohol or illegal substances
  • Hunting, firearms or other weapons of any type
  • Collecting of specimens of any kind, including all plants and animals
  • Disturbing, feeding or handling wildlife
  • Removing plants or digging into soil
  • Scratching, cutting or damaging trees
  • Fires or burning for any reason
Photo: Richard Covey
The sun rising behind morning dew collected within the needles of young Longleaf Pines and grasses creates a scintillating landscape. Photo: Richard Covey
The trail currently boasts four bridges to bypass drainage ditches cut into the property before it was acquired by Audubon. Photo: Richard Covey
Grasslands
Conservation

Grasslands

No lawnmower required.

Read more

Native Plants
Conservation

Native Plants

Support local bees!

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Prescribed Burns
Conservation

Prescribed Burns

For thousands of years certain habitats relied on natural fires to maintain the balance. We're turning the heat back on.

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Grassland-Woodland Species

How you can help, right now