Francis Beidler Forest is Nationally Recognized for its Stewardship and Ecological Resilience

HARLEYVILLE, S.C. — The Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary (“Beidler Forest”) is being nationally recognized for its beauty and biodiversity by being formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Community and media members are invited to attend the brief ceremony at the Beidler Forest visitor center in Harleyville, SC with remarks by Audubon South Carolina and Old-Growth Forest Network staff followed by a family-friendly guided interpretive hike on the 1.75-mile, ADA accessible boardwalk. The ceremony will start at 10:30 am with the guided walk taking place immediately after. Cost of admission is free for this event, though registration for the guided walk is required.

Beidler Forest is the 3rd location to be recognized in the state of South Carolina and will join more than 300 forests nationwide recognized in the Old-Growth Forest Network. The Network’s goal is to identify and ensure the preservation and recognition of at least one forest in every forested county in the United States, creating a roadmap of family-friendly hikes that showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of our nation's oldest forests. A full list and map of OGFN forests may be viewed at www.oldgrowthforest.net.

“The Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary protects the largest tract of old-growth, cypress-tupelo swamp in the world. We are proud to be a part of the Old-growth Forest Network in an effort to bring more attention to the remaining ancient forests across the country.” - Tim Evans, Director of Land Conservation, Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center

“The Old-Growth Forest Network is thrilled to recognize the Beidler Forest in our Network as an unparalleled example of primary growth cypress tupelo. The stewardship of Audubon South Carolina protects this incredible place for generations to come.” - Ciera Wilbur, Southeast Regional Manager, Old-Growth Forest Network

Audubon South Carolina protects birds and the places they need using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. These sanctuaries not only provide critical habitat for birds and wildlife but also provide public access to greenspace, inclusive educational programming, and important ecosystem services for nearby communities. For more information on the working happening at Beidler Forest, follow us on Facebook at @BeidlerForest and Instagram at @beidlerforest.”

For more information, please contact:

Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary: Ben Graham, Senior Communications Manager, 919-880-3793 or ben.graham@audubon.org.   

Old-Growth Forest Network: Ciera Wilbur, Southeast Regional Manager, 916.217.1894 or ciera@oldgrowthforest.net