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The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) on 6/10/25 hosted a dedication ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve, one of South Carolina’s most ecologically significant and biologically diverse natural areas.

In addition to the numerous threatened and endangered plant and animal species that thrive on the property, Lewis Ocean Bay contains the largest assemblage of Carolina Bays in the state.

The bays are shallow, elliptical depressions found in the unconsolidated sediments throughout the Atlantic Coastal Plain from Florida to New Jersey.

SCDNR recently acquired 353 acres from Conway Medical Center.

The tract is located across International Drive from the existing preserve, located just north of the Carolina Forest community and south of the proposed Horry County wetlands mitigation bank.

This property will be formally dedicated as part of the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve and incorporated into the S.C. Heritage Trust, where it will be open to the public for outdoor recreational activities.

The newly protected tract includes critical habitat for the federally at-risk and globally imperiled Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula).

Once more widespread, Venus flytraps have suffered dramatic population declines due to fire suppression and land conversion. Today, the largest and only long-term viable population in South Carolina is centered within Lewis Ocean Bay.

In addition to the flytrap, the property includes pine savannas, blackwater swamp forests, and a stretch of Socastee Swamp, all of which support rare and fire-adapted plant and animal communities.

Officials said the expansion also strengthens SCDNR’s prescribed fire management capabilities, which are essential for maintaining the health and biodiversity of the preserve.

“We are grateful to Conway Medical Center staff and board for coming to the table with SCDNR for this vital conservation acquisition,” said Faith Rivers James, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League. "The Conservation League has been on the ground, guiding this effort, and working alongside the community for many years for this conservation win for Lewis Ocean Bay.”

"For nearly 100 years, Conway Medical Center has been an integral part of the Horry County community and sometimes the best care we can provide our community is preserving what makes it special," said Brian Argo, Conway Medical Center president and CEO.

Argo added, "The sale of this land, which was originally intended for a $160-million health-care facility, ensures future generations will continue to benefit from this pristine environment. Additionally, it allows us to reallocate our resources to focus on meeting immediate healthcare needs through our two Free Standing Emergency Department projects at Highway 90/22 and Health Plaza South in Socastee.”

And he continued, “This would not have been possible without the support of county and state leaders, including Senator Greg Hembree. Together we are building a healthier and more sustainable future for Horry County."

“This expansion strengthens our ability to manage and protect one of the most unique ecosystems in the Southeast,” said SCDNR Director Thomas Mullikin. “By safeguarding this land, we’re protecting critical habitat, rare species, and an irreplaceable part of South Carolina’s natural heritage.”