South Carolina Strolls

From Laughs to Low Tide in the Marshlands

This past October, I reunited with my childhood crew from Martin, Tennessee, for what’s now our annual getaway tradition. This time, we landed in Litchfield, South Carolina, at the beach house of Kathy’s sister, Joanne, who kindly opened her beach house to our cackling chaos. Picture eight lifelong friends swapping stories, laughing until we cried (we were a mischievous bunch back then), and indulging in the kind of nostalgia only decades of friendship can bring.

In the middle of all that fun, something unexpected caught my attention—the marshlands. I’d never really seen them in person or given them much thought before. But during our walks and explorations, I found myself completely fascinated by this incredible ecosystem.

What is a Marshland?

I needed to get a refresher on all of this. Maybe you do too. Here’s a better explanation I found.

South Carolina has approximately half a million acres of marshland, making it the state with the most marshland along the Atlantic coast. Marshlands are coastal wetlands that are flooded by seawater. These ecosystems are teeming with life and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They serve as nurseries for various marine species, filter water, and protect coastlines from erosion.

In South Carolina, the freshwater that mixes with saltwater in the marshlands mainly comes from rivers, streams, and rainfall. The state is home to several major rivers, like the Santee River, Edisto River, Savannah River, and Combahee River, which all flow into the coastal marshes. These rivers contribute freshwater, especially during periods of rainfall or runoff, creating the brackish water that characterizes South Carolina's salt marshes.

The mix of freshwater from these rivers and saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean creates the unique tidal and ecological conditions of the marshlands.

How Tides Shape Marshlands

Marshlands are greatly influenced by the cycles of high and low tides. The ebb and flow of tides create the dynamic conditions that define marshland ecosystems. Here's how it works:

• High Tides: During high tide, saltwater from the ocean floods the marshes, filling in low-lying areas. This creates a rich, waterlogged environment that supports various plants and animals, especially those that thrive in brackish, nutrient-rich waters.

• Low Tides: At low tide, the water recedes, exposing mudflats and other areas of the marsh. These mudflats are teeming with life, such as crabs and small fish, and the exposed soil helps to maintain the marsh’s unique vegetation and ecological balance.

The tidal influence helps create different zones within the marsh, such as the low marsh (flooded daily) and high marsh (flooded less frequently). This tidal rhythm is what gives marshlands their distinct characteristics, shaping the plants, animals, and overall function of these ecosystems.

Rice Cultivation and the Marshes

I was totally blown away to learn about the history of rice cultivation in South Carolina’s marshlands. It’s incredible to think that enslaved people from West Africa, brought to this country against their will, were able to use their knowledge to transform the landscape.

They harnessed the power of the tides and the rich soil to turn these marshy areas into productive rice fields. It's a testament to their resilience, intelligence, and skill. Their hard work and ingenuity helped shape the economy and culture of the region.

It's mind-boggling to think about the impact they had, even in the face of such terrible oppression.

Private Docks on the Marshes

As I strolled along during my morning walk, I couldn't help but notice the rows of private docks stretching out into the marsh, and then it hit me—oh yeah, I’ve seen these before!

Okay, I'll admit it. I first saw these rows of private docks on "Southern Charm," a reality TV show. How embarrassing! At the time, I didn't quite get the appeal. But after seeing them in person, I totally understand the allure. There's something undeniably cool about seeing those docks lined up along the marsh, especially when you imagine the spring, with the marsh at its fullest.

These docks aren't just for show; they serve a real purpose. People use them for fishing, boating, and just enjoying the stunning views.

I loved seeing the boys out on their kayak and wading in the mud. And seriously…those rows of docks were just crazy beautiful. It’s hard to even explain.

The trip had another discovery… a botanical garden like none other. Stay tuned for my next Substack to take a tour of this amazing place.