Nature Escape at Green Swamp Preserve in Supply, North Carolina

Green Swamp Preserve, located near Supply in southeastern North Carolina, offers visitors a rare encounter with one of the state's most distinctive natural habitats. This protected area stands out for its wide stretches of longleaf pine savanna, a threatened ecosystem that once covered vast parts of the Southeast. The preserve features a mix of wetland habitats including pocosin bogs, pine forests, and open wetlands, providing refuge for species found nowhere else.

Among the preserve’s most remarkable residents is the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, which relies on the old-growth pines here for nesting. Another highlight is the Venus flytrap, one of the world’s few carnivorous plants, native exclusively to this region. Visitors will also spot vibrant pitcher plants, rare wildflowers, and flocks of butterflies fluttering among the shrubs. The area’s flat, sometimes marshy terrain is interspersed with clear ponds and winding dirt roads, giving a peaceful but rugged outdoor experience.

Originally acquired by The Nature Conservancy for conservation and research, Green Swamp Preserve offers an important window into the coastal plain’s natural heritage. Despite occasional swampy sections, the well-maintained trails are accessible for a gentle walk or photography. Many visitors praise it as a quiet, lightly trafficked site where it’s easy to disconnect, observe wildlife, and experience a fragile ecosystem protected among North Carolina’s coastal landscapes. Whether you’re passionate about birdwatching, plants, or serene forest views, Green Swamp Preserve provides a unique setting unlike typical parks or urban trails.

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Adventure Guide to Green Swamp Preserve coming up next!