Green Swamp Preserve

The Green Swamp contains some of the country’s finest examples of longleaf pine savannas. The open savannas have a diverse herb layer with many orchids and insectivorous plants. Almost 13,000 acres of the preserve, however, are comprised of a dense evergreen shrub bog (pocosin) dominated by gallberry, titi, and sweetbay. The Green Swamp contains at least 14 different species of insectivorous plants, including: extensive populations of Venus flytrap sundew four species of pitcher plant The preserve is home to many rare animals, including: American alligator fox squirrel Henslow’s sparrow Bachman’s sparrow Hessel's hairstreak butterfly One of the preserve’s rarest residents is the federally listed endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. This woodpecker takes its name from the male’s tiny red splotch behind its eye. The woodpecker prefers to nest in old-growth longleaf pines with red heart disease, since it can drill a nesting cavity in the softened core of the trees. The nesting trees are easily identified by the shiny, sticky coating of resin around the cavity that keeps eggs and young safe from predators such as ants, squirrels, and snakes. The woodpeckers complete the nest in one to five years. The birds return to the same nest year after year, as long as sap continues to flow around the opening. Since these birds are so picky about their living quarters, protecting their habitat is critical to ensuring their survival. The Nature Conservancy’s many management activities at the Green Swamp include prescribed burning, installing red-cockaded woodpecker nest boxes, and restoring pine plantations to longleaf pine savannas. Directions: A parking area for the Green Swamp Preserve is located 5.5 miles north of Supply on NC 211.