Cartwheel Bay | Pee Dee Explorer

Although many Carolina Bays are temporary ponds that hold water only part of the year, these wetlands host a variety of wildlife, providing valuable habitat for such animals as frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes and alligators. Many birds, such as herons, egrets and migratory waterfowl, live in Carolina bays. Also mammals, such as deer, raccoons, skunks and opossums get food and water from Carolina bays. In addition, microscopic organisms called zooplankton live in Carolina bays. Salamanders and frogs are among the most abundant wildlife found in Carolina bays. As amphibians, these animals spend part of their lives in the water; as adults, they depend on Carolina bays as breeding sites where they lay their eggs.

Cartwheel Bay (S.C.) Stop 1

Episode 1

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Longleaf Pine Forest - We see a recent controlled burning. Bracken and Cinnamon ferns grow here. We also see Hooded Pitcher Plants and Wild Indigo.

Cartwheel Bay (S.C.) Stop 2

Episode 2

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

We find dwarf azaleas in this sweet smelling area. We also see the Blackjack Oak, Sundew, the grass stage of the Long Leaf Pine, and Fleabane all along the road.