The forest is left totally alone - no attempt is made to lure wildlife to the boardwalk, no animal feeding takes place, no plantings are made, no fallen trees are removed. Here is a swamp as nature intended it to be. 305 Black Oak Rd. Other dates and times for groups are available by appointment. In the spring, adult striped bass are captured in the canal just below the St. Stephen Dam using electrofishing devices that momentarily stun the fish, but do not kill them.
Crews quickly move the fish to the hatchery for spawning.
Over 25 million viable eggs are produced each year. May. Guided or self guided tours of the fish lift facility includes an underwater window to view fish as they pass into the Santee Cooper lakes on their annual migration. Species include American shad, blueback herring, striped bass and others. Cooper River Underwater Heritage Trail Diving sites are located in the Cooper River from the Strawberry trestle to Mepkin Abbey. Cypress Gardens Rd.