During the 60 years of its existence, the SEF has been the site of intensive field research. The SEF consists of 2,468 ha of Atlantic Coastal Plain flatwoods vegetation types situated on a marine terrace of the Pleistocene Epoch. Several small streams originate in and traverse the forest. Soils are derived from coastal plain sediments, and belong to the Alfisol and Ultisol orders. Most have heavy textured subsurface horizons with slow internal drainage.
Surface textures vary from sandy loams to clay loams.
About half of the forest is mapped as a jurisdictional wetland. Common shrubs include gallberry, waxmyrtle, pepperbush, and blueberry. Over 80 percent of the main canopy trees were destroyed and all field studies at the time were prematurely terminated. The current status of the SEF is one of recovery and new studies. Noteworthy is the abundant regeneration of loblolly from seed, and the prolific sprouting of the hardwoods from stumps and roots.