Credit: @scstateparks
Beaufort County, S.C. – The Old-Growth Forest Network officially added St. Phillips Island to its national network of protected, old-growth, native forests in the United States.
Located just north of Hilton Head Island, St. Phillips is a 4,680-acre pristine barrier island in the South Carolina State Parks system. The island’s untamed landscape blends ancient dune ridges, a boneyard beach, salt marshes, freshwater ponds, tidal creeks, and more, providing a critical habitat for alligators, white-tailed deer, loggerhead and green sea turtles, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, bobcats, bald eagles, herons, egrets, and migratory songbirds.
The Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) is a nonprofit that seeks to identify, protect, and share the oldest known forests in the country. All forests in the Network are open to the public and have formal protections in place to prevent commercial logging.
The old-growth forest on St. Phillips Island includes towering slash pines, gnarled live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and historic Southern magnolias, in addition to many other common maritime forest species. The forest helped the island earn the designation of National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. Four miles of trails provide access to the forest, freshwater ponds, saltwater creeks, and about one mile of unspoiled beach.
Community and media members attended the St. Phillips Island induction ceremony on May 8, 2026, led by South Carolina State Parks Director Joy Raintree, St. Phillips Operations Manager John Alexander, OGFN Executive Director Dr. Sarah Adloo, and OGFN Southeast Regional Manager Ciera Wilbur.
“While the tides, storms, and shifting sands are constantly reshaping St. Phillips Island, its ancient forests have weathered the test of time,” said Raintree. “St. Phillips gives us a glimpse into the past, painting a living portrait of the South Carolina coast before human intervention. It’s a dynamic and cherished place, where the tranquility and toughness of nature reign supreme, and we are honored to be added to the Old-Growth Forest Network.”
St. Phillips Island joins a growing list of OGFN sites in South Carolina, including Congaree National Park. There are more than 300 old-growth forests in the network nationwide. Find old-growth and notable mature growth forests using their state-by-state tool at oldgrowthforest.net.
"OGFN is proud to include the maritime forest of St. Phillips Island in our Network of mature forests across the United States,” said Wilbur. “Recognizing the stewardship of healthy ancient forests like those on St. Phillips Island shows the positive impact of multi-generational commitments to conservation and environmental education. We thank the South Carolina State Park Service for their work and for working with us to recognize this precious place."
For nearly 40 years, St. Phillips Island was owned by billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who purchased it in 1979 to preserve its integrity as an unspoiled natural environment and protect it from development. It served as a retreat for his friends and family. In 2017, the State of South Carolina purchased the island, which is now operated in conjunction with nearby Hunting Island State Park. Turner passed away on May 6, 2026, and his conservation legacy carries on today in the stewardship and spirit of the wild island.
St. Phillips is only accessible by boat through scheduled tours or rentals of the Ted Turner House. Day trips can be booked through Coastal Expeditions and include a boat ecotour, interpretive tram ride, and access to the beach, forest, and four miles of trails. Current tour rates are: $65/adult, $35/child age 3-12, free for children 2 and younger, plus park admission ($8/adult; $5/SC seniors; $4/child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger).