Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin
Hollywood, SC 29449
Plan Your Visit
The refuge contains exceptional wildlife habitats such as forested wetlands, uplands, brackish and freshwater, natural marshes, managed impoundments, and pristine estuarine waters. The refuge provides habitat for a myriad of migratory and resident birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and other wildlife. These diverse habitats and abundant wildlife offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Grove Plantation historic site is the Refuge headquarters, built in 1828. It is one of only three antebellum mansions in the ACE Basin area to survive the Civil War and, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The visitor area inside the plantation house has brochures, maps, and a refuge video and is open year-round when refuge staff are on-site.
The refuge does not charge an entrance fee. Hunting requires a refuge permit.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love. Put your passions and skills to work at E.F.H. ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge!
Please contact the Refuge Manager at acebasin@fws.gov or call (843) 889-3082 for opportunities.
Services
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is an exceptionally rich and diverse ecosystem managed to support a myriad of both plant and wildlife species. The refuge also offers unique opportunities for outdoor recreation pursuits.
About
Established in 1990 and later renamed to honor Senator Ernest F. Hollings, the refuge protects approximately 11,815 acres within the 350,000-acre ACE Basin system. It contains two distinct units, Edisto and Combahee, featuring habitats ranging from salt marshes and managed impoundments to upland forests.
The refuge provides critical habitat for threatened Wood storks and endangered shortnose sturgeon while preserving significant cultural landmarks like the 1828 Grove Plantation Manor. Its mission focuses on conserving wetlands and migratory birds while providing compatible wildlife-dependent recreation.
