Deveaux Bank, South Carolina
Deveaux Bank is a horseshoe-shaped sand spit island encompassing a 215-acre (87-hectare) bird sanctuary at the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County, South Carolina.[1] It is located on the Atlantic Coast between Edisto Island, South Carolina and Seabrook Island, South Carolina. Its average elevation is three feet.[2] It has approximately 2.75 miles (4.43 kilometres) of sandy beaches on three sides (some of which are completely submerged at high tide) and a tidal lagoon on the side facing the mainland.
Deveaux Bank | |
Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Atlantic Ocean |
Coordinates | 32.549°N 80.181°W |
Area | .33 sq mi (0.85 km2) |
Length | 1 mi (2 km) |
Width | 1.2 mi (1.9 km) |
Highest elevation | 3 ft (0.9 m) |
Administration | |
United States | |
State | South Carolina |
County | Charleston County |
History
Deveaux bank was first documented in 1921 and by the 1930s was an established seabird rookery. During World War II, Deveaux Bank was used as a bombing range. The bank was completely submerged by Hurricane David in 1979 and tidal shifts that followed the next spring.[3] Over the next several years the island continued to rebuild as sand was deposited by currents.
Today
Currents cause the shape of the island to constantly shift. Due to a lack of land predators, the island has become a heavily utilized bird nesting area. It is protected by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Landings may only be done below the high-water line. Dogs are prohibited and overnight camping is also prohibited.
Flora
Plant species on the island include:
- Russian thistle
- marsh hay
- camphorweed
- beach elder
- beach tea
- dog fennel
Fauna
Observed species vary from year-to-year but include:
References
- "Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary". South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on 28 November 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
- "Deveaux Bank, South Carolina, United States". SatelliteView.co. Retrieved 20 November 2013.
- Langley, Lynne (6 August 1991). "Deveaux Bank plays game of hide and seek". The News and Courier. Charleston, SC. Retrieved 19 November 2013.