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The Sandhills |
Natural Area |
Natural History Museum |
Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve was the first natural area brought into the State Parks system. Most of the area's 525 acres were donated in 1963 by Mrs. James Boyd, wife of the late North Carolina author.
Weymouth Woods was established to preserve and protect a small segment of the special adapted plant and animal communities of the Sandhills Region. The Sandhills Region, covering one million acres in south central North Carolina, is a subdivision of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Flat-topped sandy ridges separated by broad level valleys make this area unique.
Recent studies indicate that the Sandhills Region was formed primarily from sediments of clay, sand and gravel carried by streams and rivers from the Piedmont and deposited here. Exposure, weathering and erosion produced the sand ridges that give the area its name. Layers of sedimentation bearing fossil shells and animal remains are a reminder that an ancient sea once covered the coastal plain. It is believed that marine activity millions of years ago also played some part in the formation of the Sandhills.
Extensive longleaf pine forests once covered the Sandhills Region. Lumbering, naval stores operations, and fires removed most of the original growth. Today, second growth longleaf pine and turkey oak stands cover the slopes of the ridges and drop away to hardwood filled bottomland.
The clear, sparkling headwaters of James Creek cut a narrow path through Weymouth Woods, eventually widening into one of the small hardwood swamps so common in the valleys of the Sandhills.
In the "land of the pines" it is appropriate that the most prominent plant be the longleaf pine. However, nearly 500 species and varieties of other plants can be found in the preserve. Plant life ranges from primitive ferns, lichen and mosses to brilliantly hued wildflowers, shrubs and trees. British soldier lichen, cinnamon fern, Indian pipe, trailing arbutus, wild orchids, dwarf iris, fall gentian, blueberry and wild azalea are just a few of the colorful species to delight the nature enthusiast. Fascinating insectivorous plants are located in the moist areas. Among these are several species of pitcher plants and the diminutive sundew. In some areas formerly occupied by the pines are red and white oaks, American holly, dogwood, hickory sweetgum, sourwood, yellow poplar, persimmon and red maples.
Weymouth Woods is home for many animals, while others pass through at various times of the year. Chattering gray squirrels and their larger cousins the fox squirrels can be seen scampering across the hiking and bridle trails that wind through the preserve. Other common mammals include deer , red and gray foxes, raccoons, opossums and rabbits. Less common species are mink and otter. Birdlife is also abundant at Weymouth Woods. Large numbers of migrating songbirds pass through and often spend the winder in the preserve. Quail, mourning doves, hawks and owls can be seen throughout the year.
The museum, interpretive programs and nature trails at Weymouth Woods allow visitors to observe and better understand the natural history of the region. Development for public use within this natural area has been limited to those facilities concerned with its study, interpretation and protection. No provisions have been made for camping or other recreational activities usually found in many state parks.
The Natural History Museum has a number of exciting exhibits featuring the subterranean life of the preserve, a beaver pond and "sounds of the night."
An experienced naturalist provides illustrated lectures for groups. Guided tours along the four miles of hiking trails also enrich the visitor's experience at Weymouth Woods. Sunday afternoon programs are scheduled in the spring through fall. A self-guided nature trail is located near the visitor center and allows the visitor to set his own walking pace.
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