Francis Beidler Forest
in
Four Holes Swamp
A Wildlife Sanctuary of the
National Audubon Society


A Swamp Forest 1000 Years in the Making.

Francis Beidler Forest is the largest virgin blackwater cypress-tupelo swamp forest left in the world! This 11,000-acre riverine sanctuary in the heart of Four Holes Swamp embraces 1,800 acres of ancient trees that tower over blackwater streams, clear pools and 300 species of wildlife.

Visitors delight over the forest's wonders from vantage points along a winding, elevated boardwalk that conveniently starts and ends at the Visitors' Center. The walk is a little over 1 1/2 miles, with nine rest stops and two rain shelters on the way. So, when you are able to visit, take your time -- and keep your eyes and ears open -- for an experience that took ten centuries to create. The true beauty of the swamp is best experienced in person, but until you have that privilege we hope this website will enhance your life with knowledge and adventure!

This site was designed by Gail (Lang) Eaton (me) and is currently hosted by me at my own expense. It was originally designed to be and WAS the official website (1997 - 2001) for Beidler Forest but now Audubon is in the process of centralizing its websites to create a more standardized look and feel. They no longer wish to have this site maintained or pay for the cost of it's creation. So many people use this site and find it fascinating that I've decided to keep it online to help people discover this wonderful place. It's also one of my favorite pieces of work. I've spent hundreds of hours working to create this site and feel good each time someone is able to learn from the knowledge and information we have put here. All files on this site are owned fully by me, and I allow no duplication without written permission. Beidler Forest no longer pays for any updates or hosting fees so these costs as well as the original cost to design and code this site are covered through the advertising found throughout the site. If you have time, please visit the sponsor links (ArtSelect & Healing Place) to help provide for the cost of this site and help us to build this site even larger and provide even more resources for you and others. Please note that these links/ads are in no way sponsored by, approved by, affiliated with, or otherwise associated with Audubon. If you have any thoughts on information you would like to see on this site to further improve it, please email me!

I do advise that for your safety when you visit, make sure to wear shoes with good traction because the Boardwalk becomes very slippery in damp weather.

Gail A. Eaton

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