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Hofwyl-Broadfield State Historic Site: The Hofwyl-Broadfield State Historic Site is owned and managed by the Georgia DNR. It was once a working rice plantation, like several sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. This State Historic Site provides a glimpse in to the culture of the Georgia rice coast from 1800 to 1915.

This site is approximately 1,268 acres of saltwater marsh, freshwater wetlands, cultivated land, and pine flatwoods. There are two trails. The one within the gates of the park is well marked and has 3 viewing platforms and a boardwalk into the marsh. It is approximately 1 mile long and a good chance to see a marsh edge habitat. The second trail is not as well marked. It winds it’s way through a maturing mix of Longleaf pine and oak forest, or pine flatwoods habitat. This trail is 2.5 miles long and has a man-made slough, or borrow pit, along it which makes for a unique mix of birds. The diverse types of habitat and trail systems make this a good stop for the casual birder. Birds to be seen here: in the spring and summer you can find Summer Tanager, Yellow-throated Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Vireo, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Anhinga to name a few. In the winter you can find Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Black and White Warbler, and the Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets. The marshes are also good places to site Marsh Wrens and Sharp-tailed Sparrows.

Hours: There are exceptions, but the general working hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 PM; and Sundays 2 PM to 5:30 PM.

Directions: Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is located on US 17, one mile east of I-95, six miles south of Darien (exit 10 off of I-95), and 10 miles north of Brunswick. Take exit 10 into Darien (head east onto Georgia Highway 251 for 1 mile into Darien, then south for six miles on US 17). Please call (912) 264-7333 for more information. The site address is: 5556 U.S. Highway 17 North, Brunswick, Georgia 31525.

Text provided by Mary Elfner