Established in 1997 in South Carolina, Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge protects coastal wetlands and uplands near the confluence of the Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, and Waccamaw rivers across parts of Georgetown, Horry, and Marion counties. Created to conserve habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, migratory birds, and resident wildlife, it also supports environmental education and recreation such as hunting and fishing. Covering 22,931 acres with plans to grow beyond 50,000, the refuge includes important habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker on Sandy Island and nesting areas for swallow-tailed kites and bald eagles.