Water has shaped life at Magnolia for generations and remains a prominent feature across the landscape. Of nearly 500 acres, 178 are wetlands ranging from former rice fields to cypress-tupelo swamps and tidally influenced brackish marshes. Magnolia Marsh is the largest managed wetland on the property, covering 100 acres. It is a brackish marsh, with a mixture of fresh and saltwater. Although it was never used for rice cultivation, it has a similar profile and is now one of the most biodiverse areas on the property. Water moves directly in and out from the Ashley River through two rice trunks, seasonally flooding the marsh and bringing nutrients as well as aquatic life. This habitat supports resident and migratory bird species, provides nesting grounds for alligators, and serves as nursery space for juvenile fish and crustaceans.