The Sandhills is one of the most biodiverse eco-systems in the World. It supports 40% of the biodiversity in NC in just over 1 million acres.
- “The Sandhills is characterized by rolling topography, sand covered clay soils (different levels) and thousands of stream heads and a Sandhills Chapter would be ideal, since this ecoregion is not usually included on maps of the state’s ecoregions (Mountains,
Piedmont, Coastal Plain). - When most folks, even professional biologists, think of “Coastal Plain”, they think of the eastern portion, near to the estuaries and to Outer Banks. But the Sandhills is usually overlooked as a distinct part of the Coastal Plain. There are a good number of plant species endemic (restricted) to the Sandhills of NC-SC-GA, and others that in NC occur only in the Sandhills.
- Soils are different here than on the flat portion of the Coastal Plain. Moreover, there is a longer history of controlled burning here than elsewhere in NC because of the Longleaf Pine and wiregrass ecosystem that requires fire. However, most folks who live here and nearby do not know the native flora and do not appreciate its importance. – Bruce Sorrie
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Sandhills Counties
- Anson
- Cumberland
- Harnett
- Hoke
- Lee
- Montgomery
- Moore
- Richmond
- Scotland
*This map uses the US Forest Service/Bailey’s Ecoregions definition