Active residents will enjoy the community’s large swimming pool with a wade-in beach that makes it easily accessible and child friendly. A game lawn and BBQ-picnic area are ideal gathering sites, and the nearby hard-surface tennis courts are open year round.
The fun doesn’t stop at the gate, however. Surrounding Farmstead is some of the most beautiful countryside in the United States.
The county is literally bounded and criss-crossed by water, forests and wetlands. It offers the absolute best of nature and is blessed with citizens who diligently work to preserve that treasure.
Sea turtle protection program volunteers mark and monitor nests of several species of turtle, including the loggerhead, green sea turtle, leatherback and the extremely rare Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. During the hatching season, usually June and July, volunteers make nightly treks to help the quarter-sized hatchlings find their way to the sea. Among the organized groups are the Brunswick County Turtle Watch Program, 910-579-1016, and Bald Head Island Turtle Sanctuary and Conservancy 910-457-0089.
Some of our more than 200 species of birds also benefit from volunteers. Prime viewing of spectacular wood storks is at the Twin Lakes section of Sunset Beach. Ibises and pelicans nest on Battery Island in the middle of the Cape Fear River. This critical nesting area is managed by National Audubon Society with assistance from volunteers. The ibises can often be seen flying high above Highway 17 between Bolivia and Supply.
Outdoor enthusiasts may want to trek into the Nature Conservancy’s 150,000 acre preserve in the Green Swamp northwest of Supply. Known for dense vegetation and wildlife, the swamp is home to endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, black bears and bobcats. The vast array of plant life includes 14 species of carnivorous plants including Venus fly traps which grow only in this part of the world. Contact the Nature Conservancy for a map, and ask about local guides. 910-762-6277.
The 174 acre Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve is open to the public for hiking, photography, bird watching, nature appreciation and research. Located to the east near Winnabow, the site has 15 trails which display the preserve\'s diversity of plants and animals. Several small creeks drain the upland area; the lowland forest along the Town Creek is undisturbed. 910-253-6066. www.uncwil.edu/arboretum/evhen.html
Bird Island, at the south end of Sunset Beach, is one of the state’s last undeveloped barrier islands. Home to many kinds of shore birds, the island has been purchased by the state in order to protect it from development. The Kindred Spirit mailbox, erected by an anonymous nature lover, offers island visitors a place to leave literary reflections of their visit.
Local produce farms offer hundreds of locally and regionally grown vegetables and fruits. Pick-your-own tomatoes, strawberries and more are also offered in season at Holden Brothers Produce on Highway 17 near Ocean Isle and at Indigo Farms on Highway 57 adjacent to Farmstead.
More than 800 varieties of herbs are grown at Shelton Herb Farm, north of Winnabow on Goodman Road just off Highway 17. A favorite local source for fresh cut herbs and edible flowers, the Shelton Farm offers the largest variety of herbs in southeastern NC as well as classes, tours and garden talks. 910-253-5964
An exciting new way to travel the county is the East Coast Greenway. This 2600-mile trail connecting cities along the eastern seaboard from Canada to Key West is designed for bikers, hikers, roller bladders and wheelchairs. www.greenway.org.