Conservation // 2 min Read

Summer Food Plots

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Spring is all about new growth – like the flowers we found blooming out in the field and the baby bluebirds we discovered in our birdbox last week. It’s also the time when the summer food plots that Jay and the Conservancy team planted start to sprout. As land managers, it’s important not just to plant these summer food plots, but also to monitor the growth and the amount of grazing pressure that is occurring. As any of our food plots begin to grow (summer or fall), the amount of deer browse can be difficult to judge. This is where an exclusion device comes in.

What is an exclusion device?

We’ll let Justin explain more in the video below, but generally speaking, an exclusion device is used to block any deer or other animal from eating the plants. Dimensions vary but the device acts as a control – showing what the crop would look like if there were no deer to graze on the plants. The plants outside of the device will be eaten naturally.

Why is it important to have?

The practice of using exclusion devices is popular among land managers as it allows us to gain insight into the amount of plant productivity and grazing pressure within our food plots.

And here is a short video of what an established winter food plot looks like.

But wait! There’s more! What is that fence around food plot? If we want to provide a nutritional buffet for the wildlife at the Bluff, why are we roping off what we just planted? We’ll let Big Jay explain more in the video below…

Spring is a busy time at the Bluff – especially for the Conservancy team. Stay tuned for more videos of what the team is currently working on out in the field.

Culture
Finding Fish

Following the tides and angling for redfish in Lowcountry creeks and estuaries with Captains Brian Vaughn and Will Stephens Story by Sandy Lang It is a sunny morning in October and the water is calm and glassy. The silence is punctuated by a gush of breath f...

Jun 2025
home upkeep checklist

Real Estate
Get Ahead of Spring Cleaning: How to Upkeep Your Luxury Lowcountry Home

7 Ways To Upkeep Your Palmetto Bluff Home As spring arrives in the Lowcountry, the change in season brings more than blooming marshlands and sun-drenched afternoons; it’s also a perfect time to refresh and care for your Palmetto Bluff home. Coastal living mea...

May 2025

Discover the Next Great Chapter in Golf Course Design, Only at Palmetto Bluff

When the land speaks, you listen. And at Palmetto Bluff, it spoke to two of golf’s most legendary course designers—Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. We invite you to watch our newest video, shot this past winter and featuring Bill and Ben, along with South Street P...

May 2025
home renovations 2025

Architecture & Design
Renovations That Will Increase Your Home’s Value in 2025

5 Renovations to Increase the Value of Your Lowcountry Home Whether Palmetto Bluff is your full-time residence or a cherished retreat, deciding to sell is never a quick or casual choice. However, when the time does come, you want your home to be as market-rea...

May 2025

Food & Wine
Talking Sauce with Chef Rhy Waddington

Chef Rhy Waddington is always thinking about elevating the dining experience, down to the smallest detail. His most recent creation is perfect for the summer season - a trio of BBQ sauces designed to complement the property’s barbecue offerings and beyond. We ...

May 2025

Club Life
Dive Into Summer: The Pools of Palmetto Bluff

Summer at Palmetto Bluff is all about soaking up the sun, cooling off in style, and enjoying the simple pleasures of Lowcountry living. From peaceful afternoons at The Lodge Pools to lively family fun at Moreland, our pools offer a perfect se...

May 2025

Culture
Divided Loyalties: A Walk Through the Revolutionary War

On July 5th, the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy will partner with South Carolina 250 (SC250) to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a special walking tour honoring Beaufort County’s often-overlooked role in the war. Led by archaeologist Kati...

May 2025
28 yearling road

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: 28 Yearling Road

Explore 28 Yearling Road in River Road Neighborhood Tucked within the heart of Palmetto Bluff’s beloved River Road neighborhood, 28 Yearling Road is a masterclass in Lowcountry elegance—where timeless architecture meets modern comfort, and every detail invite...

May 2025

Culture
Local Character | Captain Thomas Shanahan

The Bluff | Spring/Summer 2025 Tell me about where you grew up. I was born and raised on Broad Creek in Hilton Head and I’ve been boating and fishing since I was a tiny kid. I got into the industry when I was eight. I’d go down to Shelter Creek Marina and be...

May 2025
crossroads 9-hole golf course

Sporting Life
The Ultimate Crossroads Golf Course Experience

How to Enjoy a Day of Golf at Crossroads  At Palmetto Bluff, Crossroads nine-hole golf course offers more than a place to play—it provides a sense of belonging. While the course layout is thoughtfully designed and visually stunning, what sets Crossroads apart...

Apr 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us