Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve is a 10,427-acre natural preserve named after one of the many Carolina Bays. This unique area is thought to be ancient thermokarst lakes formed thousands of years ago when there was a colder, drier, and windier climate. The preserve is the last large, intact piece of Carolina Bay and wet pine savannah habitat in Horry County, with incredible biodiversity. Controlled burns mimic natural fires, supporting rare species like Venus flytraps, coastal black bears, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Finding carnivorous plants is one of the main draws to this area.