The ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 as part of a joint effort between federal and state government agencies, private conservation groups and local landowners to preserve and protect the ACE Basin area. The Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers which give the basin its name, combine to create one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the Atlantic Coast.

Presently at 11,019 acres, the refuge may encompass 18,000 acres upon completion of additional purchases and consists of two separate units. The Combahee Unit is located near Yemassee, SC, and the Edisto Unit is on the old Grove Plantation near Adams Run, SC. This reserve is named for the three rivers that drain the basin -- the Ashepoo, Combahe and Edisto. The refuge specializes in wetland management for endangered species and migratory birds and neo-tropical migrant habitat management. There is public access to nature trails, deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, and photography.