The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has re-certified 30 Wildlife And Industry Together (W.A.I.T.) sites for 2017.  The W.A.I.T. program recognizes industries in South Carolina who are dedicated to protecting the environment and who keep wildlife needs in mind when making their land management decisions.  Requirements for certification include wildlife habitat enhancement projects, environmental education for employees, and community outreach.

Wildlife habitat enhancement projects at this year’s certified sites include wildlife food plots for deer, turkey, and quail, butterfly gardens, wildlife meadows, and wetlands buffers and preserves. Employee education has been achieved through nature trails, newsletter articles, internal websites, brochures and common space bulletin boards. These industries have also established partnerships with local schools, scout groups, garden clubs, 4H clubs, and conservation organizations.

2017 Certified WAIT Sites:

• 3M Company, Greenville
• AFCO, Anderson
• BMW Manufacturing Corp., Spartanburg
• BMW International Technology Research Center, Greenville
• Duke Energy – Bad Creek Pumped Storage Station
• Duke Energy – Catawba Nuclear Station
• Duke Energy – Mill Creek Combustion Turbine Station
• Duke Energy – Oconee Nuclear Site
• Duke Energy – Lee Steam Station
• Fujifilm Manufacturing, USA, Greenwood
• Glen Raven Custom Fabrics Division, LLC, Anderson
• Hartness International, Greenville
• Honda of South Carolina, Timmonsville
• Martin Marietta Berkeley Quarry, Cross
• Michelin Retread Technologies, Duncan
• Michelin, Sandy Springs
• Michelin, Starr
• Michelin Americas Research & Development, Laurens Proving Grounds
• Michelin Americas Research Center (MARC), Greenville
• Michelin Tire Corp, Earthmover Plant (US7), Lexington
• Renewable Water Resources, Durbin Creek Facility
• Renewable Water Resources, Mauldin Road Facility
• Schneider Electric, Hopkins
• Shaw Industries, Columbia
• Spartanburg Water, Fairforest Water Treatment Plant
• Spartanburg Water, Lake Blalock
• Spartanburg Water, Lake Bowen
• Spartanburg Water, Main Office
• US Engine Valve, Westminster
• Westinghouse Electric Company, Columbia

Any company interested in the W.A.I.T. program should contact Laura Blake-Orr at 803-256-0670 or laura@scwf.org to find out more information.  SCWF will do a site visit to help companies get started.

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation facilitates effective habitat conservation and respect for outdoor traditions for current and future generations through statewide leadership, education, advocacy and partnerships. More information can be obtained about the organization by visiting www.scwf.org or calling 803-256-0670.