August 2021 - South Carolina Wildlife Federation

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has hired BeBe Dalton Harrison as the organization’s new Director of Education. Harrison brings a passion for teaching others about the outdoors and our state’s wildlife and natural resources. In this role, Harrison will continue the SCWF’s outstanding education programs, partner with other organizations to lead programs such as Project WILD and Academics Afield, and build support from citizens and groups taking part in our education programs.

BeBe Dalton Harrison, SCWF Director of Education

“We are excited to have BeBe join our team,” said SCWF Executive Director Sara Green. “As SCWF adds new programs to our education lineup, her experience and expertise will draw even more engagement to help support SCWF and increase our impact for wildlife.”

Born in Charleston, Harrison currently resides in Mt. Pleasant. She has worked in natural resources education for more than twenty years, ranging from government agencies, to designing education programs for organizations, to running her own outdoor aquatic education business. Most recently she served as the Director of Outreach and Engagement for MyFishCount through the Angler Action Foundation. Prior to that, she developed custom outdoor education programs for organizations including the national award-winning aquatic education program for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “It is such a privilege to join the SCWF team, and I am thrilled to engage with folks all around the state with our education efforts,” says Harrison.

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation is active in promoting sound stewardship of our natural treasures. Through educational and public awareness programs and partnerships, the Federation works to establish policies that sustain, protect, and enhance the natural systems which give life to us all. Special events and online learning opportunities encourage all South Carolinians to connect to nature in their own backyard and across the Palmetto State.

Contact BeBe regarding SCWF Education Programs via email here.

By Jay Keck, Habitat Education Manager for Chapin Magazine

“Wanna go see the Martins?” That’s a question I loved to hear my dad ask during the summer while growing up on the south side of Lake Murray. It reminds me of all the small things you don’t know are special when you’re young, like taking the folding chairs out to the boat (the only permanent chair on our pontoon boat, which we named “Tin Can,” was my father’s “Captain’s” chair.) It reminds me of mom’s snack mix loaded with nuts and those slightly burnt bits of rice Chex that were lucky enough to soak up some of the butter in which they were cooked. It reminds me of boat-created summer breezes, orange Chek soda, and those unforgettable and unbeatable Lake Murray Sunsets (which are indeed, fyi, totally worthy of capital letters.) And then, of course, I’m reminded of the frenetic bird tornado the Purple Martins create when they congregate each evening at Bomb Island. What a sight! Isn’t it amazing that all those memories were created because of a bird? That is just one example of the power of nature, and our much-needed connection to it.

Photo of Purple Martins at Bomb Island, by Zach Steinhauser

But the Purple Martin isn’t just any bird. It’s a fast flying, insect eating, cavity nesting, transcontinental migrating, purple-fighter-jet of a bird. Visually, the male Purple Martin is a stunning bluish-purple, but you’ll need a good pair of binoculars to pull out the vibrant colors of the bird, which are at their brightest when reflecting the sun’s light. The female and young males are brown, though young males can have purple feathers on their chest and belly. Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family here in North America, and measure about 7.5 inches in length, have a 15–16-inch wingspan, and an average weight of 1.97 ounces.

Banner image by Vance Solseth

Month: August 2021

SCWF Hires Director of Education

KECK: For Purple Martins’ Majesties