Keep South Carolina Wild

Academics Afield Fall 2021

Our first group of Academics Afield students from Clemson University participated in a hunt at the Jocassee Gorges property, hosted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) this week. This group consisted of students not only participating in the program, but students also serving as hunting mentors.

After completing the hunter safety class with SCDNR Officer Ray Lewis, a hands-on class to shoot rifles and shotguns with Clemson’s Rick Willey, and learning about how conservation and hunting are deeply connected with SCDNR’s Kenny Forrester and SC Wildlife Federation’s BeBe Dalton Harrison, participants set out in the woods.

After returning, they were able to enjoy tasting wild game including squirrel, snow goose, and venison donated and prepared by Morgan Harrell and SCWF staff. A special thank you to our Clemson intern, Abby Dwelle, for her hard work recruiting and organizing this fall.

This program began with the Georgia Wildlife Federation in 2019 and we were awarded a grant to expand it to South Carolina this year. Look for more opportunities to see this crew and a few new faces join in the Academics Afield program this spring.

SCWF 90th Anniversary Celebration

SCWF was thrilled to celebrate our 90th Anniversary last week with many longtime friends and new ones too! Being able to get together again to toast SCWF’s many impactful accomplishments was gratifying and inspiring!

In looking through old photos, Out of Doors newsletters, and historical files in preparation for the event, we were in awe of ALL of the passionate people who came before us and made tremendous strides to protect wildlife and the natural beauty of South Carolina that we all love. The amazing work of so many has protected our forests and waters, and allowed us the opportunity to enjoy seeing the birds and deer, fish and alligators, bears and butterflies.

Success over 90 years is due to many dedicated folks coming together, along with so many partners, many of whom were represented at our event: National Wildlife Federation, SCDNR, Garden Clubs, Forestry Commission, SC Environmental Law Project, and so many others!

As we celebrate 90 years, we also look toward the future. We hope you will all join us as we work to conserve habitat, reach new audiences, and educate future conservationists. JOIN US for a webinar or in-person classes and events, STAY TUNED to our newsletters and website for information on policy affecting wildlife, and DONATE to help increase our impact for wildlife.

Thank you to our special guest, Rudy Mancke – we were proud to present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for all of his inspiring conservation education work over the last several decades.

Thank you also to the vendors and volunteers, whose teams did a fantastic job for our 90th Anniversary Celebration: Central Energy, Loosh Culinaire/Central Table, Twist Bartending, Party Reflections, and the Sunday Dinner band.  We were thrilled to be able to recycle the oyster shells after the event and contribute them to SCDNR’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program (thanks to SCDNR and volunteers who made that possible!)

We also greatly appreciate and value the support of our event sponsors and W.A.I.T. partners!

Whether you are a longtime ally or a new friend, we look forward to continuing to educate and advocate for the conservation and restoration of wildlife and their habitat – please consider a donation to increase our impact for wildlife.

Read more about SCWF’s history here, and you can watch a slideshow of historic photos that were compiled for the event on our YouTube channel.

Selected photos from the 90th Anniversary celebration event are below. More photos are available to view (prints can be purchased from the photographer, Taylor Main) here: https://taylormainphotography.client-gallery.com/gallery/scwf-90th-anniversary