The Wood Stork represents a significant milestone as we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. These large wading birds are the only species of stork breeding in the U.S. and can be found roosting in colonies within the forested wetlands, cypress swamps, and marshes of the southeastern coastal plain. Once listed as federally endangered, the species is now making a comeback and has been proposed for delisting thanks to increased protection of their habitat and the critical ecosystems that they rely on.
SCWF recently hosted its first POWR+ (Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat+) day in Mountain Rest, South Carolina. POWR+ is the name for our women’s events that take retreat participants beyond the basics. These classes are open to everyone whether you have already attended the retreat or have yet to do so!
Our first POWR+ event was a Fly Fishing Day on the Chauga River. With help from the Chattooga River Fly Shop owners Karl Eckberg and Karen Maddox and staff along with female guide Savanna Kelly, we hosted 10 women of all experience levels on the water. More experienced fly anglers set off immediately with upstate native Kelly while the novice participants had an informative kick-start from the incredibly knowledgeable and informative Chattooga River Fly Shop staff.
Participants were excited to get on the river with so many other women who like to fish, and commented that they were very pleased with the instructors and format. They reported “how comfortable it is doing these sports with other women” and that the event “gets me out of my comfort zone without being overwhelming”. We look forward to providing even more POWR+ opportunities.
Our next POWR+ event will be an on-the-water boat operating class on Lake Moultrie April 17th. Check out that opportunity HERE.
By Ari Hippensteal, SCWF community outreach assistant.
Our greatest congratulations go out to the winners of our 2022 annual photo contest! This contest featured stunning images of South Carolina’s wildlife and their habitat as well as people enjoying outdoor activities in our beautiful state from the brand new category “People in Nature.”
It was truly difficult to select a winner from the over 300 entries we received this year, and we are grateful to all those who entered and shared their photographs and exceptional talent with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. Photographs will be periodically featured on our social media accounts, so please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SCWildlifeFederation. Check out our Flickr page to view all qualifying entries.
Scenes of SC Winning Entry: Folly Moonrise by Jim Miller.
Folly Moonrise by Jim Miller.
More about the photograph from Jim Miller:
“We only have twelve full moon rises per year and only about half of them line up with the lighthouse. Ideally, these moonrises need to occur very shortly after sunset so there is enough light to illuminate the lighthouse…So this leaves you with only three or four opportunities per year to make this photograph…November 19, 2021, was one of those evenings… It was a humid evening and the humidity and atmospheric distortion make the moon look like it’s dripping as it rises out of the ocean.”
About the photographer:
Jim Miller is a nature photographer located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and has been photographing coastal South Carolina for nearly 50 years. His love of nature, water sports, and travel has shaped his photography.
L to R: Scenes of SC category runner up: Table Rock in the Fall by Candy Jones and second runner up: Spanish Moss by Dale Staley.
Carolina Critters Winning Entry: Don’t even think about it (Osprey) by Scott Harris.
Don’t even think about it (Osprey) by Scott Harris.
More about the photo from Scott Harris:
“Every day for about a week, it would stop by and spend some time in the same tree. At first, it flew off when I approached, but after a couple of days, we seemed to reach an understanding and I was allowed to get close enough to snap a couple of photos, including the one that I was so fortunate to have been honored with this award. Osprey are my favorite of the Raptors, so I feel doubly blessed when they stop by for a visit.”
About the photographer:
Scott has traveled to 34 states looking for each of the 53 Raptors that call the Lower 48 states home. Some were extremely hard to find and some—literally—were right in his own backyard, which was the case with this Osprey. He and his wife retired to Lake Greenwood three years ago after living their whole lives in Southern California.
L to R: Carolina Critters category runner up, Unexpected by Bonnie Fisher, and second runner up, Prothonotary Reflections by Jim Miller.
People in Nature Winning Entry: Sesqui Cycler by Tami Kyre.
Sesqui Cyler by Tami Kyre.
More about the photo by Tami Kyre:
“This shot was taken at Sesquicentennial State Park. It’s a lovely place with something for everyone. During my visit, I paused at the grove of majestic oaks found on one end of the pond. As I relaxed under the trees and enjoyed the sound of the water falling over the spillway, I noticed people making their way along the nearby path. Then a thought came to mind that I learned in my class… frame the shot and wait for someone to come through it. After several failed attempts, this cyclist finally rolled in and I got a successful capture!”
About the photographer:
Tami is a Columbia native who spent countless hours as a child playing in the woods, at her neighborhood creek, and along the shores of Lake Murray. She says, “Now that I’m retired, I get another chance to get outside and play.” She is happiest when she is outdoors exploring places in South Carolina from the mountains to the sea and calls herself a “self-proclaimed nature nerd!” She has been passionate about photography since she was in her twenties and is now combining her love of the outdoors with her love of photography.
L to R: People in Nature category runner up, Fall Fishing by Kristin Rahn, and second runner up, Sunset Kayaker by Jim Miller.
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