The team at Martin Marietta’s Berkeley Quarry goes above and beyond to educate local students and the community about the natural history of the Cross, South Carolina area, and how the quarry functions while respecting our natural resources.
Combined with numerous field trips, which include visits with local schools, gem and mineral clubs and community organizations, Berkeley Quarry’s crew educates close to 1,000 people annually, sharing information about a little known underground world that is normally hidden from view. Fossil collecting, geode breaking stations, a child mining area, quarry tours and geology lessons are among the activities that visitors enjoy while learning from the site’s knowledgeable and talented team members.
In addition to the geological interests of the area, habitat creation and preservation is important to Martin Marietta as well. Working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and American Forest Management, the Berkeley Quarry team has set aside several hundred acres of forested land that is intended to preserve habitat for both birds and animals. Wood duck boxes have also been installed on the grounds, and the area is regularly patrolled by a bald eagle that glides through the skies in search of prey.
Through community education, wildlife habitat creation and sustainable practices, Martin Marietta exemplifies how a large corporation should operate in an ecologically responsible way.
We hope this approach continues for years to come!
Why WAIT?
SCWF partners with conservation-minded businesses throughout the state who want to help wildlife thrive by enhancing their properties and providing educational opportunities for their employees and communities. Read more about the WAIT Program, and how to joinhere.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 9, 2024) — The bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Act will catalyze a concerted, collaborative effort to save one of the country’s most important and imperiled landscapes, which support wildlife, communities, livelihoods, and the outdoor recreation economy. The bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) will help counter and reverse the staggering and ongoing loss of grasslands from conversion to croplands and other drivers, which have exacerbated the wildlife and climate crises.
“Healthy grasslands and shrublands are essential to reducing flooding and wildfires, sustaining robust wildlife populations, and supporting local communities. Building upon the lessons learned over three decades from the highly effective North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Act will leverage unprecedented investment to save some of our most imperiled ecosystem,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “This bipartisan proposal will bring long-overdue resources to restore iconic landscapes based upon priorities established through the first-ever North American Grasslands Conservation Strategy, while mobilizing a movement to conserve, restore, and revitalize our prairies for ranchers, hunters, and wildlife alike.”
Eastern meadowlark, by Teresa Kopec
“South Carolina’s grasslands are home to some of our state’s most important and iconic wildlife like Northern Bobwhites and the Eastern meadowlark,” said Sara Green, executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “The bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Act will help drive science-based, voluntary efforts to conserve this important landscape and ensure it endures for future generations. Thank you to Representative Nancy Mace and her colleagues for leading this important, bipartisan effort to restore one of South Carolina and the nation’s most threatened ecosystems.”
“As the Kansas Wildlife Federation approaches its 75th anniversary, we are committed to contributing to the conversation about grassland conservation in our state,” said Alfonso Leyva, president of the Kansas Wildlife Federation. “Protecting North America’s grasslands is essential for Kansas’ wildlife, ranchers, and environment. The North American Grasslands Conservation Act provides the tools and support needed to restore these vital ecosystems while empowering land stewards to lead the way.”
Northern bobwhite, by James Edwards
“We know that a huge barrier to protecting Native lands and resources is a lack of sustainable funding,” said Shaun Grassel, CEO of Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance and a member of the Tribal Advisory Council for the National Wildlife Federation. “The North American Grassland Conservation Act provides much-needed grants to Tribes and Tribal organizations to carry out Indigenous-led conservation of culturally and ecologically important wildlife species. Together, we can protect an ecosystem that not only mitigates the effects of climate change, but has significance to Native peoples.”
Grasslands and sagebrush shrub-steppe are some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. According to recent research, the United States lost 1.1 million acres of grasslands every year from 2008 through 2016. An average of roughly 1.2 million acres of sagebrush burn each year due to invasive annual grasses, which contribute to and fuel catastrophic wildfires. This habitat loss has caused total grassland bird populations to decline by more than 40 percent since 1966. Some species, such as the Western meadowlark, are at heightened risk of extinction. Species like the bobwhite quail have seen declines of nearly 85 percent over the past several decades.
The North American Grasslands Conservation Act authorizes $60 million in grants to support voluntary grassland and sagebrush restoration and conservation projects, such as incentivizing prescribed burns, managing invasive species, grazing management training and grassland conservation easements. Additionally, the bill’s funding opportunities also will help Tribal nations to engage in grasslands conservation and include Tribal representation on the program’s governing council. The legislation also would promote the application of Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge in restoring and sustaining grasslands.
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SCWF is devoted to helping wildlife thrive in our state, and there are many ways you can become involved with us! Support our mission by entering the photo contest, enjoying fine dining, volunteering, or donating.
Wildlife following Hurricane Helene
Many of our native plants and animals are resilient and have adapted to survive and recover from major weather events. However, following a powerful storm like Hurricane Helene, wildlife can often become displaced, injured, and left without the basic elements they need to survive. Strong winds can blow migrating birds off course, pushing them hundreds of miles away from their home habitat. Large amounts of tree loss can devastate species that depend on forests for food and shelter. Extreme flooding on the coast can create strong influxes of saltwater that dramatically shifts the delicate balance of freshwater and brackish wetland areas, and the reverse is true as heavy rainfall upstream can wash soil, sediment and many pollutants into coastal and marine environments.
With public safety as the top priority, it’s best to give wildlife time and space, observe from a distance and avoid entering dangerous areas to rescue an animal. To report an unusual, rare, or injured animal, contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The post-storm calm is also a good time to fill up those bird feeders as they will be hungry and tired from waiting out the storm, especially during migration season. You can help animals survive in all kinds of weather by creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Oyster Roast Fundraiser at Bowens Island in Charleston, SC
Sunday, November 10, 5 – 7 pm
Come feast on delicious wild oysters with SCWF and help raise funds for coastal wildlife conservation! Ticket sales are now live for SCWF’s oyster roast fundraiser at the iconic Bowens Island in Charleston on Sunday, November 1oth from 5:00-7:00 pm! There will be fresh, delicious oysters, beer & wine, vegetarian options, and a raffle. If you haven’t been to Bowens Island yet, come check out this unique location that is a local favorite known for fresh seafood and a laid-back atmosphere, right on the marsh.
Early registrants can snag one of 25 spots for the opportunity to get a sneak peek at one of South Carolina’s newest state parks, May Forest on James Island.
Have you been thinking about how to include conservation in your fall plans? Join us at Between the Antlers in Georgetown for a five-course, wine-paired conservation dinner. As each course is served, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck will share information about each of this year’s feautued species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive. This delicious menu was created by Executive Chef Chelsea Cribb and Chef Scott Dwyer. Use the link below to secure your tickets and sponsorships. We can’t wait!
Thank you to our presenting sponsors the Litchfield Company, and TheoLeo Wine, our wine sponsor.
Leave the Leaves Month
As we fall into autumn, here’s your friendly reminder to leave the leaves! Fallen leaves provide many benefits for wildlife, humans, and the environment. Pollinators, insects and other invertebrates use the natural leaf layer to overwinter, and the leaves provide critical habitat, shelter, and insulation for these critters during the cooler months. Fallen leaves can also add nutrients to our gardens as they decompose and act as natural mulch and fertilizer, saving us time and money. Consider leaving the leaves this season – the wildlife will thank you! Learn more about the benefits of fallen leaves and what to do with them in your own yard here.
World Migratory Bird Day: Birds of Ballentine in Irmo, SC
Saturday, October 12, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Image Credit: Cedar Waxwing by Brian Fox.
Join SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, Savannah Jordan, for World Migratory Bird day at the Richland Library of Ballentine to learn about migratory birds and how we can help them during their long fall migrations. Come with us on a bird walk around the library’s grounds and along their nature trail to learn helpful bird identification tips and have a chance to see some of Ballentine’s migratory bird species! Sign up to join us here:
Celebrated annually during the third week in October, SC Native Plant Week recognizes the importance of native plants, which play a vital role in providing food and shelter for wildlife, restoring habitat, conserving water, and mitigating the effects of flooding. The combination of warm soil and cooler temperatures makes fall the perfect time of year for planting, plus it provides additional nectar for pollinators. Add native plants to your yard this fall by ordering online and certify your yard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat!
Working for Wildlife – Volunteer Workday
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, December 7th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Image Caption: At last year’s volunteer day, Mason Eslinger, marked longleaf pines to help identify trees that are nesting sites for red-cockaded woodpeckers.
Friends, volunteers and staff of Carolina Sandhills NWR along with the SC Wildlife Federation will host a workday at the refuge on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Since 1998, the SC Wildlife Federation and the refuge have collaborated on volunteer projects. Check out our blog post from last year’s volunteer day here. Plan to join us for a day of learning about refuge wildlife as you help conserve and protect valuable natural resources. Anticipated projects include maintaining trails, installing trail and boundary signs, litter pick-up, and repairing boardwalks and kiosks. Sign up to join us here: https://www.scwf.org/events/2024/carolina-sandhills-nwr-workday
2024 Annual Wildlife Photography Contest
open through October 31, 2024
Submit your photos by October 31st to our 22nd Annual Wildlife Photography Contest! Send us your best photographs that capture the natural beauty of South Carolina’s wildlife and their habitats – in your own backyard or anywhere in the state. Registration is only $15, which covers up to three submissions in each of the following categories: Carolina Critters, Scenes of SC, and People in Nature.
Read more about each category, and register using the link below. https://www.scwf.org/events/2024/22nd-annual-wildlife-photography-contest
News & Notes
SCWF’s Ari Hippensteal, Community Outreach Manager, recently attended National Hunting & Fishing Day! Learn more about SCWF’s booth at this annual event here</
Do you know a full-time student currently pursuing a degree in any environmental field at a South Carolina college or universty? If so, encourage them to apply for our scholarship by October 31st! Learn more and apply here</
Would you like to learn how to certify your yard as a backyard wildlife habitat? Join Ari Hippensteal for “Trail Talk” on Oct 17 from 5:30-7:00 pm in Columbia, SC. This is part of Palmetto Trail‘s monthly speaker series. The location for this event is the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, located at 722 King Street, Columbia, SC 29205.
Congratulations to the Bull Point Community on achieving certification as a Community Habitat!
Did you know that leaving the leaves this fall can help fireflies?
Last week, Hurricane Helene showed us that whether we live on the coast or in the mountains, anywhere can be vulnerable to the devastating effects of major storms. To a degree, humans can prepare for these types of storms that continue to become stronger and more frequent, but what about wildlife? How do they respond to extreme weather events and what we can do to help them? Read the article below, adapted from the National Wildlife Federation’s blog post Seven Things to Know About How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife.
GOES-16 GeoColor satellite loop from September 26 to 27, 2024 showing Helene moving through the Southeast U.S. NOAA National Weather Service
Wind Dislocation
Powerful winds from hurricanes and tropical storms can blow birds off course and push them hundreds of miles away from their home habitat. Last year, a North Carolina brown pelican was found on the roof of a night club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The news often covers the appearance of rare species after a major storm. Sometimes younger or weaker birds become separated from their flock and many can take weeks to return home — if they can find the right foods on their way back.
During major storms, sea birds and waterfowl are most exposed. Songbirds and woodland birds, however, are specially adapted to hold on and ride things out. Their toes automatically tighten around their perch. This holds them in place during high winds or when they sleep. Woodpeckers and other cavity nesters will, barring the destruction of the tree itself, ride out storms in tree holes. Shorebirds often move to inland areas. In a unique effect of cyclonic hurricanes, the eye of the storm with its fast-moving walls of intense wind can form a massive “bird cage” holding birds inside the eye until the storm dissipates. It is often the eye of the storm that displaces birds, more than its strong winds.
Birds are not the only species affected by the winds. Sea mammals can be harmed too. While many can seek shelter in open water or in near shore shelter, some dolphins and manatees have actually been blown ashore during major storms.
Tree Loss
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew brought incredible wind velocities onshore and knocked down as many as 80% of the trees on several coastal Louisiana basins, such as the Atchafalaya. Tree loss during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused even more extensive damage. Loss of coastal forests and trees can be devastating to dependent wildlife species and migratory species. Many wildlife species have very specialized niches in these forests that are lost to heavy winds. Specific foods can be taken away too. High winds will often strip fruits, seeds and berries from bushes and trees.
Dune and Beach Loss
Storm surges, wave action, and winds can cause beach and dune erosion and that can have severe effects of species. Many wildlife species live in ecological niches in the sandy areas and dunes of coastal barrier island. In some cases the storm can cause a beach area to disappear. Sea turtle nests, for example, can be washed out, or a water surge, called a “wash over” can submerge these nests or tern and plover nesting areas.
Saltwater Intrusion
The sustained and powerful winds of a hurricane will cause salty ocean water to pile up and surge onshore. These “storm surges” can be huge. Hurricane Irene’s surges brought water levels that were as much as 8 feet above normal high tide and Katrina pushed a 30 foot high surge onto the coast. In addition to the physical damage this causes, the salt contained in sea water dramatically shifts the delicate balance of freshwater and brackish wetland areas. Creatures and vegetation that are less salt-tolerant will be harmed and many will not survive this influx of sea water. Marsh grasses, crabs, minnows, fish hatchlings, insects, and myriad creatures of freshwater and estuarine environments are harmed. The salt water intrusion in these some of these areas does not drain off very quickly and can even harm or kill off bottomland forests and other coastal trees.
Freshwater Flooding
The reverse is true too. The heavy rains generated by hurricanes will dump water in coastal area river basins (called watersheds) and this, in turn, can send vast amounts of fresh water surging downstream into coastal bays and estuaries. This upsets the delicate and finely tuned freshwater/salt water balance that can be so vital for the health of these ecosystems. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes sent such massive amounts of freshwater into the Chesapeake Bay. The normally brackish (partially salty) water was fresh for months placing great pressure on the species living there.
Turbidity
Heavy rainfall in upstream areas also washes soil, sediment and many pollutants into coastal and marine environments. After Hurricane Agnes, the turbidly or cloudiness of the water became so severe in the Chesapeake Bay that the native grasses growing on the bottom of Bay died off in huge quantities. These grasses provided critical habitat from crabs, fish spawning and many species. It took the Bay years to recover. Similarly, sediment can wash over coral reefs, blocking needed sunlight and even causing algae to grow.
Marine and Aquatic Species
Hurricane Irene, like other hurricanes, generated massive waves and violent action on the surface. When hurricane Andrew hit Louisiana the government estimated that more than 9 million fish were killed offshore. Similarly, an assessment of the effect of that same storm on the Everglades Basin in Florida showed that 182 million fish were killed. Hurricane Katrina also had a huge effect on dolphin species. Many dolphins were hurt during the storm and were rescued and underwent rehabilitation.
What Can You Do?
The forces of hurricanes, such as Helene, are so immense that they deserve tremendous respect. So the first thing you can do is to stay safe yourself. Heed public safety warmings, prepare your property by collecting and storing lose items outside, be prepared for power outages and use common sense. Following a storm, birders and wildlife enthusiasts can help by keeping their eyes peeled for unusual or rare species that turn up. It is useful for wildlife agencies to hear about rare appearances. Wildlife rescue organizations should be contacted if someone sees a creature that was injured in a storm. It always recommended to avoid trying to handle and injured animal on your own unless you have had specific training. If you usually feed birds at your home, the post storm calm is a good time to fill up those feeders. Your pals will probably be hungry and tired after waiting out the storm.
“I loved working at this event. Coming back to my home in the upstate of SC and getting to talk to kids about the nature and animals around them was really meaningful to me.” Ari Hippensteal.
On Saturday, September 30, an estimated 2,000 youth and adults attended the annual National Hunting & Fishing Day event at Oconee County’s South Cove County Park near Seneca. This free event offers many hands-on opportunities to learn the basics of outdoor skills like fishing, archery, and shooting with an air-rifle. Traditionally celebrated the fourth Saturday in September, this day also promotes the contribution of hunters and anglers to conservation and connects hunters and anglers to programs in their state. SCWF has been a proud partner in this event for many years!
SCWF’s booth featured educational animal pelts, Ranger Rick magazines, and an art activity about wildlife! The education animals were a big draw, especially our muskrat. Ari Hippensteal, our Community Outreach Manager, talked to kids and adults who wanted to know more about the native South Carolina wildlife which might be difficult to see up close otherwise. Feeling the fur of the bobcat or the waterproof plumage of the mallard duck gave the visitors a hands-on experience that was a new experience for many. We were also grateful to the hunters who stopped by to share personal stories about the importance of habitat conservation for the future of wildlife in our state.
Fireflies are in decline, but you can help them by skipping the yard waste bags this year.
If you’ve ever lived in a region with fireflies, you’re probably most familiar with them as flying insects that light up the sky with their rhythmic blinking. But did you know that most of a firefly’s life can be spent under the leaves?
Fireflies as Larva
Like many insects, fireflies go through multiple life stages. The flying bugs we see are their adult form, but before they reach adulthood they first pass through their larval and pupal stages. In fact, for most species of fireflies, the larval stage makes up most of their life! For one species, Photinus pyralis, they spend 1-2 years as a larva, and only 30 days as an adult!
But most people have never even seen a firefly in its larval stage, or if they have, they haven’t realized what they were looking at. Firefly larvae look almost nothing like their adult forms. They often have a long, almost worm-like, body and most do not have any wings or have short wings that they cannot use for flying.
So if they don’t fly, where do these insects live for years on end? The answer lies beneath our feet.
Many firefly larvae are carnivorous, eating snails and worms they find in the moist soil! Credit: Katja Schulz/Flickr
A Life in the Leaves
While each firefly species is different, many fireflies spend their larval stage beneath a layer of fallen leaves or even under the soil. The moist environment that the leaf layer creates is a must for many firefly larvae, since some even depend on gills to breathe! The leaf layer is also helpful for many other insects and small creatures, like snails. Since many firefly larvae are carnivores, these other small animals in the leaf layer are a vital food source!
Not only does the leaf layer provide a moist environment and support a healthy food web for fireflies, but it is also essential for protecting them overwinter. Since many fireflies spend years as larvae, the leaves keep them warm, hidden and protected while they hibernate.
Roughly 30% of yard waste bags go to the landfill where they will produce methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Credit: xphotoz
Leave the Leaves for Fireflies
Fireflies are disappearing in America, and how we maintain our yards and gardens is a huge reason why. When homeowners and gardeners fill up yard waste bags with leaves, sticks, and other organic matter, they’re getting rid of the leaf layer that these firefly larvae need.
Not only that, but oftentimes the firefly larvae themselves get put into those yard waste bags and get carted away! About 30% of these yard waste bags end up going straight to the landfill. Some get composted, but others are incinerated– which releases carbon dioxide greenhouse gasses. Wherever these yard waste bags end up, it’s not good news for the fireflies.
To help save the fireflies, you can avoid the yard-waste bags. Instead, opt to intentionally use the fallen leaves in your yard. You can rake the leaves off your paths and lawn and move them to create a beneficial leaf layer in your garden beds and around the base of trees. Leaving the leaves doesn’t just benefit fireflies, but dozens of other wildlife species that depend on it to survive!
Amid the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot lies a hidden ecosystem where moths and butterflies find shelter and sustenance. While it might seem like clutter to some, this layer of fallen foliage is a lifeline for various species—including these important pollinators. Fallen leaves are more than just remnants of summer; they are essential components of ecosystems. They enrich the soil, provide habitats, and play a pivotal role in the life cycles of many insects. Let’s take a look at some of the species that depend on the leaf layer for survival.
Mourning Cloak
Mourning cloak butterflies avoid spending energy on migration by hibernating under the leaves for winter. Credit: Popo.uw23/Flickr
The mourning cloak butterfly is a remarkable species known for its longevity and unique hibernation habits. Unlike many butterflies that migrate or overwinter in other life stages, the mourning cloak spends the winter as an adult. As temperatures drop, these butterflies seek refuge in the natural crevices provided by tree bark, logs, and importantly, within piles of fallen leaves.
Fallen leaves offers a protective blanket that insulates the butterflies against harsh winter conditions. The layers of leaves help maintain a stable microclimate, shielding them from freezing temperatures and fluctuations that could otherwise be fatal. This insulation is crucial for their survival, allowing them to conserve energy throughout the dormant season. By hibernating in leaves, they can face temperatures as low as -76°F (-60°C)!
When spring arrives, the mourning cloaks emerge, often one of the first butterflies to be seen, as they take advantage of early sap flows and mate before competition arrives. Despite braving the winter, mourning cloaks are the longest living butterflies in North America, often surviving up to 10 months.
Red-banded Hairstreak
Red-banded hairstreak caterpillars camouflage well against dead leaves. Credit: Sara Bright/Alabama Butterfly Atlas
The red-banded hairstreak butterfly exhibits a fascinating life cycle intricately tied to fallen leaves. Unlike most butterfly caterpillars, which feed on living plant tissues, the larvae of this species primarily consume decaying leaf material, especially from sumac and oak trees. The caterpillars of this species look like fuzzy leaves to camouflage against their environment.
The leaf layer serves as both a pantry and a protective environment. The layers of leaves conceal the caterpillars from predators and harsh weather, offering a safe space for growth and development. This reliance on decaying matter places the red-banded hairstreak in a unique ecological niche, contributing to nutrient cycling and the breakdown of organic material in forest ecosystems.
Io Moth
The silky underside of an Io moth cocoon made from fallen leaves. Credit: Don Hall
Io moths are renowned for their vivid coloration and striking eyespots, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. After a period of feeding on the leaves of various trees and shrubs as caterpillars, they prepare for metamorphosis by spinning cocoons. This critical stage occurs within the leaf litter on the ground.
The fallen leaves provide essential camouflage for the cocoons, blending seamlessly with the environment to avoid detection by predators. Moreover, the microhabitat within the leaf litter maintains optimal humidity and temperature levels necessary for the delicate process of metamorphosis. The structural complexity of the leaf layers protects the cocoons from physical disturbances and environmental stressors, ensuring that the moths can successfully emerge as adults.
As adults, Io moths do not have functional mouths and do not feed. They live solely to reproduce, with a short adult lifespan of about a week. This means that every stage of their life cycle prior to adulthood is crucial for accumulating the energy reserves needed for reproduction. The protection provided by a leaf cocoon during metamorphosis is vital to their survival and ability to continue the species.
Luna Moth
A fully completed Luna moth cocoon made from freshly fallen leaves. Credit: Don Hall
The Luna moth captivates with its ethereal beauty, showcasing pale green wings and elongated tails. Similar to the Io moth, the Luna moth’s life cycle is deeply connected to the leaf litter. After the caterpillars have fed and grown on the leaves of hardwood trees like hickory, walnut, and birch, they descend to the forest floor to pupate.
Within the leaf layer, the Luna moth caterpillars spin silken cocoons interwoven with leaves, creating a secure environment for transformation. The developing moth may spend anywhere from three weeks to several months overwintering in this cocoon, while they only live as adults for about a week.
Like Io moths, adult Luna moths they do not have functional mouths to feed. This brief window of adulthood is dedicated entirely to reproduction. Because of their short lifespan and inability to feed, conserving energy under the leaves during winter ensures they emerge as healthy adults capable of finding a mate and laying the eggs quickly.
Dead Leaves, Living Habitat
Supporting the life cycles of moths and butterflies has broader implications for both wildlife and human communities. These species play significant roles in ecosystems as pollinators, prey, and indicators of environmental health.
By understanding and preserving the natural processes that sustain these species, such as the availability of leaf layers, we contribute to the resilience and functionality of ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and natural beauty that enhances our quality of life.
So this autumn, as the leaves create a mosaic on the ground, consider the unseen wonders they support. Embracing the natural accumulation of leaves supports the intricate life cycles of species like these moths and butterflies. In doing so, you can help nurture the ecosystems that ultimately sustain both wildlife and human communities.
