Keep South Carolina Wild

Month: May 2026

SCWF Celebrates Garden for Wildlife Month

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SCWF staff, partners, and volunteers recently joined together to install five pollinator gardens throughout the state – talk about busy bees!

As development increases, the resulting habitat loss is a major challenge that affects many pollinator species in South Carolina. Pollinator gardens provide pollinators and other wildlife with critical habitat that can beautify any space, increase native biodiversity, increase pollination services and biological control of pest insects, and provide community engagement and learning opportunities.

These gardens create and enhance habitat for pollinators and other wildlife by incorporating native flowering plants, which are important sources of food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and countless other species. Native plants are adapted to the region’s climate and require less watering, fertilizer, and use of pesticides. Pollinators also require specific native host plants which provide nutrition and habitat to their larval and adult stages. Milkweed, the host plant for monarch butterflies, was planted in each garden to give the adult females a place to lay their eggs and to provide the caterpillars with a source of food.

 

 

By installing the gardens in public areas, they also serve as demonstration sites to allow community members to connect with imperiled pollinator species and play a part in conservation efforts by replicating the gardens at their own homes. Educational signage was also installed with each garden that displays information about pollinator species, their importance, and how native plant gardens help them.

 

The first garden installation took place at the Museum of York County, where museum staff and volunteers joined to plant a variety of native plant pathways that lead to spaces where nature-themed outdoor musical instruments will be installed late this summer, including a bumblebee, butterfly, firefly, dragonfly, and ladybug. The museum’s garden is also a Certified Wildlife Habitat, which provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water, and does not rely on the use of pesticides. The museum received its certification in 2005 and also has created a Carolina Fence Garden.

 

The Catawba Nation is the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, and SCWF is honored to partner with the reservation’s Wildlife and Habitat Program on multiple conservation projects, including Project Prothonotary and the Pollinator Garden Project. At the Catawba Nation, reservation staff and volunteers helped to plant a variety of native plants for pollinators at the Cultural Center and at the preschool on the reservation.

 

 

The Catawba Bend Preserve is York County’s newest park, a 1,900-acre preserve in Rock Hill, spanning nearly five miles along the Catawba River. Operated by York County, the preserve offers a serene, natural escape focused on passive outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation. While the preserve is open and walkable, it is designed to be an evolving outdoor destination. Future amenities in various stages of development include mountain biking and disc golf courses, stocked fishing ponds and rebuilt earthen dams, the first mile of a paved, riverfront greenway, primitive tent camping, event spaces, and a motor coach park.

 

Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre nature preserve in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Dedicated in 1995, it protects native forests, lakes, and pastures from urban development, offering the public a natural escape for outdoor recreation and environmental education. The pollinator garden was installed with the help of staff from the Greenway and volunteers with the Catawba Master Naturalist Program, and it is located next to the Greenway’s Forest Playground. Bluestar (Amsonia) was chosen as one of the focal plants to honor the Greenway’s founder, Anne Springs, who was also a prominent South Carolina conservationist, philanthropist, and outdoor advocate.

To learn more about how to create your own pollinator garden, see our webpage for Enhancing Pollinator Habitat and be sure to follow along with us during the month of June, which is National Pollinator Month!

Savannah Jordan, SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager who led the project stated, “Each garden plays such an important role in providing and connecting habitat for pollinators. No matter how large or how small their size, each one makes a difference. To see pollinators like bees and butterflies checking out the plants right after we put them in the ground goes to show that if you plant them, they will come!”

Savannah Jordan, SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, stands still as a butterfly lands on her hand, almost as if to say “thank you”!

 

SCWF would like to thank Skyline Design and Landscape for their assistance in the design and installation of the garden, as well as providing all the native plants and materials. SCWF is also grateful for the following partners and volunteers for their involvement: Anne Springs Close Greenway, Catawba Master Naturalist & Alumni group, Museum of York County, Catawba Bend Preserve, York County Parks & Rec, Catawba Indian Nation, and Landsford Canal State Park.

 

 

 

 

 

This project was made possible by Duke Energy’s Catawba-Wateree Habitat Enhancement Program.

 

Midlands Master Naturalist Class of 2026

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Over the past 12 weeks, our 2026 Midlands Master Naturalists have spent countless hours exploring the Midlands and building connections with the natural world around them. From insects and geology to the unique flora and fauna that make this region so special, each week brought new discoveries, conversations, and moments of curiosity. Watching the growth, enthusiasm, and passion of this 2026 class has been incredibly rewarding, and we could not be more proud of all they have accomplished. While the class may be ending, their journey as Master Naturalists is just beginning. We know there are now 20 more people who will continue to ask questions, share knowledge, inspire others, and help foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnected world around us. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who spent these 12 weeks learning alongside us and to all of the parks, instructors, and partners who welcomed us along the way. Your time, knowledge, and support helped make this experience something truly special.

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Congratulations to Evan Dingle, Hunter Griffin, Jennifer Brown, Melinda McGee, Christine Woodham, Anne Kaiser, Glenda R Swearingen, Caroline Eastman, Katherine Kawamoto, Kim Pittman, Ellen Fishburne, Stephanie Pinson, Lexi Thomason Toole, Rebecca Funderburk, Rachel Como, Kate O’Hara-Goergen, Aidan-Lee Houser, Avery Hammett, Allison Bugarin, Mary Dell Hayes, and Nora Solway.

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For more information on our Master Naturalist class, visit: https://www.scwf.org/midlands-master-naturalist/

Whole Foods Volunteer Day

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We had a great time earlier this month with a group of nature-loving employees from Whole Foods! Seventeen Whole Foods employees from their Columbia, SC location built ten eastern bluebird boxes which will be installed at schools, churches, or corporate sites around the state.

The group also went on a nature walk with SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, Jay Keck, who taught them about the local ecosystem as they listened to wood thrush and prothonotary warblers in the background.

Whole Foods purchased the materials from the South Carolina Bluebird Society, who makes pre-cut versions of the boxes for those interested in having an event of their own. (Lean more at: https://southcarolinabluebirds.org/sales/)

Thank you to the Whole Foods employees who took time out of their busy schedules to learn about conservation and wildlife!

Women in the Outdoors: Building Confidence, Skills, and Community

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This April, women from across South Carolina gathered outdoors to learn new skills, connect with nature, and build lasting friendships through two special South Carolina Wildlife Federation programs: the POWR+ Women’s Fly Fishing Day with guides from the Chattooga River Fly Shop in Mountain Rest, South Carolina and the co-branded Women’s Turkey Camp with Artemis South Carolina.

Both events focused on creating welcoming, supportive spaces where women of all experience levels could grow their confidence in the outdoors while learning from experienced mentors and fellow participants.

During Women’s Turkey Camp, participants spent time learning turkey hunting techniques, practicing outdoor skills, and connecting around campfires and shared experiences in the field. The camp emphasized mentorship, conservation, and helping women feel comfortable and empowered in public hunting spaces.

 

Later in the month, the POWR+ Women’s Fly Fishing Day introduced participants to the art of fly fishing through hands-on instruction and time on the water. From learning casting basics to gaining a deeper appreciation for South Carolina’s aquatic habitats, attendees experienced firsthand how fishing can foster patience, focus, and connection with the natural world.

 

Together, these programs highlight the growing community of women engaging in hunting, fishing, and conservation across the country. They also reflect SCWF’s commitment to making the outdoors more accessible and encouraging the next generation of conservation leaders.

Whether sharing stories after a morning hunt or celebrating a first fly cast on the water, participants left these events with new skills, new friendships, and a stronger connection to the outdoors. A big thank you to all of our partners, as well as the Fish America Foundation , Z-Man Fishing Products, and Barron’s Outfitters for supporting this year’s fishing activities and helping make these experiences possible.

 

WAIT Partner Update: Michelin US2

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Michelin US2 in Sandy Springs has been a WAIT partner for more than a decade. Over the years they have created nature trails on their property with interpretive signage for their employees, created wildlife meadows, given away milkweed seeds to employees, and held education classes focused on wildlife and wildlife conservation. Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, has even brought snakes to the facility to educate employees about how snakes fit into the ecosystem. Recently, Jay and Ami Crowe, an Environmental Specialist with Michelin, installed 13 Eastern bluebird boxes in prime habitat across US2’s campus. During the winter they will inspect and clean the nests while recording what bird species were using the nests around the site. One of the target birds, the Carolina Chickadee, has declined approximately 16% in the last 50 years. With the help of US2 and other WAIT partners, we’re hoping that efforts like this will help slow down or reverse this declining trend for this species and others across the state. Thanks Michelin US2 for being a great WAIT partner, and for providing breeding opportunities for some of our amazing birds and other wildlife. 

 

Spring Habitat Workshop

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SCWF and the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) hosted a Spring Habitat Workshop on May 6th at Harbison State Forest. During this interactive workshop, participants learned how to create and enhance wildlife habitats by planting native plants, providing a water source, and adding feeders and nest boxes from SCWF Habitat Education Manager Savannah Jordan.
SCFC Environmental Program Manager Matt Schnabel led everyone on a tour of Harbison State Forest’s certified wildlife habitat garden and gave an overview presentation about SCFC. The event ended with a short hike, led by Manchester State Forest Director Daniel Tew, that included stops at three forested stands that show different management objectives and practices to teach people how forestry practices can affect and benefit wildlife populations. Learn more about how to certify your yard here!

Legislative Update

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by Trip King, SCWF Government Relations Manager

The South Carolina General Assembly is set to adjourn at 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 14th thus ending a two-year Legislative Session. While there are several bills still pending that the South Carolina Wildlife Federation has an interest in, we have nevertheless successfully advocated for significant pieces of legislation that have already made it across the finish line. And, we anticipate, with only a few days left in the session, we’ll be able to help shepherd a few more bills into law.  

SCWF, working closely with our advocacy partner Audubon South Carolina, was able to pass legislation that designated the Prothonotary Warbler as South Carolina’s Official State Migratory Bird. That legislation, Senate Bill S.383 now Act 98 of 2026, passed the both Senate and the House receiving a unanimous roll call vote in each chamber and was signed into law by the Governor on February 27th.  Subsequently, we were honored to participate in a ceremonial bill signing ceremony with Governor McMaster at Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest on April 20th. It was a very special occasion for a very special bird that calls South Carolina home each year after traveling thousands of miles on its annual migratory journey to and from Colombia, South America.

The “Hunting Heritage Protection Act”, House bill H.3872, is poised to receive final legislative approval this week after a minor amendment in the Senate. This legislation would ensure that there is no net loss in acreage for hunting opportunities on state-owned wildlife management areas managed by South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources. This initiative was an undertaking by the Sportsman’s Caucus and was supported by and advocated for by SCWF.

Also pending is H.5069, the “South Carolina Protected Lands and Conservation Coordination Act.”  This bill, which we expect will be given final approval by the General Assembly before adjournment, establishes a bold long-range State policy goal of increasing the number of protected lands to 7 million acres by the year 2050.  Currently, approximately 3.5 million acres of South Carolina’s roughly 21 million acres total land mass are protected from development by one means or another. SCWF has been very active in its advocacy of this legislation and has worked behind the scenes with the sponsor, Representative Travis Moore, and other legislative leaders to fast-track this bill through the House and Senate this year.

As with any legislative session, there are good bill that we have supported and lent our voices to that simply don’t make it into law. One of these bills is H.3409. Introduced by Representative Patrick Haddon, this legislation would increase the qualified conservation income tax credit from $250 per acre to $1,000 per acre. The income tax credit rate available to those who are willing to place their property in a qualified conservation easement or make a qualified conservation contribution has stood at $250 per acre for more than 20 years. That rate has not been adjusted for inflation nor exploding property values and should be adjusted as H.3409 would do.  Regrettably, Rep Haddon’s bill has stalled in the House Ways and Means Committee and will not pass this year.

While we enthusiastically supported the SC Conservation Education Act, which was enacted into law in 2025, neither the House Ways and Means Committee nor the Senate Finance Committee committed any money in the respective budgets for FY26-27 to fund this program. The Conservation Education Act, housed in the SC Department of Natural Resources, would fund third-party indoor and outdoor classroom conservation education programs specifically for youth.  We hope that the General Assembly will provide adequate resources to DNR in the future to fund this important program.

While the FY2026-27 state budget has yet to be finalized, there is good news for conservation and land protection in the current spending plan. Both the House and Senate, respectively, included record “new” money for conservation grant programs, such as conservation easement funding through the SC Conservation Bank, and land acquisition funding for state resource agencies. In recent years, the Legislature has really stepped up to the plate to fund land protection efforts in our state and we thank the entire General Assembly for their efforts and Governor McMaster who has prioritized protecting our most precious natural resources, land and water, for generations yet to come.