Keep South Carolina Wild

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Much of Charleston’s Drinking Water Comes From Streams Now at Risk – New Research

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Lacey McCormick & Erica Claycomb

National Wildlife Federation

https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2026/7-20-2026-Charleston-Drinking-Water

 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Researchers at Yale and the University of Massachusetts have found that 50 percent of the water in the Edisto River starts out in streams that may no longer be protected by the Clean Water Act. These types of streams also provide 40 percent of the water in Bushy Creek Reservoir.

New Research: Maps of streams at risk in the Edisto River and Bushy Creek Reservoir watersheds

The Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that streams can only be protected under the federal Clean Water Act if they are “relatively permanent,” effectively excluding ephemeral streams that flow after rainfall or snowmelt.

The decision also greatly restricted which freshwater wetlands can be protected. An Environmental Protection Agency analysis suggests that roughly 74 percent, or 2.3 million acres, of South Carolina’s freshwater wetlands may no longer be protected.

“Clean drinking water starts at the source,” said Sara Green, executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “For decades, the Clean Water Act helped protect the streams that provide our drinking water. Now we need to look at what we can do on the state and local level to keep these streams clean and healthy.”

The new maps of Charleston-area streams were built using models originally developed for a nationwide study of ephemeral streams published in the journal Science.

“Our research shows that small streams exert a meaningful influence on downstream, larger rivers, including systems that supply drinking water,” said Craig Brinkerhoff, a river scientist and engineer at Yale. “All of these waters are connected and if enough of these streams were polluted or damaged, it could potentially impact Charleston’s drinking water supplies over the long run.”

EPA is currently working on a formal rule outlining which types of streams and wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act.

“Healthy streams and wetlands aren’t just pretty, they filter and remediate common pollutants like bacteria and agricultural runoff. Without Clean Water Act protections, a critical piece of our water treatment infrastructure is at risk,” said Green.

South Carolina’s drinking water infrastructure was recently rated a D+ by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which estimates the state already has $6 billion in drinking water infrastructure needs.

EPA documents acknowledge that loss of protections for these streams could increase the cost to treat raw water to drinking water standards.

“It’s a double-whammy that we are losing these longstanding federal protections at the same time the President’s budget proposes deep cuts to water treatment funding,” said Jessie Ritter, associate vice president for water at the National Wildlife Federation. “EPA should be transparent about how leaving these streams unprotected will affect Americans’  drinking water.”

Additional Resources:

SCWF joins the National Wildlife Federation and other state affiliates in a lawsuit to uphold the Endangered Species Act

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SELC, Conservation Groups, to Sue Over ‘Disastrous’ Wildlife Rollbacks

National Wildlife Federation and five others will take FWS and NMFS to Federal Court  

CHARLESTON, S.C.—The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), on behalf of the National Wildlife Federation, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Florida Wildlife Federation, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Association of Northwest Steelheaders, and Conservation Council for Hawaii, gave 60-day notice to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that they intend to sue over the agencies’ reckless and illegal attempt to eliminate protection for the habitat of protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For decades, habitat protections under the ESA have been critical to the survival and recovery of nearly all listed species. 

 

This unlawful regulatory shift could be a death sentence for imperiled wildlife and at-risk habitats they depend on. It could also harm common species, including iconic southern wildlife like bobwhite quail and brook trout. The agencies’ rescission violates federal laws including the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the ESA itself. 

 

“This disastrous rescission attempts to pull the teeth out of the ESA and tries to allow widespread destruction of iconic habitats across the nation, like our treasured long-leaf pine ecosystems in South Carolina,” said Catherine Wannamaker, a senior attorney in SELC’s Charleston office. “The rescission is not just illegal, it makes no sense. To protect and recover imperiled species, you must protect their homes.”

 

Habitat loss and degradation are the main causes of extinction for listed species, meaning habitat protection and restoration are essential to imperiled species’ successful conservation and recovery. The rescission finalized today by FWS and NMFS removes the definition of “harm” from the agencies’ rules. For decades, agencies defined harm to include “significant habitat modification or degradation” that kills or injures wildlife.  This definition was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995.  

 

“South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states, and the associated new development is really changing the landscape of our beautiful state — which is the reason a lot of people move here,” said Sara K. Green, executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “The habitat protections that the Endangered Species Act has provided are critical to preserving endangered species populations as well as many other species of wildlife that depend on those same habitats, including game species and migratory birds.” 

 

Removing this definition will risk accelerating destruction of habitat, which is the leading cause of species decline. The stakes from any narrowing of habitat protections are higher for wildlife here in the South. We host a globally significant variety of plants and animals that are under mounting pressure because of human-made threats, including climate change and habitat loss. More than 250 species across SELC’s six-state region are protected by the ESA.

 

“To remove habitat considerations from how we conserve wildlife is simply illogical,” said Tim Gestwicki, CEO of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “This proposal to remove habitat protections is a death knell for species.”

 

The ESA is one of the most effective and comprehensive conservation laws in the world, preventing extinction for 99 percent of species protected by it. The ESA also has broad public support. It was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973, and since then, through twenty-five congressional terms and ten presidential administrations, has regulated the destruction of habitat. This rule change risks the ESA’s legacy of successfully protecting our national heritage. 

 

Header photo credits: Debra Partridge

 

Sen. Lindsey Graham Remembered as Advocate for Wildlife, Conservation

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We at SCWF share the sentiments below from the National Wildlife Federation, and we greatly appreciate all that Senator Graham did for the wildlife of our state and our nation.

 

Sen. Lindsey Graham Remembered as Advocate for Wildlife, Conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 12, 2026) — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was a steady and strong advocate for bipartisan solutions to conserve and restore America’s lands and coasts, recover at-risk species, and address some of the biggest challenges facing wildlife and people.

“The National Wildlife Federation is saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Senator Graham was a reliable friend of wildlife, serving as a lead co-sponsor of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, championing the Great American Outdoors Act, creating the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation, and co-founding the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “He protected ocean wildlife and South Carolina’s low country by opposing offshore drilling, investing in coastal resilience, and curbing methane pollution. Although we didn’t agree on everything, we always appreciated the Senator’s open door and his passion for wildlife and wild places.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, his staff, and the people of South Carolina.”

South Carolina’s Rapid Growth Leading to More Bear Encounters

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By McKenzie Muskett Spectrum News South Carolina
PUBLISHED 4:28 PM ET Jul. 10, 2026
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/sc/south-carolina/news/2026/07/10/bear-sightings-in-south-carolina

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolina continues to grow, wildlife experts say more people are likely to cross paths with the state’s largest land mammals, the black bear.

New neighborhoods and expanding developments are pushing farther into natural habitats, increasing the chances of bears wandering through residential areas in search of food.

While seeing a bear in your neighborhood can be startling, experts say there’s usually no reason to panic.

“Generally speaking, for what it’s worth, bear sightings are actually pretty rare,” said Howard Morrison, a park ranger with Sumter National Forest.

South Carolina is home to a healthy population of black bears. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, current sustaining populations exist in the Mountains/Upper Piedmont and Northern Coastal Counties.

But as more people move into the state, wildlife habitat continues to shrink, bringing humans and bears into closer contact.

“As new folks move into South Carolina, there’s new housing developments being built and that kind of thing. And that’s encroaching on habitat for all kinds of wildlife, but bears also,” said Sarah Green, Executive Director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Wildlife experts say bears wandering through neighborhoods are often just passing through. The biggest factor that keeps them returning is easy access to food.

“The bears that happen to be around developed areas, that’s where people have food. That’s where they may be cooking. That’s where they may be camping. There are a lot of things that smell like items that a bear might want to try to eat,” said Morrison.

Morrison says that’s because bears living near developed areas can begin associating people with an easy meal if they’re repeatedly rewarded with access to food or garbage.

“A lot of folks are scared of bears. We see a bear coming into our campground. A lot of folks, their first inclination is to run away and abandon everything that you’ve got sitting there. That’s what the bears are there for in the first place, because they’re not there for us. They’re there for our stuff. And if we allow them that access and that kind of reward, that’s when they get conditioned,” said Morrison.

He says if bears are not able to reach food left behind by people, they’re less likely to develop that association.

Experts say homeowners can reduce the chances of attracting bears by removing food sources around their property. They recommend:

  • Cleaning grills after cooking
  • Storing trash inside a garage or in a bear-resistant container
  • Bringing pet food indoors
  • Taking down bird feeders during the summer

“Bears have an incredible sense of smell. And so, they can smell your backyard grilling and things like that. And will come into areas looking for food,” Green said.

If you encounter a black bear, experts recommend:

  • Staying calm
  • Keeping your distance
  • Making your presence known
  • Slowly back away

Black bear attacks in South Carolina are extremely rare, and experts say the animals generally want to avoid people.

“Be respectful of the wildlife in their home and just enjoy seeing them when you get the opportunity.” Morrison said.

Morrison recommends heading to bearwise.org for more information. He says it’s not an agency site, but it is one that he often refers people to when they inquire about home and outdoor safety.

 

National Wildlife Federation 90th Annual Meeting

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SCWF recently had the opportunity to represent South Carolina at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) 90th Annual Meeting – the largest and oldest gathering of grassroots conservation leaders in the nation.

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation, previously the SC Game & Fish Association (formed in 1931), has been a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) since NWF’s inception in 1936. The relationship between NWF and its state affiliates is unique among other conservation organizations because each affiliate functions as a completely separate organization concerning all aspects – finances, programs, policies, board governance, membership, etc. At the same time, NWF relies on the votes of its state affiliates to set policy and elect board members each year during NWF’s Annual Meeting.

This year, Rosemary Martin-Jones (SCWF Board Member & Affiliate Representative) and Sara Green (SCWF Executive Director & Alternate Affiliate Representative) represented SCWF and South Carolina at the recent NWF Annual Meeting held in Providence, RI. They not only voted on NWF resolutions and board members, but also had the opportunity to sit on committees and interact with colleagues at NWF and other state affiliate organizations. This meeting is always such a great opportunity for SCWF to learn from other affiliates, share our successes and brainstorm new ideas. They even got to hang out with Ranger Rick!

Resolutions were passed in different categories to set NWF policy regarding: data center regulatory and legislative safeguards and best practices; preservation of scientific and historical integrity in public lands; and restrictions on pesticide and rodenticide use.

SCWF co-sponsored the rodenticide resolution due to documented high rates of secondary poisoning in apex predators like raptors and mammalian predators from Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs). This issue was recently brought to light in SC by biologists with the Town of Kiawah Island who noticed that their bobcat population declined dramatically due to SGAR poisoning (read more about that here). The newly passed resolution sets NWF policy to support strong federal and state restrictions on second generation anticoagulant rodenticides.

A Season of Discovery: Exploring South Carolina’s Natural Heritage

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One of the best parts of environmental education is that learning never stops. Over the past several weeks, nature enthusiasts from across the state joined us for a series of advanced training opportunities that explored everything from dragonflies and Carolina bays to fireflies and herpetology. These programs welcomed anyone interested in deepening their understanding of South Carolina’s incredible natural heritage while learning directly from experts in the field.

Day of the Dragon

Our Day of the Dragon program was an unforgettable opportunity to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies. A special thank you goes to Austin Jenkins for sharing his incredible knowledge and enthusiasm for insects throughout the day.

Participants learned the differences between dragonflies and damselflies, explored their unique life cycles, and discussed the remarkable adaptations that have allowed these ancient insects to thrive for more than 300 million years. We even observed mating behavior on the pond as males guarded females while eggs were being laid.

The diversity of species encountered was impressive. Highlights included Eastern pondhawks, blue dashers, banded pennants, golden-winged skimmers, Amanda’s pennants, little blue dragonlets, sparkling jewelwings, powdered dancers, citrine forktails, variable dancers, and attenuated bluets. we also spotted bright red parasitic mites on little blue dragonlets and a few other aquatic creatures. This class was a fascinating reminder of the complex relationships within wetland ecosystems.

The day wasn’t limited to dragonflies. Participants observed freshwater shrimp, whirligig beetles, caddisfly larvae, water scorpions, creeping water bugs, black-banded sunfish, and even a brown water snake. One of the most memorable moments was watching a water scorpion feeding on a crayfish, showcasing the hidden drama unfolding beneath the water’s surface.

The enthusiasm continued long after the class ended. Participants shared photos, notes, and words of appreciation, with many commenting on their excitement about future opportunities to explore together.

 

Exploring the Mystery of Carolina Bays

Our Carolina Bays class offered a chance to explore one of the Southeast’s most intriguing and uniquely Carolina landscapes. Led by Austin Jenkins, participants examined the science, history, and ecology behind these elliptical wetlands, which stretch from New Jersey to Florida and number in the thousands across the Coastal Plain.

We discussed the many theories surrounding their formation—from meteorite impacts to ancient shorelines—and learned why the shoreline erosion hypothesis is currently the most widely accepted explanation. Yet, as with many natural wonders, some mysteries remain.

Beyond geology, the class highlighted the tremendous ecological importance of Carolina Bays. These seasonal wetlands provide critical breeding habitat for amphibians and aquatic insects, store and filter water, trap nutrients, and support specialized plant communities. Participants also learned about restoration efforts to plug historic drainage ditches and return natural hydrology to these important ecosystems.

The field experience provided opportunities to observe an incredible diversity of life. Among the plants encountered were longleaf pines, pond cypress, sweetbay, sparkleberry, wiregrass, sphagnum moss, meadow beauty, and the fascinating sticky false foxglove.

Wildlife sightings included red-shouldered hawks, ruby-throated hummingbirds, yellow-billed cuckoos, purple martins, wolf spiders, basilica spiders, white-tailed skimmers, sphinx moths, and Palamedes swallowtails. One particularly memorable moment was watching the distinctive mating “flutter” of the Palamedes swallowtails, a reminder that every visit to these habitats reveals something new.

 

Firefly Surveys: Community Science After Dark

Few things capture the wonder of a South Carolina summer evening quite like the glow of fireflies. Did you know there’s more than one species of firefly? This year, participants had the opportunity to learn directly from Jory Fleming and Richard Joyce of the Xerces Society through a two-part series focused on firefly conservation and community science.

The first session introduced participants to the incredible diversity of fireflies found across the Southeast and the importance of the Firefly Atlas project. Attendees learned how researchers document species distributions, why long-term monitoring matters, and how anyone can contribute meaningful observations to help scientists better understand these beloved insects.

The second session took learning into the field as participants visited two locations around Columbia to collect firefly data firsthand. Guided by Jory and Richard, attendees practiced identifying different species, recording habitat information, documenting flash patterns, and learning the protocols used by professional researchers and community scientists alike.

Beyond simply observing these magical insects, participants gained an appreciation for the careful data collection that supports conservation efforts and helps track changes in firefly populations over time. The experience highlighted how everyday nature enthusiasts can play an important role in protecting biodiversity while fostering a deeper connection to the landscapes around them.

 

Field Herpetology Adventures

Our Field Herpetology class took participants into Sallyland alongside Jake Zadik and Whit Gibbons for an unforgettable day of discovery. Together, we explored the forests, streams, and wetlands that provide habitat for some of South Carolina’s most fascinating and often elusive reptiles and amphibians.

Participants learned the techniques researchers use to locate, survey, and study herpetofauna while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in conserving these species and their habitats. From carefully searching stream corridors to examining microhabitats, every step offered opportunities to uncover hidden wildlife.

The day’s finds included two-lined salamanders, mud salamanders, red salamanders, musk turtles, tadpoles in various stages of development, a copperhead, and a ring-necked snake. Each encounter provided valuable lessons about identification, behavior, habitat preferences, and the important ecological roles these animals play.

Learning directly from professionals actively engaged in research gave participants a unique glimpse into the methods scientists use to monitor populations and better understand these secretive creatures. By the end of the day, everyone left with exciting wildlife sightings and a greater appreciation for the remarkable diversity hidden within South Carolina’s forests and waterways.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the world around you, these advanced training programs offer opportunities to learn, connect, and explore alongside others who share a passion for wildlife and conservation.

We are incredibly grateful to our instructors, partners, and participants who make these experiences possible. Through hands-on learning, scientific exploration, and a shared sense of wonder, we continue to build a community dedicated to understanding and conserving South Carolina’s rich natural heritage.

We look forward to many more adventures in the field and hope you’ll join us for the next opportunity to discover something new outdoors. To learn more about our nature classes, visit us at https://www.scwf.org/nature-classes/.

WAIT Partner Update: Spartanburg Water

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When we think about wildlife conservation, we often think about education, land stewardship, and habitat creation, all of which our long-time WAIT partner, Spartanburg Water, has been doing for decades. People connect to nature through education and outdoor experiences, and with this connection they gain a better understanding and love for the environment in which they live.

 

Through educational nature-related kayak paddles offered to the public, taking students from local schools onto a pontoon boat for “floating classrooms” to learn about water quality and ecology, and hosting a two-day event where approximately 200 employees remove 20,000 pounds of trash from the environment, Spartanburg Water provides opportunities to the community and their employees to connect with their local wildlife and the habitat in which it lives. Members of their team also visit local schools to teach them about water quality and ecology, enabling them to educate students from all grade levels in their community.

In addition to education, Spartanburg Water volunteers and employees enhance and improve habitat, provide nesting opportunities for local birds, and manage approximately 1,500 acres of forested property for a myriad of plant and animal species. By serving as a local oyster shell collection site for the SCORE program, and by constructing oyster reef beds with SCDNR at prime coastal areas, Spartanburg Water is participating in clean-water conservation efforts all across the state. They also host approximately 30 Wood Duck boxes on two of their reservoirs, provide nest boxes for Eastern Bluebirds, and have plans to host boxes for the Eastern Screech Owl on their Lake Blalock property, which just opened a public 2-mile nature loop in November of 2025.

With future plans to create demonstration areas to teach local students about forest management practices and water ecology, Spartanburg Water shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to connecting their community to its natural resources. Education and connection equals conservation, and the SCWF applauds Spartanburg Water’s efforts to educate its employees and its community about our amazing planet!

Pollinator Program at the Catawba Nation’s Third Annual Catawba Culture Camp

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On June 16, 2026, SCWF Habitat Education Manager Savannah Jordan led a pollinator program at the Catawba Nation’s Third Annual Catawba Culture Camp at the Catawba Cultural Center. A perfect opportunity during National Pollinator Month, recognized in June!
Through hands-on activities, campers explored the vital role of pollination, built bee hotels, learned how to create wildlife habitats, and toured a newly installed pollinator garden created by SCWF with support from our partners at Duke Energy.
Thanks to your support, programs like these will continue to help inspire the next generation of conservationists while advancing pollinator education, habitat restoration, and community partnerships in our state. Together, we can help ensure a healthier future for the pollinators we depend on!

Chapin Goes Green…er

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Written by Cindy Chin.

Published in Chapin Magazine on June 18, 2026:

https://www.chapinmagazine.com/home/2026/6/18/chapin-goes-greener?fbclid=IwY2xjawSzkYJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIYUpuZDBPekpTMktaWWpYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl6HvBhLAbzUY6vFusRdNdgdBp0QTYI9ITbx1e_swe5P06Ktt0SN-QRJ2kBn_aem_urN1NwhEGCP_PFZ-RPykbw

 

Chapin Goes Green...er

 

Chapin Garden Club Strives to turn Chapin into
South Carolina’s Largest Per Capita Community Wildlife Habitat

In 2000, Chapin Garden Club launched two initiatives supported by the Garden Club of South Carolina: a Carolina Fence Garden at the Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Backyard Habitat program. Both programs were a success…  So Chapin Garden Club did what anyone in their position would typically do: moved the goal posts and upped the ante. Twenty six years later, they aim to turn Chapin into the largest per capita Community Wildlife Habitat in the state by 2030. But this time, they need your help…

 

How It Started

From the outset in 2000, CGC’s members embraced the challenges wholeheartedly—every member achieved certified habitat status to do their part in the Backyard Habitat program. The efforts established an enduring club tradition: membership meant maintaining a certified backyard. But what exactly is a “certified” backyard, and why does it matter? A Certified Wildlife Habitat® through the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is a greenspace that provides essential elements for local wildlife: food, water, cover, and places to raise young, while also utilizing sustainable practices such as reduced usage of chemical pesticides, the conservation of water, and a reduction in lawn area. Having these conditions in place helps combat habitat loss by supporting birds, butterflies, and pollinators with native plants.

For members of the Chapin Garden Club in the year 2000, the decision to get their yards certified was an easy one. By 2013, an influx of new members shifted focus temporarily; the yard certification tradition had begun to subside. To reignite interest, Bonnie Porter presented a refresher on habitat certification at the October meeting. Then-president Cindy Chin challenged members to certify their own yards and recruit others to do the same. The effort gained traction through flyers, local media, and community outreach.

 

Photo by Cindy Chin

The club’s commitment aligned with a broader goal—supporting South Carolina’s national leadership in wildlife habitats per capita. With guidance from Sarah Green of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Chapin added 32 new certified habitats by summer 2014. They celebrated with a gathering at Timberlake Country Club.

A pivotal moment came in 2019 when Jay Keck delivered a program on attracting birds and butterflies. His presentation sparked a lasting partnership with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and deepened the club’s focus on conservation education.

 

Chapin Goes Green

In May 2021, Keck introduced the idea of designating Chapin (ZIP code 29036) as a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat. Recognizing the opportunity, the club launched “Chapin Goes Green” and registered with the National Wildlife Federation in June 2021.

Certification required community education, media engagement, and achieving 225 habitat points through certified properties. The club undertook a coordinated effort that included:

  • Publishing articles on wildlife, native plants, and habitat gardening

  • Hosting workshops, presentations, and an annual Wildlife Trivia Night

  • Partnering with local organizations, schools, churches, and civic groups

  • Securing official support from the mayor, town council, and community associations

A major achievement was the creation of a 70-by-8-foot pollinator garden at Chapin Town Hall, developed in collaboration with multiple partners and supported by a Dominion Energy grant. The club also worked with the South Carolina Bluebird Society to establish a bluebird trail at Town Hall. Since 2021, the Cindy and Ed Chin Bluebird Trail and participating backyards have documented 153 successful fledglings. Additional enhancements included installing an outdoor message center and a bluestone seating wall at Town Hall, offering educational materials and trail maps to visitors.

 

“We are proud to work with our community to protect and connect critical habitats for wildlife.”

— Cindy Chin

Reaching the required number of certified properties proved the most challenging step. Engaging more than 200 property owners, businesses, and institutions required sustained outreach—but the effort succeeded. On February 15, 2024, Chapin was officially designated a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

The community celebrated on June 18, 2024, with a ceremony at Town Hall featuring tours of the pollinator garden and bluebird trail. Mayor Al Koon issued a proclamation recognizing the project’s impact, and state leaders and conservation partners attended. Local students also contributed, creating a video to promote habitat certification.

The project drew inspiration from other successful communities. Kelly Long of the Camellia Garden Club in Greer shared insights from their five-year certification journey, highlighting initiatives such as distributing milkweed seeds to support Monarch butterflies and engaging residents of all ages in conservation.

Today, Chapin has 208 certified properties, including parks, schools, places of worship, government buildings, and private homes. Maintaining certification requires annual renewal, and the Chapin Garden Club remains committed to education, outreach, and expanding participation.

Cindy Chin, who chaired Chapin Goes Green, describes the multi-year effort as a labor of love: “It is an honor and privilege to have Chapin recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. Chapin is now the 161st Community Wildlife Habitat in the U.S., the 14th in South Carolina, and the first in Lexington County. We are proud to work with our community to protect and connect critical habitats for wildlife.”

Through sustained collaboration and grassroots engagement, Chapin Garden Club has created a model for how communities can preserve natural beauty while fostering meaningful connections between people and wildlife. Today they ask: Will you help them?

What is a Community Wildlife Habitat?
It’s Community

The Community Wildlife Habitat is a NWF program that helps communities create sustainable wildlife friendly spaces while engaging residents in conservation and education. They partner with cities, towns, and neighborhoods in urban and suburban areas to incorporate wildlife practice and promote biodiversity in communities across the United States. These practices include using native plants, reducing pesticides, conserving water, and integrating wildlife considerations that support insects, moths, butterflies, caterpillars, birds, etc.. Communities are recognized when property owners such as individual homeowners and businesses, churches, schools, parks, government properties, etc. certify their properties as Certified Wildlife Habitats.

What is a Certified Wildlife Habitat?
It’s Personal

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) was South Carolina’s first conservation group. Established in 1931, it has been safeguarding our state’s wildlife for nearly a century and relies on proven scientific methods to protect and preserve the health of delicate ecosystems. It is the SCWF that administers the Wildlife Habitat program to assist homeowners, businesses, churches, schools, parks, etc. to individually certify habitat.  This requires providing 4 essential elements for wildlife: food, water, cover, and places to raise young plus incorporating some (not all) sustainable gardening practices. These practices can be very small changes that make a big difference and save time and money. Per the SCWF:

  • Stop Using Pesticides
    Yes, they kill the bad critters, but also poison bees and butterflies, birds and other animals whose diet consists of insects. Without pesticides, your flowers and vegetables will pollinate more aggressively -that means more flowers and fruits.

  • Plant Native Plants and Trees
    These plants are already adapted to our climate, and the native wildlife has adapted to these plants. Keystones native trees such as oaks support over 500 species of insects, moths, and butterflies. Native flowers such as goldenrod and asters also support over 100 species of the same. And, we have individual natives such as milk weed which is the only food for our beautiful monarch butterflies. Lastly, natives are generally more drought resistant and easier to grow.

  • Reduce Fertilizer Use
    If you must use fertilizers, be sure to closely follow the directions. Excessive chemical fertilizer will not help your plants any more and will pollute our waterways. You can create your own organic fertilizer by beginning a compost pile.

  • Let One Tenth of Your Yard Grow Wild
    Untouched areas left to their own devices support much healthier ecosystems allowing insects, moth, butterflies, fireflies, bird, etc. to proliferate and thrive.

  • Reduce the Amount of Turf
    Grass is time consuming and expensive, and has no benefit to any wildlife whatsoever. Instead, increase the size and diversity of your flower beds which attracts a diversity of wildlife.

How to Certify Your Yard

Certifying one’s habitat is extremely easy and takes less than 20 minutes. Sign on to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation site and follow the link to certified wildlife habitat.

Certification is a one-time event; there’s no annual renewal. The cost is $25.00 and you can also purchase a sign which identifies your property as a wildlife habitat. Proudly display it where all your friends and neighbors will see it and ask –

“What is this about?” And you can answer, “Well, it’s about:

  • enhancing livability and health in our communities

  • saving wildlife

  • creating beautiful environments for our children and grandchildren

  • educating the public on wildlife conservation and sustainable practices

  • and increasing the economic value of our homes and neighborhoods… “

A Bold New Goal – 2030 Vision

 

There’s so much to gain, and little to lose by certifying your yard. Every individual habitat is the key to maintaining Chapin as a Community Wildlife Habitat. Chapin Garden Club President, Shawn Grover explains, “If Chapin residents do not continue to certify their properties, Chapin will lose this extremely valuable and important designation. That would just be so heartbreaking for our community. But our goal, be it lofty, is to build Chapin into the largest per capita Community Wildlife Habitat in the state by 2030!

Please help the Chapin Garden Club and the whole town by certifying your yard today. For more information about certification, what to plant with purpose, questions, or technical assistance, go to SCWF.org or contact:

Savannah Jordan, Associate Wildlife Biologist®
South Carolina Wildlife Federation
email  savannah@scwf.org
O: 803-256-0670 | M: 864-398-6373

WAIT Partner Update: Proterra

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Proterra, a leading manufacturer of advanced battery technology, is our newest WAIT partner! Located in Greer, SC, Proterra is helping power the shift to a sustainable future by providing innovative battery solutions for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and equipment manufactures.

During a recent visit, Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, explored the property with staff and led a nature walk for approximately 25 enthusiastic employees eager to learn about habitat creation and conservation. Along with installed nest boxes for the Eastern bluebird and wood duck, Eastern screech owl boxes will be installed at the edge of a forested area, increasing the likelihood of this beautiful but declining bird to breed in the area. Prairie areas border much of the property and provide food for many pollinators and the animals that feed upon them. Plants like goldenrod, blackberry, and pokeweed, are numerous and provide food for dozens of bird species and possibly hundreds of types of moths and butterflies. Larger plants like sassafras, black cherry, white oak and willow oak, provide the property with an excellent source of food for caterpillars, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

The WAIT team at Proterra has created a fun and easy way for employees to record the plant and animal species on the property by providing a QR code for employees to scan which directs them to a common page where they can input their findings. This inventory of plants and animals, and its access to employees, has the potential to open up their eyes to the biodiversity on the property, which can lead to conservation efforts on and off the property. To assist employees with the inventories, field guides of local plants and animals are available for employees in the lunchroom. In addition to these guides, nature books, interpretive nature signs, and information about the WAIT program and Proterra’s commitment to habitat conservation is available for employees to explore.

We applaud these initial efforts by Proterra and cannot wait to see what they do for wildlife and wildlife conservation in future years. The name Proterra means “For the Earth” and we love to see their employees living this out daily. Well done, Proterra!