“This (POWR) retreat made me realize the areas I had a good foundation in, filled in some other knowledge gaps, and gave me confidence to do these outdoor activities by myself.”
This comment and others like it, is why the SC Wildlife Federation continues to offer their signature Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat or POWR. This retreat, POWR, has been introducing women to the outdoors for nearly 30 years. During the event, women can select a variety of classes ranging from water sports to shooting sports to other outdoor recreational activities.
Each class is led by patient instructors who introduce participants to the topic in a very safe and non-intimidating environment.
“Our goal with POWR is to do just what that participant said. We want them to gain the confidence to do the outdoor activities by themselves or with friends and family members,” said BeBe Dalton Harrison, director of Education for the SC Wildlife Federation. Harrison adds, “Once women feel confident, they can get gear that they are most comfortable using and set out on their own adventures”.
Through partnerships with Comporium, Quantum Fishing, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Chattooga River Fly Shop, and several supportive volunteers, SCWF is proud to offer women this hands-on approach to learning outdoor skills.
In addition to the weekend event, SCWF offers several one-day events called POWR+ for women including our upcoming POWR+ Coastal Kayaking Experience on June 9 in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Thank you to our partners and sponsors!
The Retreat is presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. We are especially grateful to our sponsors, Comporium and the SC Department of Natural Resources. We are pleased to have the support of several outfitters and organizations including Angling Women, Chattooga River Fly Shop, Clemson Extension, and Quantum Fishing. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors. A special thank you is due to the numerous individual volunteers who so willingly donate their time to share their knowledge and expertise.
Columbia’s City Council recently approved a change in its nuisance ordinance to allow for “naturalistic” gardens—landscapes that favor native plants and support native wildlife. Previously, vegetation was required to be kept shorter than 12 inches. Now, gardeners may register their naturalistic gardens with the city’s ordinance enforcement office to avoid citation for having what may look to some as no more than an overgrown or untended space.
Columbia appears to be, if not the first, among a very few jurisdictions within South Carolina to explicitly welcome landscaping for wildlife. This continues the commitment made when the city became a National Wildlife Federation Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in 2019, working to “restore wildlife habitat and educate and engage community members.” The South Carolina Native Plant Society Midlands Chapter, supported by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and Gills Creek Watershed Association, worked with the city to accomplish the ordinance change.
Landscaping with native plants to support pollinators, butterflies, fireflies, birds, and other wildlife is important because we are losing so many of these elements that make our community feel like home. We want to see butterflies by day and fireflies at night. Lawns have been described as ecological deserts. A good wildlife habitat garden, on the other hand, provides food, shelter, and places to raise young—in bird nests, old flower stalks, and native grasses.
To register a property’s naturalistic landscape, download the required form and mail or email to the address on the bottom of the form. Applicants must provide proof of the landscape’s certification from a recognized program such as National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat, Gills Creek Watershed Champion, Clemson Carolina Yard, or other conservation organization. Residents who do not have a certified yard may request a visit from the Code Enforcement Division to register.
The South Carolina General Assembly recently followed the city’s lead in supporting native plants by passing a concurrent resolution to “recognize the essential value and importance of South Carolina native plants to the state’s environment, landscape, agriculture, history, and economy, and to encourage state agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna.”
The South Carolina Native Plant Society and its Midlands Chapter work to protect, restore, and educate about native plants. The Midlands Chapter hosts an educational program every other month and numerous field trips and service opportunities.
I visited Lonza for the first time at their facility in Greenwood, SC, shortly after they joined the WAIT program in 2018. While taking a walk on their nature trail, which passes by some of the 70 acres of mixed hardwood forest that surrounds their property, I forgot that I was still on a property where hundreds of employees worked.
The pollinator garden that was created 7 years ago is still going strong and supports many types of insects and arachnids, which in turn, supports an abundance of native wildlife on the property.
Image caption: The spiny oakworm caterpillar and the walnut sphinx moth caterpillar are both good examples of species that are supported by the mixed hardwood forest on Lonza’s property.
To better connect employees to the outdoors, a courtyard was created to give the employees a safe and natural place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight the area offers. Two outdoor seating areas, where furniture using recycled materials were used, create additional areas for employees to connect with the outdoors during breaks. A solar powered charger was even installed for employees needing to recharge their devices. With plans to install interpretive nature signs at these outdoor break areas, Lonza’s WAIT team looks to further educate employees about native wildlife and ways to connect with it!
Thank you Lonza for all of your hard work and dedication to wildlife conservation on your property!
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 join here.
Banner image credit: Ruby-throated hummingbird on salvia by Susan Stamey.
South Carolina takes a huge step forward for wildlife habitat enhancement
Native plants have formed symbiotic relationships with native wildlife over thousands of years, and therefore offer the most sustainable habitat for wildlife. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) and several of our conservation partners drafted a concurrent resolution to “recognize the essential value and importance of South Carolina native plants to the state’s environment, landscape, agriculture, history, and economy, and to encourage State agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna.” This Resolution passed the SC Legislature on April 23, 2025.
“Passage of this resolution shows that SC leaders value the natural beauty of our state, and have a desire to preserve the essential habitats on which our wildlife depend,” said Sara Green, SCWF executive director. “This is a critical time to enhance habitat for wildlife – our state has more than twice as many species of concern as we did only 10 years ago. Our organization stands ready to assist anyone who needs additional information about native plants valuable to wildlife.”
A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction. Exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world or were cultivated by humans into forms that don’t exist in nature do not support wildlife as well as native plants. Occasionally, they can even escape into the wild and become invasive exotics that destroy natural habitat. Native plants help the environment the most when planted in places that match their growing requirements.
They will thrive in the soils, moisture and weather of your region. That means less supplemental watering, which can be wasteful, and less pest problems that require toxic chemicals. Native plants also assist in managing rainwater runoff and maintain healthy soil as their root systems are deep and keep soil from being compacted. Discovering the native plants where you live can also define a unique sense of place and heritage for your garden habitat while preserving the natural history of the flora and fauna of your region.
Native plants often provide food for wildlife in the form of berries, seeds, nuts or nectar. Some wildlife will eat the leaves too, including caterpillars. Native plants also provide shelter and nesting sites for wildlife.
There are a wide variety of native options for any landscaping need. To assist in using native plants for landscaping, the SCWF website’s Native Plant page has a long list of native plants which are valuable to wildlife, as well as a list of local plant nurseries which sell natives: https://www.scwf.org/native-plants/
Native oaks and maples are great options for large trees, as well as smaller trees like dogwoods, red bud, paw paw, and sassafras. Examples of native garden plants which are beautiful and also have value for wildlife include: coreopsis, black-eyed susans, joe-pye weed, yarrow, bee balm, columbine, and milkweeds.
To recognize the efforts of landowners who incorporate native plants for habitat, properties can become Certified Wildlife Habitats through the SCWF and the National Wildlife Federation. This designation ensures valuable habitat while also helping to educate neighbors and community members about the needs of wildlife. Even larger properties such as industrial sites can be certified through SCWF’s Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program. Companies like BMW, Honda, Michelin, Duke Energy, and others have already converted their unused lands to wildlife habitat. If homeowners, business owners and local governments work together, the whole neighborhood or town can be certified through the Community Wildlife Habitat program. All of these programs focus on native plants and other habitat elements and sustainable gardening practices.
South Carolina’s new Native Plant Resolution furthers efforts by the General Assembly in the past. In 2017, a bill designated the third week of every October as Native Plant Week in SC. In 2018, the “Solar Habitat Bill” created guidelines for using native plants at large scale solar installations.
Here is the full text of the new Native Plant Resolution:
Whereas, South Carolina’s native plants provide iconic, economic, artistic, historical, and environmental values, unparalleled for beauty and unique to the history of the State and its future; and
Whereas, native plants are those which occur naturally in the specific regions in which they evolved, including our estuarine and tidal freshwater, maritime strand, freshwater wetlands, river and palustrine forested wetlands, and associated coastal uplands; and
Whereas, South Carolina contains over four thousand native plant species, subspecies, and varieties, making South Carolina home to a tremendously rich and diverse plant life, and twenty-one of those species are considered to be threatened or endangered; and
Whereas, maintaining and restoring the native plant habitat in South Carolina is vital to preserving South Carolina’s present and future biodiversity amid a changing environment; and
Whereas, native plants are more drought-tolerant, provide essential food sources for insects, birds, and wildlife, and require less water. They also act as natural pollinators and help filter out fertilizers and chemicals, promoting water conservation and improving the quality of stormwater runoff. Additionally, native plants enhance the resilience of ecosystems in South Carolina; and
Whereas, native plants provide high-quality food and shelter for more than three hundred resident and migratory bird species in South Carolina, one hundred sixty-one of which are species of greatest conservation need; and
Whereas, South Carolina currently contends with over ninety invasive and exotic plants, many of which compete with native plant species, degrade soil, facilitate erosion, require more fertilizers and chemicals, provide fewer food sources to native birds and other wildlife, and alter the state’s natural landscapes; and
Whereas, the state’s original Native American residents lived and thrived by knowledge of native plants which provided generations with food, clothing, shelter, dyes, tools, medicines, and fuel; and
Whereas, from the state’s earliest time, native flora and fauna have provided a rich landscape, inspiring and influencing notable literary and artistic works by internationally recognized figures and thereby securing South Carolina’s legacy in natural heritage; and
Whereas, South Carolina’s native plants and their derivatives have provided essential foods, medicines, and other products of global import since the colonial period, while native plants, such as sweet grass and Carolina yellow jessamine, play an important role in the state’s cultural heritage; and
Whereas, native plant horticulture contributes significantly to the state’s economy and employs thousands of South Carolinians, providing a thriving, vital, and ever-expanding industry, who do their part to preserve, protect, and restore precious native habitats by using South Carolina native plants whenever possible for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management; and
Whereas, the state’s native plants provide essential watershed protection, helping natural aquifers recharge, serving to filter water naturally flowing into rivers and estuaries, lessening erosion and flooding, and supporting rich biodiversity in birds and wildlife; and
Whereas, gardens and landscapes comprised of South Carolina’s native plants require far fewer fertilizers, soil amendments, or pesticides, and use significantly less water compared to nonnative plants; and
Whereas, pollinators such as birds, bees, and insects, including migratory butterflies, hummingbirds, and other threatened species, depend on the biodiversity of native plants for their survival; and
Whereas, many native South Carolina plants have played a vital role in state and national history, compelling the United States Congress, the State of South Carolina, and many local communities throughout the State to protect the beauty, power, and grandeur of our wild spaces; and
Whereas, planting, restoration, preservation, and cultivation of the state’s indigenous plants provides a natural link to wild land areas present and past, while presenting beauty and benefit and instilling a greater appreciation for South Carolina’s natural heritage; and
Whereas, this resolution is not state law. It is merely intended to encourage the people of South Carolina to plant and foster the growth of plants native to South Carolina.
Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize the essential value and importance of South Carolina’s native plants to the state’s environment, landscape, agriculture, history, and economy and encourage all state agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna.
Be it further resolved, that the Department of Administration is urged to circulate this concurrent resolution to all state agencies and state governmental units engaged in or overseeing the landscaping or grounds maintenance of properties so that they are made aware of the General Assembly’s interest in this matter.
“I’ve got one! It’s my first fish!” SCWF recently partnered with the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District and Interlaken Wildlife Foundation to engage all fourth graders in Calhoun County in an outdoor experience that included many students catching their first fish.
Four schools in Calhoun county were able to participate in this program allowing fourth graders to learn about aquatic ecology, local wildlife habitat, and even get a chance to catch a fish! Conservation district staff visited the schools to help them prepare for their onsite visit to Interlaken by teaching them how to cast a fishing rod and introducing them to the aquatic habitat.
During the field trip to Interlaken, SCWF staff and volunteers joined conservation district staff, Interlaken staff, and a wonderful group of supportive volunteers to help these fourth graders have an amazing time in the outdoors. Students were briefed on fishing safety and fish handling and then had the opportunity to try and catch a fish at the pond.
In addition to this, SCWF Midlands Master Naturalists also led students on a nature walk where they learned about many native plant and animal species in the area that they can look for near their home and school. Interlaken also provided a fun wagon ride across the property where they were able to see even more wildlife and plant species.
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with these incredible organizations as we introduce more students to the outdoors and hopefully spark their interest in conservation.
On a perfect morning recently in March, nine women set out on an epic POWR+ Fly Fishing Experience with guides from the Chattooga River Fly Shop in Mountain Rest, South Carolina. After being fitted for waders and boots, shop owner Karl Ekberg and his crew gave these lady anglers some pointers as they set out on their adventure. There were women of all skill levels on this trip from novice to experienced. Standing there in the chilly river under the bright sunshine made for an absolutely perfect day of fishing.
As the guides led these ladies down the river, they gained confidence in their casting and ability to read the water. Several species were caught including rainbow trout, brown trout, redbreast sunfish, and a river chub. Not everyone caught a fish, but they all caught the passion for fly fishing from truly passionate volunteers.
Join the challenge! The first person to spot each species below before June 30th and email SCWF at mail@scwf.org wins a free 12 oz. bag of coffee, shipped straight from Birds & Beans. This migratory bird spotting challenge invites guests to try and spot one of the 6 migratory birds that are featured on the Birds & Beans packaging. Each bird is listed below with some tips & tricks about where you can spot them.
Scarlet tanagers can be found in mature forests and even park-like settings in places like Saluda Shoals Park, golf courses, and even yards with large native hardwood trees. Listen for their raspy song to help you locate them high in the canopy.
Image Credit: Scarlet Tanager by Ryan Sanderson.
Chestnut-sided warblers can often be found in and around trees where the forest meets an opening. They’re usually found in the mid-levels of trees, as well as low shrubs, so you don’t have to look to high to find them (usually)! Park settings can also be good for this bird. 14 Mile Creek and Archers Lake in Lexington county could prove to be a good spot for these birds.
Image Credit: Chesnut-sided warbler by Keenan Yakola.
Wood thrush like mature healthy forests. Lynch’s Woods in Newberry and Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve should produce some of these birds in the Midlands. Wood thrush are usually on the ground or up to mid-level on trees. Listen for their song, which is one of the most beautiful of our woods during the breeding season!
Image Credit: Wood thrush by Fernando Burgalin Sequeria.
Baltimore orioles are brilliantly orange birds easily seen from a distance due to the male’s color. Once again, any park-like setting could produce one of these birds for you. Look mid to upper canopy for them. These birds are so beautiful, they can be life changing!
Image Credit: Baltimore oriole by Fernando Burgalin Sequeria.
American Redstarts are somewhat easy to find because of their erratic feeding behavior and constant movement. Look around the mid-canopy of hardwood trees in almost any setting in SC, besides open fields. Nature parks, city and town parks, and yards filled with native trees and shrubs should produce an abundance of these birds.
Image Credit: American redstart by Evan Lipton.
An open field is where you’ll find Eastern Kingbirds! Look for birds sitting on powerlines and in trees at the edge of a clearing, pond, or field. The dark tail with a bright white tail tip is diagnostic for this bird, but don’t get it confused with an Eastern Phoebe! Lakes, ponds, and any farm field could produce this bird for you!
The South Carolina Legislature convened on January 14, 2025 for the first session of the two-year session of the 126th General Assembly. The General Assembly will adjourn sine die on Thursday, May 8 at 5:00 pm.
The House has passed a budget, and sent it over to the Senate for review. SCWF is strongly supporting more funding for land protection and acquisition in the Conservation Bank’s and the Department of Natural Resources’ budget requests. Additionally, SCWF is supporting the Forestry Commission budget request for more personnel and equipment.
Outside of state budget issues, most of our efforts this early in the session pick up familiar issues that we have supported in the past as well as some new areas of focus. A few of those issues are listed below – check the links for detailed descriptions and current status of the bills.
S.0363 Joint Resolution on Shorebird Habitat Protection – PASSED!! The SC Department of Natural Resources submitted these regulations that would close Deveaux Bank to all human traffic from March 15 through October 15. The closure timeframe is significant for successful seabird nesting as disturbances from human interaction has proven to be detrimental to this important resting and nesting period.
S.0339/H.3991 SC Lights Out Program – PASSED!! This resolution declares the nights of March through May and August through October as “Lights Out Nights in South Carolina Season” and urges South Carolina residents to turn out non-essential lights at night during these critical periods in the spring and fall for the protection of birds in South Carolina.
H.3872 Hunting Heritage Protect Act – ensures that there is no net loss of Department-managed land for hunting and fishing (excludes leased land). This bill has passed the House and now in the Senate.
H.4211 SC Native Plants – encourages State agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna. This bill passed the House unanimously and is now in the Senate.
H.3409/S.0252 Conservation Tax Credit – amends South Carolina’s tax code to increase the tax credit available for qualified conservation contributions of real property. The per-acre tax credit cap remains at $251,000 per acre, which applies to various types of land including uplands, wetlands, ponds, hardwood bottomlands, and Carolina Bays, but would exclude property within the intertidal zone. The bill also increases the total credit a taxpayer may use in a single tax year from $52,500 to $105,000.
S.0288 Transfer of Development Rights – these tools for local governments can be customized to local needs — protecting areas that are of local value and promoting development where local governments see the best prospects for smart and efficient growth. This promotes efficient land use, which protects natural resources and can lead to savings on public expenditures like infrastructure.
H.4050/S.0227 Concurrency bills – Concurrency is a policy tool that empowers local governments to synchronize development and population growth. Concurrency can promote more efficient land use by optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and preventing sprawl.
S.0165 Conservation Education Act – establishes the South Carolina Conservation Education Fund to support youth environmental and natural resource education programs.
S.0383 State Migratory Bird – This bill would designate the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) as the official state migratory bird of South Carolina, recognizing the species’ significant ecological and cultural importance.
Stay tuned to our website HERE for updates on these bills and others!
Photo credits: SC State House by Sara Green, Brown Pelican by Jennifer Plunket, and Native Plants by Savannah Jordan.
Michelin’s US1 facility is proud to be the latest addition to the WAIT (Wildlife And Industry Together) program, joining other certified Michelin sites across South Carolina. With a strong commitment to protecting biodiversity, including at its operational sites, Michelin’s team launched a rigorous process in 2023 to ensure that all innovations are properly suited to the specific location.
Collaborating with Furman University, they developed a comprehensive biodiversity management plan for Michelin sites across the U.S. and Canada, including at the company’s Greenville Passenger Car Tire Manufacturing site, US1. Utilizing insights from Furman University and the SC Wildlife Federation, Michelin has made significant strides in creating and maintaining diverse ecosystems.
The saddleback caterpillar moth will likely be supported by the blueberry plants installed on the property.
The caterpillar skiff moth will likely be supported by the blueberry plants installed on the property.
Efforts include the planting of 30 blueberry bushes, which are excellent for supporting moths and butterflies, and the enhancement of a four-acre area with a diverse array of native flowers. Additionally, multiple birdhouses have been installed around the perimeter, and several fenced gardens featuring 12 different native plants have been created to attract pollinators. In a further commitment to biodiversity, US1 has adopted a 0 PHYTO policy, which prohibits the use of pesticides on the property, thereby providing a safer habitat for wildlife.
Thank you Michelin US1 for all of your hard work and dedication to wildlife conservation on your property!
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 join here.
A recent resolution was passed by the S.C. General Assembly that officially declared the nights of March through May and August through October as “Lights Out Nights in South Carolina Season” and urges South Carolina residents to turn out non-essential lights at night during these critical periods in the spring and fall for the protection of birds in South Carolina.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology uses BirdCast to track and forecast bird migration across the U.S., and has reported during peak migration periods, over a billion birds can migrate across the country in a single night! Every year, billions of birds migrate north in the spring and south in the fall, the majority of them flying at night, navigating the night sky.
The dark skies allow the migrating birds to avoid predators, take advantage of calmer air, and utilize the moon and stars for navigation. However, as birds pass over communities and cities on their way, they can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and skyglow. Some birds become casualties of nighttime collisions with windows and walls. Others circle in confusion until dawn, when they land exhausted and are subject to other urban threats. This issue impacts hundreds of species, including priority species such as the wood thrush and the seaside sparrow.
Thanks to the work of Audubon South Carolina, in collaboration with SCWF, the passing of this resolution is an important step towards a binding lights out ordinance that will require certain buildings in cities and towns across South Carolina to adopt bird-friendly lighting practices. The Charleston City Council passed a similar “Lights Out” proclamation on March 11th , which will hopefully lead to other cities and towns in South Carolina to follow suit. It was great to see the City of Charleston recognize lights out as a way to protect migratory birds passing through our skies. Special thanks to council member Ross Appel for working on this important initiative for our birds!
Jennifer Tyrrell with Audubon South Carolina stated, “It was great to see the City of Charleston recognize lights out as a way to protect migratory birds passing through our skies. Special thanks to council member Ross Appel for working on this important initiative for our birds!”
Join individuals and businesses across South Carolina to help our feathered friends on their long journeys with Lights Out South Carolina! Through taking collective action, we can help ensure that South Carolina skies provide safe passage.
Check out this webinar on the dangers that birds face during migration, issues of light pollution for wildlife, and the steps we can all take to protect birds and wildlife.
“Passage of this resolution shows that SC leaders value the natural beauty of our state, and have a desire to preserve the essential habitats on which our wildlife depend,” said Sara Green, SCWF executive director. “This is a critical time to enhance habitat for wildlife – our state has more than twice as many species of concern as we did only 10 years ago. Our organization stands ready to assist anyone who needs additional information about native plants valuable to wildlife.”
Native oaks and maples are great options for large trees, as well as smaller trees like dogwoods, red bud, paw paw, and sassafras. Examples of native garden plants which are beautiful and also have value for wildlife include: coreopsis, black-eyed susans, joe-pye weed, yarrow, bee balm, columbine, and milkweeds.
The dark skies allow the migrating birds to avoid predators, take advantage of calmer air, and utilize the moon and stars for navigation. However, as birds pass over communities and cities on their way, they can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and skyglow. Some birds become casualties of nighttime collisions with windows and walls. Others circle in confusion until dawn, when they land exhausted and are subject to other urban threats. This issue impacts hundreds of species, including priority species such as the wood thrush and the seaside sparrow.