South Carolina Wildlife Federation Announces Nicole Chadwick Memorial Scholarship Fund and Annual Scholarship Application Deadline
Image of Nicole Chadwick
The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) today announced the creation of the Nicole Chadwick Memorial Scholarship Fund in addition to the annual scholarship application period. The Nicole Chadwick Memorial Scholarship Fund was created out of a desire by community members to honor the long-lasting impact of Nicole Chadwick’s work for wildlife conservation. The new scholarship fund will specifically be awarded to female students studying environmental fields in South Carolina.
In addition to the newly created fund, students pursuing environment-focused degrees in either undergraduate or graduate programs in the state of South Carolina are encouraged to apply for SCWF’s annual scholarship awards. Applicants have from now until October 31st to submit their applications on SCWF’s website.
“Nicole Chadwick’s passing was a devastating loss for South Carolina’s wildlife conservation community,” said SCWF Executive Director Sara Green. “Honoring her legacy with the new memorial fund will ensure SCWF can continue to empower students who are pursuing environmental fields. Education remains a top priority within SCWF’s mission because we recognize wildlife habitat conservation depends on our future generations.”
All scholarship applications must include the student’s educational goals and career interests, leadership and volunteer experience, and a letter of recommendation from a supporting faculty member.
For additional information on scholarship applications and eligibility, please visit: www.scwf.org/scholarships.
About the South Carolina Wildlife Federation:
One of the 51 state & territory affiliates of the National Wildlife Federation, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is the oldest conservation organization in the state and prides itself on science-based wildlife conservation policy and high-quality education programs. SCWF’s mission is to conserve and restore South Carolina’s wildlife and wildlife habitat through education and advocacy. For more information, visit their website at: www.scwf.org.
Male bluebird bringing a snack back to the nest, photo by Natalie Chapman.
As temperatures begin to cool this fall, millions of South Carolinians are heading outdoors to enjoy hiking, hunting, camping, sporting events and many more activities that we have all come to enjoy. Much of this recreation takes place on public land — from city parks to national forests — and many of these places could not have been built or preserved without funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
This fund has helped create outdoor recreation spaces across the country for more than 50 years by using a portion of offshore oil and gas drilling fees to protect important land and water. These measures benefit all Americans by conserving not only local, state and national parks but also waterfronts; working forests, farms and ranches; fish and wildlife refuges; trail systems; and even playgrounds, ballfields and swimming pools.
Outdoor spaces in all 46 counties in South Carolina have benefited from LWCF funds — without using a single dime of taxpayer money. They include places such as Congaree National Park, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Sumter National Forest as well as historically significant places such as Cowpens National Battlefield and Ninety Six National Historic Site.
Spartanburg County alone has benefited from more than $1.5 million in funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for 44 projects across the county. From Cleveland Park in downtown Spartanburg, to Croft State Park outside the city, to Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park in Boiling Springs, these protected areas for outdoor and wildlife enjoyment could only exist with funding from the LWCF.
However, funding for the LWCF is currently being debated in Congress. The fund is supposed to receive $900 million annually, but only twice in the fund’s 54-year history has Congress actually appropriated that full funding. In fact, over the past three years, the LWCF has received only half of the funding necessary to safeguard millions of acres of wildlife habitat for conservation and land that people across South Carolina use every day for hiking, cycling, hunting, birdwatching, fishing and many other forms of outdoor recreation.
Permanently funding the LWCF makes economic sense. Active outdoor recreation in South Carolina alone generates $16.3 billion annually in consumer spending. The 151,000 jobs based around eco-tourism in South Carolina create another $4.6 billion in wages and salaries and produce $1.1 billion annually in state and local tax revenue.
According to the U.S. Census, more than 893,000 people hunt, fish and watch wildlife each year in South Carolina, spending $2.5 billion on wildlife-related recreation. Many of the places where this recreation takes place is on LWCF-supported lands.
The South Carolina Wildlife Federation strongly supports permanent funding for this vital conservation program. As property becomes more and more developed — and climate change increases the frequency and intensity of droughts and wildfires — access to public lands can become more difficult through a checkerboard pattern between public and private lands. The LWCF’s funding is needed to purchase access points from willing landowners so all Americans can enjoy public natural areas.
Besides creating access points for recreation through boat ramps and hiking trails, the LWCF also has been used to purchase private inholdings in areas that act as key wildlife migration corridors — bringing together local, state and federal partners with private landowners to bridge these areas for wildlife movement. Piecing together fragmented wildlife habitat supports better land management coordination and encourages healthier habitat and wildlife populations, making for better sporting and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Earlier this year, Congress took the important step of reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Now it must take the next logical step and ensure that it has permanent funding. We applaud Sen. Lindsey Graham for co-sponsoring a permanent funding bill. We urge him to work with his colleagues to make sure this popular, bipartisan program will be able to continue to protect our beautiful lands and waterfronts, our wildlife habitats and our outdoor recreation economy.
Please join me and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation in urging our entire delegation to vote for full and permanent funding for this most successful conservation fund.
Sara Green is the executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.
The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) recently hired Shannon Leigh (Turbeville) Keenan as the organization’s new Director of Development and Events. In her new role, Keenan will maintain donor relationships, publicity initiatives and coordinate special events for SCWF across the entire state of South Carolina.
“We are in an exciting season of change,” said SCWF Executive Director Sara Green. “We feel confident Shannon Leigh Keenan’s background will set SCWF on the path for new engagement across the state for generations to come.”
Prior to joining SCWF, Keenan was the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Turbeville Insurance Agency, where she oversaw all marketing and community outreach efforts for the company’s five office locations in South Carolina. She has been extremely active in the nonprofit sector working with numerous organizations including Palmetto Place Children & Youth Services, South Carolina Railroad Museum, SCWF and Friends of Sesqui. Keenan started her career working for boutique communications agency Triple 7 Public Relations, in both the Nashville and Los Angeles office locations. In her role with Triple 7, she served as a social media branding expert and specialized in mainstream and grassroots publicity initiatives for Triple 7’s clients, including local media, radio tours, casting calls and tune-in campaigns for the Company’s roster of television series and specials. A native to South Carolina, Keenan graduated from Hammond School before receiving her bachelor’s degree from Belmont University.
One of the 51 state & territory affiliates of the National Wildlife Federation, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is the oldest conservation organization in the state and prides itself on science-based wildlife conservation policy and high-quality education programs. SCWF’s mission is to conserve and restore South Carolina’s wildlife and wildlife habitat through education and advocacy. For more information, visit their website at: www.scwf.org.
Hurricane season is here, and the 1st Congressional District has a lot to be grateful for. Stretching from about Awendaw to the Savannah River, the district is fortunate to have numerous permanently protected shoreline properties, and due to their intact geomorphology, they are better equipped to handle the wrath of hurricanes than their more developed neighbors.
Areas like the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Botany Bay on Edisto Island have buffered inland communities for centuries, typically lessening the impacts on humans as well as wildlife. Despite protections for the islands themselves, our wildlife populations are still vulnerable.
The changing climate points to increases in the frequency and intensity of storms. These changes can disturb natural wildlife populations. Shorebirds can be blown hundreds of miles from their home habitats.
The loss of coastal forests can be devastating to species that depend on them. Storm surges, high winds and waves can submerge sea turtle nests and destroy eggs.
Saltwater intrusion into brackish ponds and streams can harm or kill the grasses, crabs, minnows, and insects that provide the foundation of the coastal food chain and destroy biodiverse freshwater wetland systems.
The abundance of freshwater and sediment from upstream can also upset the fragile balance. In short, we’re fortunate for the ability of sections of our coast to flex, to an extent, with changing weather patterns.
In addition, the oceans are warming, and sea levels are rising at an alarming rate. The state’s elected leaders need to address these problems now.
First District Rep. Joe Cunningham is one of the sponsors of HR 9, which deals with climate change. The S.C. Wildlife Federation urges all South Carolinians to read the provisions of this important measure and make your feelings known. Attend a town hall meeting on the matter and contact your elected representatives about the need to respond to climate change. Share your personal stories and encourage others to act.
Your grandchildren (and the turtles) will appreciate it.
SARA K. GREEN
Executive Director
South Carolina Wildlife Federation Pickens Street, Columbia
The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has named Sara K. Green as Executive Director. Green is the sixth Executive Director in the organization’s 88 year history and brings 22 years of institutional knowledge of the organization. As SCWF’s Director of Education, Green built up the organization’s capacity to offer wildly popular, high-quality programs that engage South Carolinians of all ages in wildlife habitat enhancement, citizen science and outdoor recreation. The unanimous decision by the 36 member Board comes after the retirement of Ben Gregg in February.
“Sara has a passion for wildlife, dedication to connecting people to nature and an ability to inspire conservation and stewardship of our natural resources,” commented board chair, Jason Burbage. “We look forward to her leadership as we step into a new era of growth.”
As Executive Director, Green is committed to honoring the sportsman roots of the organization and exploring ways to engage new audiences. Under her leadership, SCWF has set goals to grow their reach over the next 5 years. These goals include expanding education programs to present more opportunities for people of all ages to experience nature hands-on, the enhancement and restoration of available habitat for wildlife in wetlands, woods and fields, and the engagement of homeowners, teachers, businesses and community leaders across the state in making a positive impact for wildlife.
Over two decades, Green has developed an extensive network of conservation partners among state agencies, nonprofit organizations, local governments, industries, small businesses, schools and passionate dedicated individuals across the state. “I’m continually inspired by the diversity of people who all come together for wildlife conservation,” says Green. “Hunters, fisherman, gardeners, birdwatchers, hikers, teachers, farmers, kayakers, photographers, corporate landowners, cyclists; the list goes on! I’m honored to be in the position to bring these different perspectives together to look at ways to improve and increase habitat for wildlife.”
One of the 51 state & territory affiliates of the National Wildlife Federation, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation is the oldest conservation organization in the state and prides itself on science-based wildlife conservation policy and high-quality education programs. SCWF’s mission is to conserve and restore South Carolina’s wildlife and wildlife habitat through education and advocacy.
This Earth Day, we’ve set a goal of bringing in $1000 to help us further our current projects, such as certifying the city of Columbia as a wildlife habitat, putting up nesting boxes for cavity nesting birds that are in decline, and making sure our beautiful natural treasures remain protected. Can you help us reach this goal?
When you donate to SCWF, you can be sure that every dollar stays in South Carolina and goes to furthering our mission of conserving and restoring wildlife and wildlife habitat in South Carolina.
For the last 85 years, the SC Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has served as the voice for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe. Representing hunter and birdwatcher, teacher and backpacker, boater and farmer, gardener and angler, SCWF builds partnerships to ensure everyone an enjoy SC’s natural heritage and recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Thank you to all who came out to our Forks, Knives & Spoonbills dinner! Wow, what amazing food & energy from so many passionate conservationists! THANK YOU to Jay Keck for the inspiration and sharing his passion for bird conservation, and to Spotted Salamander for the creative & delicious food! Thank you also to River Rat Brewery and RNDC Distributors for beer & wine!
Click on the photo below to scroll through photos from the event:
Written by Kristin Loughlin, Development and Events Manager
Photo by Molly Harrell Photography.
On March 19th, the Conservation Coalition held its annual Conservation Lobby Day. Lobby Day is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to meet with their representatives face-to-face and ask them to support or vote against issues the conservation community is currently working on. As a member of the Coalition, SCWF staff were excited to be among the attendees for the annual event.
The day started out with an advocacy training at the Capital City Club on Main Street in Columbia. As someone who doesn’t do much hands-on work in the advocacy side of our mission, this training was absolutely vital. We heard from two representatives (Micah Caskey, Lexington and Tom Davis, Beaufort) who talked briefly about the most effective ways to speak to our House Representatives and Senators.
Afterwards, Rebecca Haynes (Conservation Voters of SC) took over to give us specific information on what we would be focusing on in the Lobby that day. Some of the issues being discussed were the opposing of off-shore drilling, dam safety, and plastic bag bans, among others, so we had plenty to pick from.
We left the training excited to get to the Lobby. Since the House convened at 12, we were able to talk to our Representatives first, then after lunch got to speak to our Senators. We were fortunate to have our Government Relations Manager, Trip King, there to give us a little extra help.
SCWF staff L-R: Trip King, Government Relations Manager, Kristin Loughlin, Development and Events Manager, Sara Green, Interim Executive Director, and Steve Gilbert, Special Projects Manager.
My favorite thing about Lobby Day is the level of preparedness it comes with. It can feel overwhelming to be around so many people, and personally, I was nervous to talk to people I don’t know, but the training we were given at the beginning along with knowing we had the help of lobbyists quelled my nerves. The feeling of being at the State House and listening to all the buzz is exciting and fascinating. The Conservation Coalition was even recognized by the House and Senate (separately) from the balcony, which was a really neat experience to be a part of.
Photo by Molly Harrell Photography
We ended the day with Oysters and Chili at 701 Whaley, which gave us the opportunity to connect with our conservation partners, legislators, community leaders, and many others. It’s always a fun group at the Oyster Roast, and this year was no different.
Conservation Lobby Day takes place each March. It is open to the public and is completely free. The only requirement is that you be passionate about conservation and have a desire to make an impact. If you get there and are too nervous to talk to your reps and senators, that’s okay. But I think it’s safe to say that with the level of preparedness the Coalition arms you with, you won’t be as nervous or as timid as you think you might be.
Thanks again to the Conservation Coalition for putting on this awesome event!
This post was written by an “advocacy newbie,” so terminology and/or formatting may be off. Corrections are welcomed and can be sent to mail@scwf.org. Thanks!
SCWF held a wildlife habitat workshop at the SC Aquarium on March 14th, and participants learned information about creating and enhancing wildlife habitat by planting native plants, providing a water source, and adding feeders, nest boxes, etc. and how their own yards can be certified by the National Wildlife Federation. They heard about examples of Certified Wildlife Habitats at schools, churches, parks, businesses, and how even entire communities have become certified!
In partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium, and with support from Volvo and Roots N Shoots Nursery, they also installed native plants in front of the Aquarium which provide food, cover and places to raise young for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. This garden serves a demonstration for visitors to learn how to attract wildlife to their own garden.
We love hearing about ways our supporters and partners are making improvements around the state for our wildlife and wildlife habitat!
Zach Steinhauser, a Naturalist based at Wingard’s Market (A fabulous place to purchase native plants in Lexington, S.C.) has recently taken the time to provide the cavity nesting birds of Fourteen Mile Creek in Lexington with some “new real estate.” Zach has installed 10 nest boxes along the trail, courtesy of his business, to provide new homes & future generations to the local bird population for Lexington residents. As Spring time approaches, many of the park’s resident bird species will be seeking a new home to raise their families, so these boxes are sure to come in handy!
Fourteen Mile Creek Trail is a hidden gem just outside of Downtown Lexington. Located at the corner of Old Cherokee Rd & No.6 Highway this park serves as a walking trail alongside Fourteen Mile Creek allowing people to experience nature in more ways than just a quick “walk in the woods.”
We’re thankful for people like Zach who spend their time helping our critters and their habitats, and we’re sure the birds are thankful too.
Photos provided by Zach Steinhauser
Have you or someone you know recently done something to help our wildlife and wildlife habitat in South Carolina? We want to hear about it! Send nominations for future community features to mail@scwf.org for a chance to be featured on our blog.
