On February 13th 2019 a House Resolution was unanimously passed to honor Ben Gregg for his 13 years of service with the
South Carolina Wildlife Federation. The resolution was introduced and presented by Rep. Seth Rose on Thursday, February
21st. It is a well-deserved honor and we are very grateful to Ben for his time with us.

A HOUSE RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE BENJAMIN H. GREGG ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS THIRTEEN YEARS OF
DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE FEDERATION, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT
IN THE YEARS TO COME.

Whereas, in his role as executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation for the past thirteen years, Ben
Gregg has vastly expanded the eighty-year-old organization’s proud tradition of building strategic partnerships to
protect our state’s precious natural resources, thus helping to ensure that all South Carolinians will be able to access
and enjoy our abundant natural heritage for generations to come; and

Whereas, Ben was educated in the Florence public school system and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in 1971 from
Presbyterian College. He later received a juris doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law (1974) and a
master’s degree in forestry and environmental studies from Yale University (1976); and

Whereas, he served as the first staff attorney for the newly formed South Carolina Coastal Council and was the director
of the natural resources division in Governor Dick Riley’s office, an attorney in private practice, the director of
governmental communications for Carolina Public Relations, Inc., and an adjunct professor of environmental policy at
Brevard College, as well as at Furman University and the University of South Carolina Honors College; and

Whereas, for his meritorious public service both in and out of state government, Ben was awarded the Order of the
Palmetto by Governor Dick Riley in 1987; and

Whereas, further, Ben served on the governing board of the Department of Natural Resources during Governor Jim Hodges’
administration; and

Whereas, in his leadership role at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Ben founded and organized the Cammo Coalition
to help outdoorsmen from all areas of the State express in a unified voice their concern for, and support of, land,
water, and habitat conservation; and

Whereas, Ben convened conversations between state farm interests, forestry and wildlife agencies, and conservation
leaders that contributed to the formation of the Rural Resource Coalition; and

Whereas, he was instrumental in growing the South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s educational mission through programs
such as Gardening for Wildlife, Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT), the Longleaf Pine Restoration project, Pollinator
Habitat programs, Junior Naturalist and Palmetto Pro Birder trainings, and the annual Outdoor Women’s Retreat; and

Whereas, as an active and engaged member of his community, Ben has served on numerous boards and commissions that have
helped shape wildlife management and natural resource conservation policy in South Carolina for most of his adult life;
and

Whereas, the House of Representatives is grateful for the passion, commitment, and dedication that Benjamin H. Gregg has
shown in serving the State and the people of South Carolina and is pleased to salute him on his February 1, 2019,
retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Benjamin H. Gregg on
the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his thirteen years of distinguished public service as the executive
director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years to come.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Benjamin H. Gregg.

STATUS INFORMATION

House Resolution
Sponsors: Reps. Rose, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett,
Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Calhoon, Caskey, Chellis, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons,
Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder,
Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Garvin, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Hardee, Hart, Hayes,
Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, Johnson,
Jordan, Kimmons, King, Kirby, Ligon, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McDaniel,
McGinnis, McKnight, Moore, Morgan, D.C. Moss, V.S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis,
Pope, Ridgeway, Rivers, Robinson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simmons, Simrill, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, Sottile, Spires,
Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R.
Williams, S. Williams, Willis, Wooten, Young and Yow
Document Path: l:\council\bills\rm\1156dg19.docx

Introduced in the House on February 13, 2019
Adopted by the House on February 13, 2019

Project Prothonotary

Project Prothonotary exists to help save one of our most brilliant migratory bird species in SC.

During the spring and summer months, the Prothonotary Warbler calls South Carolina home to feast upon insects, spiders, and snails located in and around our forested wetlands, before returning to their wintering grounds as far south as Colombia, South America. Uncommon among warblers, it is a cavity nester, which presents us a great opportunity to help save this bird whose population has declined approximately 42% over the last 50 years. Join SCWF, private landowners, and corporate landowners in enhancing key breeding habitat areas with nest boxes. 100% of your donation will go towards materials to build, install, and maintain nest boxes. Help us ensure that the “sweet” song of the Prothonotary Warbler is a sound our swamps and forested wetlands will have for generations to come.

Come be our intern!

Are you a college student studying English, marketing, communications or something similar? Do you have a strong interest in conserving and helping the environment? Do you enjoy bringing the community together through events?

SCWF is seeking a marketing and communications intern for 2019. Combine your love of the environment and outdoors with your love of technology and communications all while gaining vital experience for the work force.

Ideal candidate is a social media savvy people person who can enjoy working both indoors and out. Bonus points for blogging or graphic design experience. Even more bonus points for being willing to learn.

Interested? See official position description by clicking below. Send résumé and cover letter to kristin@scwf.org

position description

Cover photo by Nancy Cozart

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation is honored to be in a position to distribute educational grants to full-time students pursuing environmental education at South Carolina schools of higher education. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible, based on their performance in academia and in related community activities.

The winners of the 2018-19 Scholarships are:

Eilea Knotts, PhD Candidate, University of South Carolina
With a doctoral degree, Eilea plans on seeking a high-load teaching position as an Associate Professor in the areas of marine biology and ecology at a university satellite school. There, she hopes to have her own undergraduate lab where she will train the next generation of scientists in community ecology and physiology. She believes teaching is an opportunity and an honor, which has led her to be an instructor under a Teaching Assistantship for six different laboratory courses and an assistant in a field research techniques course. As a marine ecologist working towards a terminal degree, Eilea has contributed to research through peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations. She began in 2014 working toward her master’s degree on animal behavior in fiddler crabs. During those two years, she focused on how herding behavior influences spatial positioning and published three peer-reviewed articles, two of which were 1st author publications related to her master’s research. In 2016, Eilea began her doctoral work on the community ecology of phytoplankton. Her research is primarily grounded in the competitive advantages of carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme found in phytoplankton. With this work, she plans to contribute at least five peer-reviewed articles to the scientific community, one of which is already published. Over the last four years, she has participated in numerous conference presentations, including poster and oral presentations. These meetings span from graduate symposiums (Biology Research Symposium at Baruch) to research site meetings (2018 Hobcaw Research Symposium). She has also presented on a larger scale at regional conferences (Southeastern Estuarine Research Society Conference) and national conferences (Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Conference and Benthic Ecology Meeting). Apart from her time engaged in activities with the university and research, Eilea volunteers for Guinyard-Butler Middle School and EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia.

Grace Allen, Senior in Environmental Studies, University of South Carolina
Grace has a passion for wildlife and their habitats, and for sharing her knowledge with others. As an intern for SCWF, Grace manages a Habitat Enhancement Project under a grant from Duke Energy. She is coordinating the installation of 80 wood duck boxes and 10 osprey nesting towers on public and private lands in the Catawba-Wateree Watersheds. She works directly with homeowners, park officials, vendors, volunteers, and Duke Energy representatives. Grace is also the Project Director for Pollinator Corridor Project at USC- a plan to add pollinator corridors in Columbia for beautification and to provide connections between isolated green space, allowing for easier migrations for pollinators (monarchs, etc).

Maura Glovins, Sophomore in Marine Science at University of South Carolina
In the future, Maura wants to earn her masters in marine science and possibly teaching. With the ocean playing such a prominent role in our environment and our lives, She feels that it is important to encourage those with an interest in marine science to pursue their passion. . She intends to continue researching the marine environment, share its many wonders and great importance with future generations, and present herself as a role model for those who are passionate about science. Maura has participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Rutgers University, where she completed an independent research project on the population dynamics of New Jersey artificial reefs. Last semester, she gathered 60+ service hours from multiple different service opportunities, including Sustainable Carolina, Edventure Children’s Museum and the USC Marine Science Club.

Reeves Goettee, Junior in Environmental Studies & Biology at Wofford College
After graduation in 2020, Reeves plans to pursue a graduate degree. She is especially interested in environmental education outreach programs and awareness projects and wants to use her degrees in Environmental Studies and Biology to translate upper-level environmental science into simple and straightforward terms for the public. She wants to equip people with the power to understand environmental issues and how we can actively take steps to mitigate them. Ultimately, she wants to make a direct, positive impact on the health of our environment and simultaneously enact necessary change within her community. She has strengths in both sciences and creative endeavors, and will be doing her senior capstone project next year using photography to document landscape changes at different scales of space and time.

SCWF Scholarship Program:

The SCWF receives contributions from our members; however, a large portion of the funds for these scholarships are received from these two funders:

• D. L. Scurry Foundation – In 1969, Mr. D. L. Scurry and his CPA, Mr. J. F. Burgess, created a non-profit foundation which emphasized providing educational scholarship funds for individuals attending colleges, universities and technical schools in South Carolina. Since that time, the D. L. Scurry Foundation has helped further the educational goals of thousands of students and many organizations within the state.
• The Riverbanks Conservation Support Fund (CSF) – This Fund was created to provide financial assistance for conservation oriented projects/programs worldwide that promote preservation of the Earth’s biodiversity.

Knowledge lays the groundwork for analyzing environmental problems, resolving conflicts, and preventing new problems from arising. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation is committed to supporting future leaders by helping to provide the financial resources necessary to lay the groundwork for more responsible decision-making tomorrow.

Scholarship applications are accepted online through our website each year until October 31st.

Photo by David Stoney – “Solitary Pine at Sunset”

The 2018 SCWF photo contest winners have been announced. The winners are:

• Carolina Critters: A One Point Landing by Rick Dandridge

• Scenes of SC: Table Rock Mountain with Pinnacle Lake by Stan Ellzey

• Backyard Habitat: Made for Walking by Darby Ward

Winners photos are shown below. You may visit our Flickr page here to see all entries received. Thank you to those who participated in this year’s contest!

Carolina Critters: A One Point Landing by Rick Dandridge

Scenes of SC: Table Rock Mountain with Pinnacle Lake by Stan Ellzey

Backyard Habitat: Made for Walking by Darby Ward

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

The photographs contained on this, and any other site under the scwf.org domain, are the property of SCWF and are protected by United States and International copyright laws. All copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights in this site, are the property of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

All Photographs on scwf.org are copyrighted.

No permission, either express or implied, is granted for the electronic transmission, storage, retrieval, or printing of the photographs contained on scwf.org, other than that which is related to the normal “caching” practices of web browsers and activities such as downloading solely for your personal enjoyment. No parties/individuals visiting or viewing images from scwf.org, may otherwise copy, modify, publish, transmit, or distribute the contents of the photographs found herein. Express written permission must be granted in order to use these photographs for any purpose that is not outlined above.

Your use of scwf.org or viewing of this statement indicates your acceptance of these conditions.

The SC Wildlife Federation has announced that they are seeking an Executive Director as current Director, Ben Gregg, has announced his retirement.

After 12 years as SCWF Executive Director, Mr. Gregg will retire on February 1. Carrying on an 87-year organizational legacy dedicated to preserving our natural environment, the 35-member volunteer Board acknowledges and salutes his passion and leadership.

Peers across the state and country recognize Mr. Gregg’s critical role with break-through development successes in three core strategic areas: outdoor education for all ages, habitat enhancement from backyards to major corporate land holdings and, forging leadership coalitions for legislative advocacy on dozens of fronts.

Chair of the Board, Jason Burbage, points to a rare skill possessed by Ben: “The ability to have legislative folks comprehend why, South Carolinians are determined to make sure our decisions today will enhance our grandchildren’s ability to enjoy a pristine natural world we will pass on to them.”

SCWF is one of 51 state non-profit organizations affiliated with and guided by the National Wildlife Federation, headquartered in Washington, DC. Ben has built the SCWF staff into a highly talented, motivated and efficient team that has challenging goals for 2019.

Ms. Sara Green, senior staff member and Education Director will take-on responsibilities as Interim Director.

A Board appointed Search Committee has begun the process to identify qualified candidates interested in taking on this important position. Job Description details can be found on the posted position description linked here:

Photo Credit: Terri Bowman

Remember that every dollar you give to SCWF this holiday season goes directly to helping wildlife and wildlife habitat in South Carolina. Happy Holidays!

Greetings SCWF Wildlifer:

Hope the cooler weather is to your liking.  We at SCWF were ready for some relief from the heat in September, but it never happened.  We have noticed that fall colors are behind, but they should be coming on strong in the next two weeks.  We also have noticed that there are a number of birds that have delayed migration. I had kept my feeders out in the mountains and saw a hummingbird on October 28th – latest ever!

This time of year we ask our faithful supporters to give a gift for the wildlife of the Palmetto State!

2018 has been an extremely busy and fulfilling year for the Federation. On the habitat front, we are bringing in more and more manufacturing sites to our Wildlife and Industry (WAIT) program. Industries around the state are maximizing their commitment to wildlife management on lands that are wildlife-friendly.

In addition, we are in the middle of a campaign to increase wood duck boxes and osprey platforms in the Wateree River area.  We also now have Jay Keck coordinating more and more activities around improving habitat for monarchs, pollinators and other insects as agriculture activities have diminished the building blocks for wildlife in a significant way.

With education our annual Midlands Master Naturalist certifications and Women’s Outdoor Retreats were better and bigger than ever.  The Palmetto Pro Birder classes are selling out quickly, and more and more people are participating.  Let us know if you are not on our email list because the best way to keep up with the schedule and sign up early is through our regular email blasts.

On the advocacy side, we had a huge success this year with passage of a new Conservation Bank law that makes the Bank a permanent state agency. We are now making plans to ask the state legislature for increased Bank funding as the number of people participating in outdoor activities increases and wildlife is being pushed out of prime habitat through commercial and residential development.

We are blessed to have such wonderful conservation partners in our various coalition efforts as we fight to keep seismic blasting and oil/gas development out of the South Atlantic.  We also are blessed by our hundreds of loyal individual supporters, and we hope you will continue to be a part of South Carolina’s first conservation group.  Still growing stronger after 88 years.

Ben Gregg

Executive Director

SCWF Executive Director, Ben Gregg, has announced his retirement from the SC Wildlife Federation effective February 1st. See below for official announcement directly from Ben.

Ben has dedicated his life to conservation and advocacy for the great outdoors. Thank you, Ben, for everything you’ve done for South Carolina in the 12 years that you have served as our Executive Director. We will miss you!

Letter from SCWF Executive Director Ben Gregg:

Dear SCWF Members, Supporters, Conservation Partners and Friends: 

My twelve years at the helm of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation have been extremely rewarding thanks to our dedicated board, committed staff, generous members and amazing conservation partners.  Last spring I shared with the Board’s executive committee that I wanted to plan for my retirement, and we have agreed on February 1 as my last day.  

As it has been since our founding in 1931, the challenges for wildlife have continued to escalate, but I am confident that the organization is well-prepared for new leadership.

At SCWF, we are and will continue to be about three things:

There is outdoor education – for all ages!  Citizen Science is now at the forefront of all our education endeavors as we build an army of trained volunteers in every county.  Our Palmetto Pro Birder, Midlands Master Naturalist and Women’s Outdoor Retreat programs include quality training while also providing opportunities for fun and fellowship.  We have around 500 enthusiasts involved annually, and most stay involved by returning for outings and participating in a range of citizen science and service projects.

Second but no less important is habitat protection and enhancement from backyards to major corporate land holdings.  This task becomes more important every day as our farmlands, forests and open space are being bulldozed at a blistering pace. We also give recognition to neighborhoods and schools that are doing their vital part in protecting native habitat for wildlife.

And third is advocacy.

SCWF along with our conservation advocates have been victorious on a number of fronts over the past decade. With our partners, we have stopped the last proposed SC coal-powered plant from being built; forged an unprecedented coalition to keep oil and gas development from ruining our coastal beaches and salt marshes; passed legislation that authorizes the Conservation Bank as a permanent state agency and increased the footprint of healthy long leaf pine forests so critical for wildlife.

These are just some of the highlights, but as the saying goes, no conservation victory is forever.

The challenges ahead are immense. To list just a few:

• Largest population increases in state history
• Rapid commercial and residential pave-overs
• Heavier flooding and more periods of drought 
• Rising seas
• Loss of pollinators, the building blocks for healthy wildlife
• More severe and long-lasting pollution threats like mercury and plastics
• Vast reductions of wildlife numbers and increasing extinctions

Sadly, many elected officials in South Carolina continue to ignore a complex of conservation challenges that need immediate action.

On the other hand, time after time a majority of South Carolinians from every walk of life are behind us, and in a democracy, that is crucial.

I’m looking forward to staying in touch. You will never know what an honor it is to be part of such a thriving and absolutely critical effort. We do not prevail every time but almost without exception, our positions are proven right in the long run.

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to join a distinguished group of leaders who have served as advocates for wildlife over the Federation’s 88 year history. And I look forward to seeing you as we continue to advance the cause for our cherished wildlife in the coming years.

Our board also wanted me to let you know that Sara Green, Education Director will become interim director while an in-depth search for a new director follows.

Thanks so much,
Ben Gregg
Executive Director