“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.
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.
“A relative newcomer to the art world, much of my portfolio has been built around animals in and around our beautiful state. And, as a South Carolina native whose family has deep, multi-generational hunting traditions, preservation, conservation, and environmental stewardism has always been at the forefront of the lessons and culture we’ve been fortunate to have had passed down. I was excited by this year’s species selections – several of which I’d not realized were at risk – and had such fun bringing them to life! Wildlife artists in our state are privileged to have such a wide array of subjects from which to find inspiration, and being given the opportunity to showcase our craft while bringing awareness is a true honor. I’m both delighted and humbled to have been selected as this year’s winner – many thanks to South Carolina Wildlife Federation for including me in such an elegant and meaningful platform.” – Heather Deacon
