Keep South Carolina Wild

Category: Events

2025 Wildlife Photography Contest Winners Announced

Posted on by admin

We are happy to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the winners of our 2025 Wildlife Photography Contest! This year’s contest showcased breathtaking images of South Carolina’s wildlife, natural habitats, and memorable moments of people enjoying the outdoors. 

With more than 450 incredible entries submitted, selecting the winners was no easy task. This annual contest supports our mission by helping SCWF depict our state’s wildlife and their habitat. We are grateful to everyone who participated and shared their talent and passion for South Carolina’s natural world with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. 

Selected photographs will be featured throughout the year on our social media channels so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SCWildlifeFederation. You can also view all qualifying entries on our Flickr page.

Scenes of SC Winning Entry: Odd Couple Enjoying the Southern Warmth by Paul Bittinger

About the photograph:

Odd Couple Enjoying the Southern Sun’s Warmth features a great blue heron undisturbed and uninterested as a white-tail deer doe crosses a shallow narrow between an island and a wooded peninsula on the shores of Lake Murray, SC during early fall.

About the photographer:

Paul Bittinger, Heron’s Point Photography, is a nature photography hobbyist focusing primarily on Lake Murray and environs. Raised in Irmo, Paul lived all over the USA and the world during his P&G corporate career and returned to SC to retire on Lake Murray. He is a wildlife and nature enthusiast sharing his photography on Lake Murray Life Facebook, Instagram.com/heronspoint and several local magazines. Heron’s Point Photography is so named for the great blue herons who live and fish all around his home (as well as eagles, ospreys, egrets, kingfishers, white-tailed deer, beavers, and seasonal ducks/waterfowl).

Scenes of SC Category Runner-up: Caesars Head Views by Amanda Johnson

Scenes of SC Category Second Runner-up: Isle of Sky by Leslie Fried


Carolina Critters Winning Entry: Black-bellied Plover with Sea Worm by Patricia Kappmeyer

About the photograph:

Black-bellied Plover with Sea Worm was photographed this fall at Fish Haul Beach on the Port Royal sandbar. Black-bellied plovers are one of the overwintering shorebird species that rely on South Carolina’s Lowcountry beaches during the nonbreeding season.

I observed a pair of black-bellied plovers from a distance and noticed through my binoculars that they were repeatedly feeding in a particularly productive area of the tidal flat, pulling up sea worm after sea worm. After spending time watching their feeding pattern, I was able to slowly crawl along the sand to position myself at a respectful distance and capture this moment using a 400mm lens. The image reflects both the intensity of shorebird foraging and the importance of healthy coastal habitat, as well as the value of patience and observation in ethical bird photography.

About the photographer:

Patricia (Patty) Kappmeyer is a Hilton Head Island-based nature writer and bird photographer whose work focuses on ethical bird photography, observation, and the relationship between birds, habitat, and season. She is the author of Flight through the Seasons: Discover Birding and Photography in the Lowcounty of Hilton Head Island, and the founder of Lowcountry Birds and Nature, where she shares photography, writing, and educational programs that encourage thoughtful engagement with wildlife and place.

Carolina Critters Category Runner-up: Feeding Time by Greg Hammond

Carolina Critters Second Runner-up: An Owl Knows by Norm Grant


People in Nature Winning Entry: Early Riser by Thomas Laney

 

 

More about the photographer and the photo by Thomas Laney:

The photo is my grandson, John Bryant, in a flooded cornfield adjacent to the Pee Dee River near Cheraw. He was 12 years old in the photo and is now a senior at Francis Marion University. His love of fishing, hunting, and the outdoors has led him to fulfill his dream to become a game warden with SCDNR. He begins his training later this month.

People in Nature Category Runner-up, Foggy Morning Fishing by Paul Bittinger

People in Nature Category Second Runner-up, Shae at Lake Marion by Ruthie Edwards

Thank you again to everyone who entered the 2025 Wildlife Photography Contest! We are truly grateful to each photographer who shared their time, talent, and passion for South Carolina’s wildlife and natural landscapes. Your stunning submissions help bring our mission to life and inspire a deeper appreciation for conservation.

 

 

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.

 

Banner image credit: Morning Commute by Leslie Hall.

Shucking Oysters for Conservation: A Celebration of Community and Wildlife

Posted on by admin

This past Sunday, we gathered at Bowens Island for our annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser, and it was a wonderful afternoon! Thank you to everyone who joined us to eat fresh, delicious oysters, have good conversations, and to support our mission to conserve and restore South Carolina’s wildlife and their habitat through education and advocacy. Because Bowen’s participates in SCDNR’s oyster shell recycling program, our used oyster shells will be returned to the environment to build new reefs.

 

Our staff was delighted to get to meet new friends of all ages and connect with long-time supporters who all came together for this important cause: wildlife conservation in our state.

 

Since Bowens Island is right on the marsh, our guests were treated to a beautiful backdrop filled with wildlife. During the afternoon, guests were able to see a bevy of birds including wood storks, boat-tailed grackles, ring-billed gulls, brown pelicans, snowy egrets, little blue herons, and white ibis, while anglers were fishing in the background. A few lucky attendees even spotted a family of dolphins! This picturesque day was a great reminder of the need to keep working together to protect South Carolina’s 350,000 acres of marsh because of its incredible biodiversity and the opportunities it provides for recreation and connection to nature.

We are grateful to our sponsors for helping us increase our impact for wildlife. All donations made to SCWF, including the proceeds from this event, stay right here in the state to help our local wildlife. We hope to see everyone again next year!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Thank you to our raffle item donors!

Chris Cannon

Crosby’s Fish & Seafood Co.

SCWF

 

Sporting Clays Competition Fundraiser: A Shared Passion for Conservation

Posted on by admin

On a beautiful fall day in October, nine four-person teams from across South Carolina competed in a friendly sporting clays competition at the Palmetto Outdoors Shooting Facility in Swansea. The challenging 15-station course offered a variety of high and low shots that a shooter  might need to make while hunting. After the competition concluded, everyone came together to enjoy a BBQ lunch from the Palmetto Pig.

This year’s competition included teams who shoot sporting clays regularly as well as some experienced shooters who were newer to clay shooting. We were also glad to have staff from several of our WAIT (Wildlife And Industry Together) partner sites join us. The Mid-Carolina Gun Club edged out the Bebber Boys by just one point to win this year’s inaugural event, with the team from Whiting-Turner coming in third place. We hope all the participants were inspired to spend time on the range with fellow shooting sports enthusiasts.

 

An important cause like wildlife conservation has a way of bringing us together, and it was great to see long-time supporters and meet new friends who came out to support our mission. Thank you to all the outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen who participated in and sponsored this fundraiser. Proceeds will directly benefit SCWF’s ongoing conservation efforts, including habitat enhancement, land conservation, and educational programs that teach South Carolinians of all ages how to responsibly enjoy and protect the outdoors.

 

 

Winning teams:

1st Mid-Carolina Gun Club – 306 points

2nd Bebber Boys – 305 points

3rd Whiting-Turner – 239 points

Honorable mention team: National Land Realty/Jim Taylor – 238 points

Highest individual scores:

1st Rich Gadbois, Mid-Carolina Gun Club – 87 points

2nd (tie) Rodney Rained, Mid-Carolina Gun Club – 82 points

               -Matt Bebber, Bebber Boys – 82 points

3rd (tie) Rick Scholz, Mid-Carolina Gun Club – 79 points

               -Tony Bebber, Bebber Boys – 79 points

 

We are especially grateful to our sponsors for helping us increase our impact.

POWR+ Inshore Fishing with Captain Tanya Dowdy: A Reel Success

Posted on by admin

On a beautiful day at the Nemours Wildlife Foundation in Yemassee, SC, a group of passionate women anglers gathered for the POWR+ Inshore Fishing with Artificials class, led by the knowledgeable and engaging Captain Tanya Dowdy of Reel Chica Charters. This all-women event celebrated skill-building, confidence, and empowerment on the water.

 

The day kicked off with Captain Tanya Dowdy diving into everything anglers need to know. From soft plastics and hard baits to rods, reels, and all the little tricks that make fishing successful, her in-depth knowledge is impressive!

 

She walked everyone through rigging, casting, and presenting artificial lures so they’d actually catch fish. By the end of the morning, everyone was brimming with confidence and ready to put their new skills to work on the water!

 

After a quick lunch generously provided by the American Sportfishing Association, everyone headed to the water to put their new skills to the test. The afternoon was filled with casting, reeling, and, most importantly, catching fish.

 

 

This class practiced catch and release techniques. The serene surroundings of Nemours Wildlife Foundation provided the perfect backdrop for learning and building confidence in a supportive, all-women environment.

 

The event also featured generous giveaways from sponsors like AFTCO, Angling Women, Haddrell’s Point Tackle, St. Croix, ZMan, Seviin, Reel Chica Charters, Palmetto State Armory and Yeti, ensuring participants left with new knowledge, confidence, and gear to continue their fishing journeys.

A huge thank you to Captain Tanya Dowdy for her expert instruction, to our sponsors for their generous support, and to the Nemours Wildlife Foundation for providing such a pristine location. This day not only strengthened fishing skills but also celebrated the power of women supporting women in the outdoors.  It was a memorable day of learning, fishing, and community that had everyone saying—fish on!

 

This POWR+ class is part of SCWF’s Palmetto Outdoors Women Retreat or POWR series. Check out our events page for upcoming POWR+ events and more opportunities to hone your outdoor skills!

SCWF EcoLeaders: the future of conservation is here!

Posted on by admin

SCWF held an EcoLeaders event at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia on Monday, July 21st, where youth planted 750 native plants for wildlife habitat, installed a nesting box for Eastern bluebirds, and installed four interpretive signs. From start to finish, this was a youth-led event.

SCWF’s Education Assistant, Mason Eslinger, planned and executed this ambitious project. At age 20, Mason is already making an impact for conservation, and we know that his passion will also inspire other young people to get involved in the stewardship and protection of our natural resources.

 

“It is truly a privilege to find myself in a position that can make such profound impacts on not only the environment, but also on communities. This event in particular carried a different gravity to it, having just become an uncle. Being able to hold the “future generations” that I work so hard for allowed me to utilize my renewed sense of purpose on this project. Thank you to all that made something of this magnitude possible and I look forward to watching that little piece of me prosper at Sesqui!” – Mason Eslinger

 

The native plant garden covers approximately 300 linear feet and will be certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. In addition to helping wildlife, these plants will also serve as carbon storage. Carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is a leading cause of climate change and plants are great at taking CO2 out of our atmosphere and storing it in the ground. Click on the “Learn More” button below to see a list of the plants that were planted and how these plants benefit wildlife. The plants for this project were sourced from Charleston Aquatic and Environmental, Creekside Native Grass & Design, and Primitive by Design.

Learn More

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to Mason for leading this effort! We would also like to thank staff from Sesquicentennial State Park, the Palmetto Trail, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for assisting with this project. 

 

Thank you to the Bloomberg Philanthropies & the City of Columbia for sponsoring this project!

 

 

SCWF holds record-breaking auction in support of wildlife conservation and education

Posted on by admin

Thank YOU to every single person who participated in Wild Summer Nights Online auction. You were vital to making this year’s auction our best yet!

This year’s auction was record-breaking, raising $118,044 in support of our education and conservation programs—making it our most successful auction to date! We’re incredibly grateful to all our bidders, sponsors, auction item donors, and to everyone who helped spread the word by sharing our social media posts, forwarding our emails, or telling a friend.

As always, all auction proceeds will support our mission to conserve and restore wildlife right here in SC through education and advocacy. SCWF’s inspirational education classes and events connect people of all ages to nature. We hope you can join us at one – or several – in the coming year! Check out our event page here to see current offerings.

 

 

 

Image Credit: “Sleeping Alligator” by Pamela Tennant.

 

 

 

 

Thank you to all of our sponsors who help us increase our impact for local wildlife!

 

 

Families Exploring Nature Day!

Posted on by admin

 

“This event was a great reminder of how much joy and connection families can find outdoors. Watching kids light up as they planted milkweed and spotted birds on the trail really shows the power of hands-on conservation.”

Allison Bugarin, Education & Outreach Coordinator

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation hosted a successful Families Exploring Nature event on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Lexington Wildlife Chapter. As part of the new 2025 Explorer series, families enjoyed a morning of fishing basics and a guided nature walk. Families also learned how to plant native milkweed seeds to understand how to support our native pollinators.

 

 

 

 

During the nature walks, participants learned how to identify some of our native trees, spiders, birds, plants, and how ecologically important native plants are to support our native wildlife. They learned tons of interesting nature facts such as the smaller male golden orb weavers are never too far from the much larger female, and that a good way to remember how to identify a water oak is that the leaves are shaped like a rain drop.

 

 

Indoors, SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, Savannah Jordan, led a hands-on session where families built on the nature walk by learning the importance of native plants. Participants potted their own native milkweed seeds and discussed ways to support wildlife at home. Milkweed supports monarchs and their 3,000-mile migration from Mexico to Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These hands-on experiences helped participants of all ages connect with nature, build outdoor skills, and deepen their understanding of South Carolina’s wild spaces. With beautiful weather, enthusiastic attendees, and plenty of wildlife sightings, the event was a joyful way to continue our new series of educational classes focused on family-friendly outdoor exploration.

Thank you to the Tonja Ivey and the Lexington Wildlife Chapter for hosting us! We would also like to say a special thank you to Mary Rhett Davidson of SCDNR for helping teach the fishing basics portion of the event.

 

SCWF Holds Interactive Habitat Workshop in the Upstate

Posted on by admin

SCWF recently held a Habitat Workshop in Anderson, an interactive workshop designed to teach participants how to create a Certified Wildlife Habitat in their own yards to help support local wildlife. This workshop is part of our new  Explores Series for 2025. 

A Certified Wildlife Habitat is a designation given to properties that provide essential elements for wildlife, such as food, water, cover, and places to raise young, while also employing sustainable gardening practices. Once a yard is certified, it not only helps wildlife thrive, but it also is recognized by the National Wildlife Federation and helps to spread the message of wildlife-friendly gardening to neighbors and the community.

During the classroom portion of the workshop, participants were given an engaging and informative presentation from SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, Savannah Jordan, where they learned about how to incorporate each of the essential elements into different landscapes and looked at pictures of their own yards to discuss ways for improving their own yards for all sorts of wildlife. They also learned about the value of native plants and the different types of plants to include for certain species of wildlife like monarch butterflies and other important pollinators.

Following the classroom portion, participants met at Green Pond Landing, a 33-acre facility on the shores of Lake Hartwell designed as a high-capacity launch facility for fishing tournaments as well as recreational boating and fishing. Managed by Anderson County Parks, Green Pond Landing features 200 paved truck/trailer spaces and 100 paved single space parking as well as grass areas utilized for overflow parking. Green Pond Landing boasts the deepest launch lanes and most dock space on the lake as well as a two-story state of the art restroom facility. In 2021, Green Pond Landing completed the development of a 1,300-seat amphitheater which has hosted tournament weigh-ins and special events. Green Pond Landing turned 10 years old in December 2024 and celebrated an economic impact to the upstate of South Carolina that exceeded $100 million during the first decade.

 

While enjoying lunch by the lakeside amphitheater that was generously provided by Visit Anderson, participants planted their own native  milkweed seeds in peat pots that they took home to their own gardens to help monarch butterflies. A few lucky participants won door prizes in the form of native plants, including native purple coneflower and oakleaf hydrangea from a nearby nursery.

 

 

Participants took a tour of Green Pond’s brand new Certified Wildlife Habitat and Carolina Fence Garden, which was designed and installed by the city of Anderson. The group observed the variety of native plants in the garden and discussed the different habitat features and examples of how to improve habitat quality for a diversity of wildlife from bees and butterflies to birds and mammals. The workshop ended with the installation of educational signage in the garden that informs visitors about the different types of plants and pollinators that can be found in the garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neil Paul with Visit Anderson stated, “It was an honor and a privilege to partner with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and host the Habitat Workshop at Green Pond Landing. In Anderson County, we have taken a great deal of pride in establishing our facility as a leader, not only in hosting fishing tournaments, but in conservation and protecting our resource. Being able to partner with the Wildlife Federation to develop a ‘Certified Wildlife Habitat’ is another step in that leadership. The habitat garden provides an educational component for gardeners of all levels and adds to the beauty and the landscape of our lakeside facility. This project was a tremendous partnership, and we look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.”

Learn more about Certified Wildlife Habitats and our other programs at https://www.scwf.org/habitat-restoration/.

To see SCWF’s upcoming workshops and other events, visit https://www.scwf.org/events/.

 

Thank you to the Duke Energy Foundation for sponsoring this workshop.

 

SCWF Invites You to Explore with Us!

Posted on by admin

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation is known for many things: being the voice of residents who love wildlife, an advocate for our state’s outdoor spaces, and amazing wildlife education programs. There is an incredible line-up of classes we offer including Palmetto Pro-Birder, Naturalist, and Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat events. New for 2025, SCWF is introducing our “Explores” programming. The “Explores” series is a new line of classes designed to introduce the outdoors to folks who may be new to outdoor experiences. BeBe Dalton Harrison, SCWF Director of Education says, “We want to welcome even more people to the outdoors.  These classes and events will be beginner friendly, lower cost, and a great way to step outside in a safe environment.”

The Explores Series will consist of a variety of topics across the state and will change yearly. This inaugural year includes programs to introduce families to fishing and hiking, backyard wildlife habitats, winter wildlife, and more! In addition to being “beginner friendly”, these classes will be offered at a low price point and in some cases will be free for the public. Once each Explores classes is open for registration, it will be listed on our events page at www.scwf.org/events.

SCWF Explores Series

Create a Wildlife Habitat-Anderson County (Tuesday, June 10th)
Families Exploring Nature-Lexington Wildlife Chapter, Lexington (Friday, June 27th)
Water for Wildlife-Sumter (Saturday, July 12th)
EcoLeaders for Youth-Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia (Monday, July 21st)
Backyard Habitat-North Myrtle Beach (Monday, October 20th)
Fall Backyard Habitat-York County (Date TBD)
Winter Wildlife-Location TBD

 

Banner image credit: Salty Serenity by Stuart Barfield.

Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat was a huge success!

Posted on by admin

“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.