Keep South Carolina Wild

Category: Events

Families Exploring Nature Day!

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“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 that 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

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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!

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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 (Date TBD)
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!

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“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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POWR+ Fly Fishing Experience

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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.

Winners of the 2024 Wildlife Photography Contest

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Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Wildlife Photography contest! It is always hard to select a winner because we have such talented photographers, and this year’s contest was no exception. You can go to our Flickr page here to see all the photos entered in this year’s contest.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered our photo contest this year! We are grateful because your photos help us showcase the beauty of our state and help us illustrate South Carolina’s wildlife and their habitats. Please stay tuned to see your photos featured on social media, our website, and in our eNewsletters.

Carolina Critters 

Winner: Trey Wardlaw, Emergence

About the photograph:

This photograph, captured in April 2024 during the cicada outbreak in South Carolina, depicts a newly emerged cicada on a low-hanging branch. I deliberately included the exoskeleton behind the cicada to enhance the composition of the scene. To achieve a steady shot, I held the branch with one hand. To me, this image of a freshly molted cicada and its exoskeleton symbolizes the emergence of the cicadas during the 2024 invasion.

About me:

I am a wildlife photographer located in Laurens, South Carolina and I have been interested in anything nature related since I was a kid. My goal with my photography is to highlight the beauty of animals and bugs that are rarely ever seen up close.

Carolina Critters

Runner-up: Gina Sanders, Golden-crowned Kinglet

 

About the photograph:

The little golden-crowned kinglet was in a field behind my house, where I frequently walk. It was during fall migration and kinglets were moving through the area in large numbers. I went for a walk that morning and was excited to see and hear so many in the area. They don’t sit still for long but this little one seemed curious as he perched on a weed and watched me watching him! I was thrilled he came so close and I was able to get his photo, it’s one of my favorites!

About me:

I’m 61 years old, and an avid birder and nature photographer. Photography was my hobby back in the film days, but got put on the back burner thanks to my career and life in general. Once I started birding a few years ago I decided to get back into photography to help me identify the birds I was seeing. Now, I spend as much time as I can outdoors with my camera, watching birds and wildlife in general.

Scenes of SC 

Winner: Kailey Bugarin, Kingfisher’s Stumpfest 

About the photograph:

Lake Moultrie’s water gets lowered a couple times a year by Santee Cooper. It is usually lowered in the winter, some years lower than others. This photo was taken in late December of 2020, and it was the lowest the lake had been in many years followed by the recent 2024 water drop for the hurricane flooding. I was exploring the floor of the lake and capturing the many birds who were taking advantage of the low water with puddles of fish. A belted kingfisher I had been chasing landed in the most perfect spot. I was able to capture it and the reflection of the many stumps right as the sun was going down.

About me:

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. Started nature photography in 2018 while attending college at USC, and continued birding as a hobby when I came home to Moncks Corner. I enjoy capturing the Lowcountry’s scenes and wildlife.

Scenes of SC

Runner-up: Stuart Barfield, Light the Way

About the photograph:

I live in the Midlands of SC, but I have a lot of family in the Lowcountry and I spend a lot of time in Charleston. I especially love Folly Beach and the mix of nature and history found there. On one trip down, I noticed the Morris Island Lighthouse was actually lit and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture a glimpse of the past shining over the beauty of the marsh. For me, it was a wonderful way to illustrate my sense of nostalgia and admiration for what I consider my second home.

About me:

I didn’t have a huge interest in photography until 2017, when my wife was gifted a nice DSLR camera. I got more confident using it over time and a couple years later, I began flying drones for my job. I was amazed at the potential for landscape aerial photography and have tried my hand at it on and off since then.

People In Nature 

Winner: Jennifer Brown, Forest Blessings

About the photograph:

The August morning captured along Cedar Creek was a mere glimpse into the magic that is hidden amongst the vast expanse of Congaree National Park. Nature photography is often about being in the right place at the right time, and having the patience to wait for the ideal shot. As the sun permeated the late morning fog, its rays beckoning the paddlers to continue exploring and maybe even linger a little longer. The otherworldly feeling was palpable  as the mist swirled along the forest floor and flowing waters, enveloping all in its embrace.

About me:

I consider myself a very lucky person to have the pleasure of having Congaree National Park as my “office.”  Several times a week, I get the opportunity to introduce guests from around the world to South Carolina’s only National park. As a Kayak Guide for Carolina Outdoor Adventures, I have seen many beautiful sunrises, stunning sunsets, misty mornings, and even the occasional  eerie moonlit night while paddling through the old-growth forests of Congaree NP.  As a mother and a military spouse, I find being outdoors to be extremely rejuvenating for the mind and body and make it a goal to enjoy as many opportunities as possible.

Scenes of SC

Runner-up: Judy Fairchild, Now and Then

 

About the photograph: I was looking at American oystercatchers along the Intracoastal Waterway, and thought the juxtaposition of the wooden sailboat against the modern fishing boat was the quintessential South Carolina landscape.

About me: I run Nature Walks with Judy, whose goal is to get people to appreciate the amazing nature right outside their doors. I started that blog and social media accounts in March of 2020; it was my response to everyone’s need for nature during the pandemic! You can follow me on Instagram here and on Facebook here.

Working For Wildlife Volunteer Day Was A Huge Success

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Thank YOU to our volunteers who showed up and worked together to make a difference for wildlife on December 7th despite the chilly weather! Our annual Working for Wildlife Day at the Carolina Sandhills NWR was a huge success thanks to the volunteers and the knowledgeable refuge staff who joined us. SCWF is proud to have collaborated with the refuge on workdays since 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projects that were completed included trail marking and maintenance, sweeping around the trees marked as nesting sites for the red-cockaded woodpeckers, repairing boardwalks, leaf blowing and litter pick-up.



 

Carolina Sandhills NWR hosts an incredible range of biodiversity and is a leading site in conservation efforts. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and all work done here is going right back to a keystone location for many of our unique state species and habitats. – Ari Hippensteal, SCWF Community Outreach Manager

If you haven’t yet visited the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, we encourage you to do so. Founded in 1939, the refuge contains rolling sand hills dominated by the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem. Along with the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, the refuge is home to more than 190 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, and 25 species of amphibians. More than 800 species of plants have been identified on the refuge, including rare species of pitcher plants, Well’s pixie-moss, and the white-wicky.

SCWF at National Hunting & Fishing Day

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“I loved working at this event. Coming back to my home in the upstate of SC and getting to talk to kids about the nature and animals around them was really meaningful to me.” Ari Hippensteal.

On Saturday, September 30, an estimated 2,000 youth and adults attended the annual National Hunting & Fishing Day event at Oconee County’s South Cove County Park near Seneca. This free event offers many hands-on opportunities to learn the basics of outdoor skills like fishing, archery, and shooting with an air-rifle. Traditionally celebrated the fourth Saturday in September, this day also promotes the contribution of hunters and anglers to conservation and connects hunters and anglers to programs in their state. SCWF has been a proud partner in this event for many years!

SCWF’s booth featured educational animal pelts, Ranger Rick magazines, and an art activity about wildlife! The education animals were a big draw, especially our muskrat. Ari Hippensteal, our Community Outreach Manager, talked to kids and adults who wanted to know more about the native South Carolina wildlife which might be difficult to see up close otherwise. Feeling the fur of the bobcat or the waterproof plumage of the mallard duck gave the visitors a hands-on experience that was a new experience for many. We were also grateful to the hunters who stopped by to share personal stories about the importance of habitat conservation for the future of wildlife in our state.






Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat (POWR) Series Opens the Door to Outdoor Adventures

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For media inquiries contact: BeBe Dalton Harrison, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, bebe@scwf.org, (803) 256-0670

“Small group size, amazing instructors, absolutely fantastic!  Lots of staff for our small groups so our instructors were able to pinpoint issues and help us improve.” Comments like these from POWR Series participants inspire the South Carolina Wildlife Federation to continue to provide quality instruction for women and their outdoor adventures.

This educational program has grown, from a weekend of introductory outdoor activities, to a progression of topics that help participants build knowledge and confidence in outdoor skills.  After learning the basics with patient and knowledgeable instructors at POWR, participants are ready to build on what they learned at POWR Up and in POWR+ events. These longer and more in-depth programs foster their newfound skills and build on those they already have, giving them the confidence to participate on their own or with like-minded women they may meet at the events.

Registration for the October 4-5 POWR Up is open to anyone wanting to build on their outdoor skills. Set in beautiful Santee State Park, participants will have the opportunity to register for up to 3 classes including topics like Boating and Trailering, Bass Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Hunting in South Carolina, Pine Needle Basketry, Kayak Fishing, and more. All gear and equipment is provided for this event and the small class sizes make this such a valuable experience for the instructors and the participants. As one participant described, “POWR keeps me connected to like-minded women in an atmosphere that brings me back to my beloved Girl Scout days. (It is) A way to experience the outdoors without having to own all the equipment needed for all the activities I want to experience.”

BeBe Dalton Harrison, Director of Education at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, organizes POWR and wants to invite women who want more experience in the outdoors to join in this year’s event. “POWR Up builds on basic skills to help women feel more confident spending time outdoors.” says Harrison. “We want women to not only learn outdoor skills, but to take what they learn and continue it with friends and family, and in some cases develop a passion for it,” Harrison explains. She continues, “We want women to move from awareness of these amazing opportunities to participation in their own outdoor adventures. Women can confidently invite others to go fishing, boating, birding, and more.”

In addition to the fall POWR Up event, two POWR+ events are scheduled for the month of September. POWR+ events are one day sessions that run from 10 am to 2 pm offering an in-depth look at a specific topic. Registration is also open for these two POWR+ events.

●  The first is POWR+ Inshore Fishing with Artificial Lures with Captain Tanya Dowdy where participants will learn techniques to fish with many different types of artificial lures including hard baits, soft plastics, floats, and more.  Participants will get the chance to meet at one of South Carolina’s newest State Parks, May Forest. There will be an instructional portion along with the opportunity to fish using their new skills.

● The second is: POWR+ Beach Ecology with Naturalist Amber Von Harten will introduce participants to our coastal environment at the beautiful Botany Bay.  Participants will learn about the beach environment, flora and fauna, and shell identification.

The POWR Series is presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation with generous support from organizations and volunteers.  Supporters who help make these events possible include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Bass Pro Shops (Greenville Store),  Nature Adventure Outfitters, Angling Women,  Chattooga River Fly Shop, and Three Sisters Essentials. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors.

To learn more about the POWR Series, we invite women to visit www.scwf.org for more information. We suggest that you register early for these fun and educational experiences.

POWR + Shooting Experience

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Our POWR+ Shooting Experience participants had an incredible day at DNR’s Wateree Range in Eastover on Monday, August 19th! The participants were welcomed by BeBe Dalton Harrison, SCWF’s Director of Education. Before heading to the range, the day started with a thorough safety talk by the SCDNR officers.


The class split into two groups of four and headed out to try riflery or shotgun. At the riflery range, each participant had the opportunity to shoot three riffles. The officers were provided instruction on how to use each gun and were patient and knowledgeable instructors.






After the first shooting session, the participants headed back to the classroom to gather for lunch and a presentation by SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, Savannah Jordan. She covered wildlife that can be seen on the range such as woodpeckers, snakes, and even songbirds. And, there is more to see than you might expect! For example, this beautiful indigo bunting was on the riflery range before the shooting started for the day.

Image Credit: Indigo Bunting by Savannah Jordan.


After the lunch break, the two groups switched. Those who shot rifles in the morning, got to move to shotguns in the afternoon and vice versa. Check out these photos of ladies shooting at clay targets!






Please check out these additional photos from the day!