Keep South Carolina Wild

Category: For Kids

2025 Plishing Challenge Winners Announced

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We are very excited to announce the winners of the 2025 Plishing Challenge! For the second year in a row, Cyrus Rouggly was the winner for the overall number of fish caught. Taylor Campbell came on strong to win the litter portion of the challenge. Adam Mosher was this year’s random winner. Each of these grand prize winners will receive a $500 gift card to Palmetto State Armory!

 

We are truly grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s challenge. A combined total of 1,525 fish we caught, and 307 bags of litter were removed from waterways, creating a cleaner habitat for fish – and us humans! All those who logged fish or litter in the 2025 challenge, will receive a small token of appreciation in the mail from SCWF.

 

We are very grateful to all of our sponsors for supporting our conservation initiative for the fourth year in a row! Thank you to Palmetto State Armory, Palmetto Pride, Angling Women, Local Boy Outfitters, FishRazr, AFTCO, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Your commitment to conservation allows SCWF to offer this wonderful event to promote clean waterways, conservation of our natural resources, and fishing fun.

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 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.

 

Camp Wildwood

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The South Carolina Wildlife Federation is proud to have been one of the sponsors of Camp Wildwood for more than 70 years! This annual event is an outdoor environmental camp that is a fun-filled week during which high school students can experience the many aspects of their natural environment. This year’s Camp was held June 15th through the 21st.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These pictures from this year’s camp show how Camp Wildwood helps the campers to  discover that we are part of nature and everything we do in some way affects the natural balance. At Camp Wildwood, you acquire the knowledge and appreciation needed for the protection and wise use of our natural resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Camp Wildwood is also sponsored by the Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc., the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, South Carolina State Parks, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Camp Wildwood is held annually in June at Kings Mountain State Park and you can find out more information about it by visiting https://www.campwildwoodsc.com/.

 

 

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 (Monday, October 20th)
Fall Backyard Habitat-York County (Date TBD)
Winter Wildlife-Location TBD

 

Banner image credit: Salty Serenity by Stuart Barfield.

SCWF Partnership Gives Calhoun County Fourth Graders Outdoor Experience

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“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.

SCWF Partnership Gives Calhoun County Fourth Graders Hands-on Nature Experiences

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“I got one!” exclaims an excited fourth grader from Calhoun County holding the line with a beautiful bluegill glistening on the end. A quick photo, a gentle release, and there are smiles and high fives all around and a healthy fish returned to the pond. This is thanks to some incredible partners and volunteers recently at the Interlaken Wildlife Center in Cameron, SC. SCWF staff partnered with the staff at Interlaken Wildlife Center and the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation district to provide a hands-on fishing and nature experience at the center.

Volunteers from SCWF, SCDNR, SC Conservation Districts, and several from the local community, joined together to help make this happen. Fourth grade students from Calhoun County had a lesson on flora and fauna in the midlands, a nature hike, a fishing lesson, and all had a chance to catch a fish.









BeBe Dalton Harrison, SCWF Director of Education shared “We can talk about fishing or loblolly pines or fox squirrels with these students in the classroom but giving them a chance to actually see it can sometimes flip a switch and help them develop a deeper appreciation for their environment”.  This program headed up by Mary Dixon with the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District is providing the opportunity for all fourth graders in the county to have this outdoor experience. Harrison adds, “We look forward to continuing to partner with this program for the rest of the fourth graders this spring.”

For more information on this program or to volunteer for an upcoming event, please email bebe@scwf.org.

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.






2024 Plishing Challenge Winners Announced

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Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2024 SCWF Plishing Challenge! Everyone who entered something into the challenge, either litter they collected from their local waterways or a fish they caught, will receive a small token of our appreciation.

We are thrilled at the amount of litter that was collected this year totaling 1080 grocery sized bags of litter.  And approximately 700 fish were entered with the majority of those being released for extra points in the challenge.

A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for making this happen for our third year-Palmetto State Armory, Palmetto Pride, Angling Women, Local Boy Outfitters, AFTCO, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.  And thanks again to all who participated in this incredible event promoting clean waterways, conservation, and fishing fun!

Irmo Middle School wins award for environmental education!

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Irmo Middle School, in Lexington-Richland 5 School District, earned their third superlative award as the 2024 Conserve School of the Year (2024). The school has a green house and a monarch butterfly garden. Last year they were named a Restore School of the Year and in 2019 were named they were named the Overall School of the Year.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named the 2024 Conserve School of the Year,” Irmo Middle School Principal Mansa Joseph said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of amazing teachers and students. We continue to be committed to nurturing a deep connection with nature and fostering environmental stewardship in our students. Together, we will continue to inspire future generations to lead with a sense of responsibility and care for our planet. Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting our journey toward a more sustainable future. Our goal is that we continue to believe, collaborate and be consistent towards our vision.”

The Green Steps program encourages individual schools in South Carolina to take annual steps toward becoming more environmentally responsible. Developed by Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB), Sonoco Recycling (SR) and DHEC’s Office of Recycling, Green Steps began in the 2003-2004 school year with seven Midlands school participating. To compete, schools need to document model quality projects for all of the following:

·         Conserve projects include smart energy use and saving natural resources by reducing, reusing and recycling.

·         Protect projects improve air and water quality.

·         Restore projects enhance soil and habitat.

Camp Wildwood 2024: Seventy years of inspiring conservationists!

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By Ari Hippensteal, SCWF Community Outreach Manager

Camp Wildwood, a conservation camp founded in 1954, continues through another year of inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards with its steadfast legacy in conservation and associated jobs. This resident-camp provides a vast variety of ways high school students can learn how to engage with the environment- whether that is continuing on with a job through affiliates of the camp such as SCDNR and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, or simply becoming an advocate for nature in their everyday lives.

Camp Wildwood employs the best staff and counselors and allows its campers to experience a wide range of activities and career roles in ways that inspire an adventurous spirit as they explore the outdoors. From shooting to boating to wildlife, navigation and fisheries, this is a week that serves as a treasured and memorable experience. The activities, while still being incredibly fun to participate in, demonstrate real-life skills and knowledge in topics like Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, and Hunter Education.


The camp can be somewhat daunting in the beginning, especially for the first year campers who are in an unfamiliar setting, meeting new people, learning new skills, and navigating some of the longstanding traditions of the camp like singing Taps and kitchen duty for the first time. Campers are assigned to Niches- or assigned groups that become like families, and the bonds and friendships that are made here often carry far beyond the camp. Regardless of whether you are attending as a camper, counselor, or staff; excellence, teamwork, and a passion to be here drives actions.






“It was a privilege to be able to attend this camp and to personally get to know the next generation of environmental advocates as someone that is currently in the field. It was an opportunity I will always appreciate and will continue to hold close to my heart and gather inspiration from as I continue working. There is so much hope for the future. Places like Camp Wildwood show me that things are going to get better, and that there are so many more people across different generations who all care and are working for the same thing.

— Ari Hippensteal, SCWF Community Outreach Manager

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is a proud sponsor of Camp Wildwood. In addition to SCWF, other sponsors include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Garden Club of South Carolina, the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, and South Carolina Parks and Recreation. Camp Wildwood is held annually in June at Kings Mountain State Park and you can find out more information about it by visiting https://www.campwildwoodsc.com/.