Keep South Carolina Wild

Category: Native Plants

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.

 

City of Columbia changes ordinance to support landscaping for wildlife

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Published May 08, 2025 in The Columbia Star

Letter to the Editor, By Trish Jerman

 

Columbia’s City Council recently approved a change in its nuisance ordinance to allow for “naturalistic” gardens—landscapes that favor native plants and support native wildlife. Previously, vegetation was required to be kept shorter than 12 inches. Now, gardeners may register their naturalistic gardens with the city’s ordinance enforcement office to avoid citation for having what may look to some as no more than an overgrown or untended space.

Columbia appears to be, if not the first, among a very few jurisdictions within South Carolina to explicitly welcome landscaping for wildlife. This continues the commitment made when the city became a National Wildlife Federation Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in 2019, working to “restore wildlife habitat and educate and engage community members.” The South Carolina Native Plant Society Midlands Chapter, supported by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and Gills Creek Watershed Association, worked with the city to accomplish the ordinance change.

Landscaping with native plants to support pollinators, butterflies, fireflies, birds, and other wildlife is important because we are losing so many of these elements that make our community feel like home. We want to see butterflies by day and fireflies at night. Lawns have been described as ecological deserts. A good wildlife habitat garden, on the other hand, provides food, shelter, and places to raise young—in bird nests, old flower stalks, and native grasses.

To register a property’s naturalistic landscape, download the required form and mail or email to the address on the bottom of the form. Applicants must provide proof of the landscape’s certification from a recognized program such as National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat, Gills Creek Watershed Champion, Clemson Carolina Yard, or other conservation organization. Residents who do not have a certified yard may request a visit from the Code Enforcement Division to register.

The South Carolina General Assembly recently followed the city’s lead in supporting native plants by passing a concurrent resolution to “recognize the essential value and importance of South Carolina native plants to the state’s environment, landscape, agriculture, history, and economy, and to encourage state agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna.”

The South Carolina Native Plant Society and its Midlands Chapter work to protect, restore, and educate about native plants. The Midlands Chapter hosts an educational program every other month and numerous field trips and service opportunities.

 

Certify your yard with the South Carolina & National Wildlife Federations HERE.

 

See the new City of Columbia Ordinance HERE.

Native Plant Resolution Passes!

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South Carolina takes a huge step forward for wildlife habitat enhancement

Native plants have formed symbiotic relationships with native wildlife over thousands of years, and therefore offer the most sustainable habitat for wildlife. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) and several of our conservation partners drafted a concurrent resolution to “recognize the essential value and importance of South Carolina native plants to the state’s environment, landscape, agriculture, history, and economy, and to encourage State agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna.” This Resolution passed the SC Legislature on April 23, 2025.

“Passage of this resolution shows that SC leaders value the natural beauty of our state, and have a desire to preserve the essential habitats on which our wildlife depend,” said Sara Green, SCWF executive director. “This is a critical time to enhance habitat for wildlife – our state has more than twice as many species of concern as we did only 10 years ago. Our organization stands ready to assist anyone who needs additional information about native plants valuable to wildlife.”

A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction. Exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world or were cultivated by humans into forms that don’t exist in nature do not support wildlife as well as native plants. Occasionally, they can even escape into the wild and become invasive exotics that destroy natural habitat. Native plants help the environment the most when planted in places that match their growing requirements.

They will thrive in the soils, moisture and weather of your region. That means less supplemental watering, which can be wasteful, and less pest problems that require toxic chemicals. Native plants also assist in managing rainwater runoff and maintain healthy soil as their root systems are deep and keep soil from being compacted. Discovering the native plants where you live can also define a unique sense of place and heritage for your garden habitat while preserving the natural history of the flora and fauna of your region.

Native plants often provide food for wildlife in the form of berries, seeds, nuts or nectar. Some wildlife will eat the leaves too, including caterpillars. Native plants also provide shelter and nesting sites for wildlife.

There are a wide variety of native options for any landscaping need. To assist in using native plants for landscaping, the SCWF website’s Native Plant page has a long list of native plants which are valuable to wildlife, as well as a list of local plant nurseries which sell natives: https://www.scwf.org/native-plants/

SCWF also has a partnership with Gardening for Wildlife where you can mail order native plants: https://fundraising.gardenforwildlife.com/1i2qgt

Native oaks and maples are great options for large trees, as well as smaller trees like dogwoods, red bud, paw paw, and sassafras. Examples of native garden plants which are beautiful and also have value for wildlife include: coreopsis, black-eyed susans, joe-pye weed, yarrow, bee balm, columbine, and milkweeds.

To recognize the efforts of landowners who incorporate native plants for habitat, properties can become Certified Wildlife Habitats through the SCWF and the National Wildlife Federation. This designation ensures valuable habitat while also helping to educate neighbors and community members about the needs of wildlife. Even larger properties such as industrial sites can be certified through SCWF’s Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program. Companies like BMW, Honda, Michelin, Duke Energy, and others have already converted their unused lands to wildlife habitat. If homeowners, business owners and local governments work together, the whole neighborhood or town can be certified through the Community Wildlife Habitat program. All of these programs focus on native plants and other habitat elements and sustainable gardening practices.

South Carolina’s new Native Plant Resolution furthers efforts by the General Assembly in the past. In 2017, a bill designated the third week of every October as Native Plant Week in SC. In 2018, the “Solar Habitat Bill” created guidelines for using native plants at large scale solar installations.

 

Here is the full text of the new Native Plant Resolution:

Whereas, South Carolina’s native plants provide iconic, economic, artistic, historical, and environmental values, unparalleled for beauty and unique to the history of the State and its future; and

Whereas, native plants are those which occur naturally in the specific regions in which they evolved, including our estuarine and tidal freshwater, maritime strand, freshwater wetlands, river and palustrine forested wetlands, and associated coastal uplands; and

Whereas, South Carolina contains over four thousand native plant species, subspecies, and varieties, making South Carolina home to a tremendously rich and diverse plant life, and twenty-one of those species are considered to be threatened or endangered; and

Whereas, maintaining and restoring the native plant habitat in South Carolina is vital to preserving South Carolina’s present and future biodiversity amid a changing environment; and

Whereas, native plants are more drought-tolerant, provide essential food sources for insects, birds, and wildlife, and require less water. They also act as natural pollinators and help filter out fertilizers and chemicals, promoting water conservation and improving the quality of stormwater runoff. Additionally, native plants enhance the resilience of ecosystems in South Carolina; and

Whereas, native plants provide high-quality food and shelter for more than three hundred resident and migratory bird species in South Carolina, one hundred sixty-one of which are species of greatest conservation need; and

Whereas, South Carolina currently contends with over ninety invasive and exotic plants, many of which compete with native plant species, degrade soil, facilitate erosion, require more fertilizers and chemicals, provide fewer food sources to native birds and other wildlife, and alter the state’s natural landscapes; and

Whereas, the state’s original Native American residents lived and thrived by knowledge of native plants which provided generations with food, clothing, shelter, dyes, tools, medicines, and fuel; and

Whereas, from the state’s earliest time, native flora and fauna have provided a rich landscape, inspiring and influencing notable literary and artistic works by internationally recognized figures and thereby securing South Carolina’s legacy in natural heritage; and

Whereas, South Carolina’s native plants and their derivatives have provided essential foods, medicines, and other products of global import since the colonial period, while native plants, such as sweet grass and Carolina yellow jessamine, play an important role in the state’s cultural heritage; and

Whereas, native plant horticulture contributes significantly to the state’s economy and employs thousands of South Carolinians, providing a thriving, vital, and ever-expanding industry, who do their part to preserve, protect, and restore precious native habitats by using South Carolina native plants whenever possible for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management; and

Whereas, the state’s native plants provide essential watershed protection, helping natural aquifers recharge, serving to filter water naturally flowing into rivers and estuaries, lessening erosion and flooding, and supporting rich biodiversity in birds and wildlife; and

Whereas, gardens and landscapes comprised of South Carolina’s native plants require far fewer fertilizers, soil amendments, or pesticides, and use significantly less water compared to nonnative plants; and

Whereas, pollinators such as birds, bees, and insects, including migratory butterflies, hummingbirds, and other threatened species, depend on the biodiversity of native plants for their survival; and

Whereas, many native South Carolina plants have played a vital role in state and national history, compelling the United States Congress, the State of South Carolina, and many local communities throughout the State to protect the beauty, power, and grandeur of our wild spaces; and

Whereas, planting, restoration, preservation, and cultivation of the state’s indigenous plants provides a natural link to wild land areas present and past, while presenting beauty and benefit and instilling a greater appreciation for South Carolina’s natural heritage; and

Whereas, this resolution is not state law. It is merely intended to encourage the people of South Carolina to plant and foster the growth of plants native to South Carolina.

Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize the essential value and importance of South Carolina’s native plants to the state’s environment, landscape, agriculture, history, and economy and encourage all state agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna.

Be it further resolved, that the Department of Administration is urged to circulate this concurrent resolution to all state agencies and state governmental units engaged in or overseeing the landscaping or grounds maintenance of properties so that they are made aware of the General Assembly’s interest in this matter.

Photo by Robert Carter.

WAIT Partner Update: Oshkosh Defense

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One of the greatest things we can see on a Wildlife And Industry Together or WAIT partner’s property are signs that wildlife has a place to feed and reproduce in a safe environment. Oshkosh Defense LLC in Spartanburg, SC, has developed such an area on part of its property for birds like red-winged blackbirds, Eastern bluebirds, and even the steeply declining loggerhead shrike, which has been seen in and around the parking lot feeding on the insects or other prey near the native plants that were installed to attract wildlife.

Image Caption: Killdeer on nest at Oshkosh Defense.

In a press release, Trent McJunkin, facilities and maintenance manager said: “Our intent is to turn our greenspace at the facility into a thriving habitat for native wildlife, supporting biodiversity, and a healthy ecosystem. Trent added that: “This effort not only helps wildlife flourish, but also increases efficiencies in groundskeeping, demonstrating that sustainability and operational effectiveness can go hand in hand.”

 

Why WAIT?

SCWF partners with conservation-minded businesses throughout the state who want to help wildlife thrive by enhancing their properties and providing educational opportunities for their employees and communities. Read more about the WAIT Program and how to join here.

WAIT Partner Update: BMW

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BMW Manufacturing, another great Wildlife And Industry Together or WAIT partner from the upstate of SC, has been an engaged partner in wildlife habitat creation and conservation for years. From pollinator habitat to the installation of nest boxes and native trees, their team of engaged employees is always eager to learn more about conservation and what they can do on their property to help local wildlife. Recently, over 100 native trees were planted in an area behind one of their training facilities. These trees, which include oaks, elms, hornbeam, pine, among other species, will produce millions of insects (if not more) over the years that will be consumed by birds, reptiles, mammals, and even other insects.




BMW staff, along with Industry Habitat Manager, Jay Keck, recently installed six Eastern bluebird boxes on the property, adding to the already existing Wood Duck and bluebird boxes. The installation was followed up with a talk about the importance of cavity nests and native plants.

Thank you, BMW, for providing us with the opportunity to educate your employees, as well as taking the time to increase wildlife habitat and nesting opportunities for a number of local wildlife species!

 

Why WAIT?

SCWF partners with conservation-minded businesses throughout the state who want to help wildlife thrive by enhancing their properties and providing educational opportunities for their employees and communities. Read more about the WAIT Program and how to join here.

Leave the Leaves to Save Fireflies!

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Article by Tess Renusch, National Wildlife Federation

Published September 30th, 2024

https://blog.nwf.org/2024/09/leave-the-leaves-to-save-fireflies/

Fireflies are in decline, but you can help them by skipping the yard waste bags this year.

If you’ve ever lived in a region with fireflies, you’re probably most familiar with them as flying insects that light up the sky with their rhythmic blinking. But did you know that most of a firefly’s life can be spent under the leaves?

Fireflies as Larva

Like many insects, fireflies go through multiple life stages. The flying bugs we see are their adult form, but before they reach adulthood they first pass through their larval and pupal stages. In fact, for most species of fireflies, the larval stage makes up most of their life! For one species, Photinus pyralis, they spend 1-2 years as a larva, and only 30 days as an adult!

But most people have never even seen a firefly in its larval stage, or if they have, they haven’t realized what they were looking at. Firefly larvae look almost nothing like their adult forms. They often have a long, almost worm-like, body and most do not have any wings or have short wings that they cannot use for flying.

So if they don’t fly, where do these insects live for years on end? The answer lies beneath our feet.

Many firefly larvae are carnivorous, eating snails and worms they find in the moist soil! Credit: Katja Schulz/Flickr

A Life in the Leaves

While each firefly species is different, many fireflies spend their larval stage beneath a layer of fallen leaves or even under the soil. The moist environment that the leaf layer creates is a must for many firefly larvae, since some even depend on gills to breathe! The leaf layer is also helpful for many other insects and small creatures, like snails. Since many firefly larvae are carnivores, these other small animals in the leaf layer are a vital food source!

Not only does the leaf layer provide a moist environment and support a healthy food web for fireflies, but it is also essential for protecting them overwinter. Since many fireflies spend years as larvae, the leaves keep them warm, hidden and protected while they hibernate.

Roughly 30% of yard waste bags go to the landfill where they will produce methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Credit: xphotoz

Leave the Leaves for Fireflies

Fireflies are disappearing in America, and how we maintain our yards and gardens is a huge reason why. When homeowners and gardeners fill up yard waste bags with leaves, sticks, and other organic matter, they’re getting rid of the leaf layer that these firefly larvae need.

Not only that, but oftentimes the firefly larvae themselves get put into those yard waste bags and get carted away! About 30% of these yard waste bags end up going straight to the landfill. Some get composted, but others are incinerated– which releases carbon dioxide greenhouse gasses. Wherever these yard waste bags end up, it’s not good news for the fireflies.

To help save the fireflies, you can avoid the yard-waste bags. Instead, opt to intentionally use the fallen leaves in your yard. You can rake the leaves off your paths and lawn and move them to create a beneficial leaf layer in your garden beds and around the base of trees. Leaving the leaves doesn’t just benefit fireflies, but dozens of other wildlife species that depend on it to survive!

Banner image by James Jordan Photography

How Fallen Leaves Support Moths and Butterflies

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Article by Braelei Hardt, National Wildlife Federation, and Robert Watkins, National Wildlife Federation

https://blog.nwf.org/2024/09/how-fallen-leaves-support-moths-and-butterflies/

Published September 26th, 2024

Amid the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot lies a hidden ecosystem where moths and butterflies find shelter and sustenance. While it might seem like clutter to some, this layer of fallen foliage is a lifeline for various species—including these important pollinators. Fallen leaves are more than just remnants of summer; they are essential components of ecosystems. They enrich the soil, provide habitats, and play a pivotal role in the life cycles of many insects. Let’s take a look at some of the species that depend on the leaf layer for survival.

Mourning Cloak

Mourning cloak butterflies avoid spending energy on migration by hibernating under the leaves for winter. Credit: Popo.uw23/Flickr

The mourning cloak butterfly is a remarkable species known for its longevity and unique hibernation habits. Unlike many butterflies that migrate or overwinter in other life stages, the mourning cloak spends the winter as an adult. As temperatures drop, these butterflies seek refuge in the natural crevices provided by tree bark, logs, and importantly, within piles of fallen leaves.

Fallen leaves offers a protective blanket that insulates the butterflies against harsh winter conditions. The layers of leaves help maintain a stable microclimate, shielding them from freezing temperatures and fluctuations that could otherwise be fatal. This insulation is crucial for their survival, allowing them to conserve energy throughout the dormant season. By hibernating in leaves, they can face temperatures as low as -76°F (-60°C)!

When spring arrives, the mourning cloaks emerge, often one of the first butterflies to be seen, as they take advantage of early sap flows and mate before competition arrives. Despite braving the winter, mourning cloaks are the longest living butterflies in North America, often surviving up to 10 months.

Red-banded Hairstreak

Red-banded hairstreak caterpillars camouflage well against dead leaves. Credit: Sara Bright/Alabama Butterfly Atlas

The red-banded hairstreak butterfly exhibits a fascinating life cycle intricately tied to fallen leaves. Unlike most butterfly caterpillars, which feed on living plant tissues, the larvae of this species primarily consume decaying leaf material, especially from sumac and oak trees. The caterpillars of this species look like fuzzy leaves to camouflage against their environment.

The leaf layer serves as both a pantry and a protective environment. The layers of leaves conceal the caterpillars from predators and harsh weather, offering a safe space for growth and development. This reliance on decaying matter places the red-banded hairstreak in a unique ecological niche, contributing to nutrient cycling and the breakdown of organic material in forest ecosystems.

Io Moth

The silky underside of an Io moth cocoon made from fallen leaves. Credit: Don Hall

Io moths are renowned for their vivid coloration and striking eyespots, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. After a period of feeding on the leaves of various trees and shrubs as caterpillars, they prepare for metamorphosis by spinning cocoons. This critical stage occurs within the leaf litter on the ground.

The fallen leaves provide essential camouflage for the cocoons, blending seamlessly with the environment to avoid detection by predators. Moreover, the microhabitat within the leaf litter maintains optimal humidity and temperature levels necessary for the delicate process of metamorphosis. The structural complexity of the leaf layers protects the cocoons from physical disturbances and environmental stressors, ensuring that the moths can successfully emerge as adults.

As adults, Io moths do not have functional mouths and do not feed. They live solely to reproduce, with a short adult lifespan of about a week. This means that every stage of their life cycle prior to adulthood is crucial for accumulating the energy reserves needed for reproduction. The protection provided by a leaf cocoon during metamorphosis is vital to their survival and ability to continue the species.

Luna Moth

A fully completed Luna moth cocoon made from freshly fallen leaves. Credit: Don Hall

The Luna moth captivates with its ethereal beauty, showcasing pale green wings and elongated tails. Similar to the Io moth, the Luna moth’s life cycle is deeply connected to the leaf litter. After the caterpillars have fed and grown on the leaves of hardwood trees like hickory, walnut, and birch, they descend to the forest floor to pupate.

Within the leaf layer, the Luna moth caterpillars spin silken cocoons interwoven with leaves, creating a secure environment for transformation. The developing moth may spend anywhere from three weeks to several months overwintering in this cocoon, while they only live as adults for about a week.

Like Io moths, adult Luna moths they do not have functional mouths to feed. This brief window of adulthood is dedicated entirely to reproduction. Because of their short lifespan and inability to feed, conserving energy under the leaves during winter ensures they emerge as healthy adults capable of finding a mate and laying the eggs quickly.

Dead Leaves, Living Habitat

Supporting the life cycles of moths and butterflies has broader implications for both wildlife and human communities. These species play significant roles in ecosystems as pollinators, prey, and indicators of environmental health.

By understanding and preserving the natural processes that sustain these species, such as the availability of leaf layers, we contribute to the resilience and functionality of ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and natural beauty that enhances our quality of life.

So this autumn, as the leaves create a mosaic on the ground, consider the unseen wonders they support. Embracing the natural accumulation of leaves supports the intricate life cycles of species like these moths and butterflies. In doing so, you can help nurture the ecosystems that ultimately sustain both wildlife and human communities.

Banner image by Neil Williamson

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.

Haig Point on Daufuskie Island Celebrates Certification as a Community Wildlife Habitat

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Haig Point was recently certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat! As the 15th Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in our state, Haig Point has joined over 300 other communities across the nation making a difference for wildlife. Located on the southernmost sea island of South Carolina, the Haig Point Community is set amongst the majestic moss-draped live oaks and pristine beaches of Daufuskie Island. Residents and visitors enjoy the uninterrupted sounds of nature as they travel around the island by electric golf-carts instead of cars, far from the noise of motors, horns, and traffic. This bridgeless island is a unique coastal ecosystem, and once you arrive by boat or ferry, you instantly find out why.










The island is home to a large rookery of nesting egrets and wood storks, and you can spot fox squirrels and white-tailed deer munching on acorns. As a threatened species, loggerhead sea turtles nest along the shores during the summer months. Supporting an abundant diversity of wildlife, insects, plants, and marine life, the wooded areas, lush marshes, and beaches are critical habitats that residents of the island are dedicated to protecting.

Oyster Reef Restoration

Volunteers and community members joined together with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources SCORE (South Carolina Oyster Recycling Enhancement Program) to complete the island’s first oyster reef build in 2017. These living reefs protect the salt marsh and estuaries, while also helping to naturally reverse beach erosion, improve water quality, and create habitat for marine life. After a second build in 2022, healthy waves of spartina grass have established and become a living shoreline, supporting hundreds of species from small invertebrates to blue crabs and redfish.

South Carolina contains half a million acres of salt marsh, more than any of the other Atlantic states, but many coastal residents are concerned about the heavy amount of erosion as tides rise higher with more intense storms. Oyster reefs act as natural barriers against these threats, reducing the amount of shoreline that gets washed away and creating a more resilient coast. The community of Haig Point has constructed three oyster reefs on the island and plans to install more.

Daufuskie Island Turtle Team

About 4 miles long, Daufuskie Island’s beach provides nesting habitat for loggerhead sea turtles. The Daufuskie Turtle Patrol staff must check the tide each morning before venturing onto the beach because at high tide, some areas are impassable. Having experienced heavy erosion, many nesting areas have washed away. Abandoned beach homes have succumbed to the rising tides, and exposed roots from large, dead oak trees make navigating the beach difficult.

The island currently has around 60 nests and several of them started hatching in July. Led by volunteers, the many tasks of the turtle patrol team include documenting turtle tracks seen in the sand, marking nests, and placing protective covering over nests to prevent predators like ghost crabs, racoons, and armadillos from eating the eggs.








An Ocean-front Celebration






The community held a celebration at the Haig Point Beach Club on July 12th with residents and many other stakeholders who were involved with the certification process. Haig Point earned this impressive certification by certifying properties including homes, parks, farms, businesses, and government buildings on the island as Certified Wildlife Habitats. SCWF staff were honored to be a part of the ceremony, and Sara Green, SCWF Executive Director, spoke at the reception. SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, Savannah Jordan, also spoke and presented the community’s certificate to Don Hunter, CEO of Haig Point. Lauren Hunt, the Brand Manager for Haig Point, oversees communication to its residents through the publishing of community newsletters and posting to social media. Lauren has been integral in the community’s certification, having digitized huge stacks of paper notes written by former habitat team members and promoting events that bring the whole community together to help wildlife. In partnership with the Daufuskie Island Conservancy, Haig Point hosts a biannual Beach Sweep in the spring and fall to help keep litter under control. Free educational events are available to the island’s residents and visitors that engage the community in creating wildlife habitat and protecting special species, including recent presentations on loggerhead sea turtles, salt marsh habitats, manatees, and butterflies.

Haig Point earned the name “Guardian of the Sea” by the Palmetto Ocean Conservancy in 2018 due to the Beach Club’s efforts to eliminate plastic straws, incorporate recyclable and reusable cups, change lights on buildings to LED lighting, and these other “Green Initiatives”:

  • Wood duck and Eastern bluebird boxes placed throughout the community, with annual maintenance and monitoring of bluebird boxes

  • Installation of a demonstration rain garden to encourage the use of native plants in our landscapes and water conservation

  • Nature Trail educational signage throughout in several key areas throughout the property

  • Butterfly gardens and the Welcome Center, Mansion, Beach Club, and Clubhouse

  • Educational table in the Mansion to promote Environmental Committee events as well as educating Members on green practices

  • Recycling receptacles in all areas of property

To learn more about the Community Habitat Program, click here or contact Savannah Jordan at savannah@scwf.org.

Chapin is now a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat

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The town of Chapin was recently certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat! Chapin is now the 13th Certified Wildlife Habitat in our state and has joined over 300 other communities across the nation making a difference for wildlife. Chapin earned this impressive achievement by certifying over 180 homes, 3 parks, 4 schools, 3 places of of worship, and 5 businesses as Certified Wildlife Habitats.

Activity Highlights

This certification effort was led by Cindy Chin and the Chapin Garden Club, who named the project “Chapin Goes Green” when they registered their community back in June of 2021. These are just a few of their many accomplishments that have created healthier wildlife habitat and a healthier community:

Bluebird trails

Worked with local schools to install bluebird nesting boxes, which now make up several bluebird trails that are maintained and monitored for nesting activity.

Educational classes

Held programs on a variety of topics at the Chapin library, which included migratory birds, snakes, owls, and tips for creating colorful wildlife habitat.

Pollinator garden

Installed a 70-foot Carolina Fence pollinator garden at Chapin Town Hall, providing a sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Chapin Goes Green!

The community held a celebration at Chapin Town Hall on June 18th with the Chapin Garden Club and many other stakeholders who were involved with the process. The Mayor of Chapin made a proclamation in support of Chapin’s enrollment in the Certified Community Wildlife Habitat Program and recognized the outstanding efforts of the community’s commitment to becoming more wildlife-friendly. Kelly Long, Wildlife Habitat Chair of the Garden Club of SC and leader of the Greer Community Wildlife Habitat also gave remarks, along with David Stoudenmire, Jr., President of the Garden Club of SC and William Slaunwhite, Treasurer of the SC Bluebird Society. The Eaglets Making an Impact Club presented a video created by students at Chapin Elementary School showing the steps to certifying your wildlife habitat.

SCWF staff were honored to be a part of the ceremony and certification process. SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck helped with the certification by installing nesting boxes, presenting on wildlife topics, and installing native plants at Chapin Town Hall’s lush pollinator fence garden. Both he and Sara Green, SCWF’s Executive Director, spoke at the reception.





Chapin Town Hall Pollinator Garden