Keep South Carolina Wild

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POWR+ Inshore Fishing Day at Nemours Wildlife Foundation

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Sixteen women joined Captain Tanya Dowdy for SCWF’s POWR+ Inshore Fishing Day at Nemours Wildlife Foundation on September 14. After a morning of learning about inshore fishing with artificial baits, participants headed out on the water to put their new knowledge and gear to work.

And everyone caught a fish!

The fish were biting, with flounder making up most of the catch and red drum, spotted seatrout, and black drum joining the mix. By the end of the day, the group had landed all four species for an inshore grand slam!

Throughout the day, Captain Tanya shared tips on choosing the right rod and reel, tying knots, selecting artificial baits, and reading the water. Participants learned to look for structure and moving water, including oyster beds, drop-offs, vegetation, and areas where current moves through the marsh. They also learned how tides and water movement can play an important role in finding fish.

 

 

The day was about more than catching fish. POWR+ gives women the opportunity to build confidence, learn new outdoor skills, and connect with other women who share a passion for the outdoors. By the end of the day, every participant had a fish story of her own to take home.

SCWF would like to thank Captain Tanya Dowdy, owner of Reel Chica Charters for sharing her knowledge and making the day such a success. We also appreciate Nemours Wildlife Foundation for hosting us and providing a beautiful setting for the class.

A special thank you to the FishAmerica Foundation, in partnership with Z-Man Fishing Products and Barron’s Outdoors, for their support of this event. Their generosity helped provide participants with the opportunity to learn, get on the water, and experience the excitement of inshore fishing firsthand.

We are also grateful to the companies whose continued support help make this program possible: St. Croix Rods, Seviin Reels, AFTCO, Z-Man Fishing Products, Haddrells Point Tackle, YETI, Bajío Sunglasses, and Rapala USA.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable day on the water!

Fish on!

 

Sen. Lindsey Graham Remembered as Advocate for Wildlife, Conservation

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We at SCWF share the sentiments below from the National Wildlife Federation, and we greatly appreciate all that Senator Graham did for the wildlife of our state and our nation.

 

Sen. Lindsey Graham Remembered as Advocate for Wildlife, Conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 12, 2026) — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was a steady and strong advocate for bipartisan solutions to conserve and restore America’s lands and coasts, recover at-risk species, and address some of the biggest challenges facing wildlife and people.

“The National Wildlife Federation is saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Senator Graham was a reliable friend of wildlife, serving as a lead co-sponsor of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, championing the Great American Outdoors Act, creating the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation, and co-founding the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “He protected ocean wildlife and South Carolina’s low country by opposing offshore drilling, investing in coastal resilience, and curbing methane pollution. Although we didn’t agree on everything, we always appreciated the Senator’s open door and his passion for wildlife and wild places.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, his staff, and the people of South Carolina.”

South Carolina’s Rapid Growth Leading to More Bear Encounters

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By McKenzie Muskett Spectrum News South Carolina
PUBLISHED 4:28 PM ET Jul. 10, 2026
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/sc/south-carolina/news/2026/07/10/bear-sightings-in-south-carolina

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolina continues to grow, wildlife experts say more people are likely to cross paths with the state’s largest land mammals, the black bear.

New neighborhoods and expanding developments are pushing farther into natural habitats, increasing the chances of bears wandering through residential areas in search of food.

While seeing a bear in your neighborhood can be startling, experts say there’s usually no reason to panic.

“Generally speaking, for what it’s worth, bear sightings are actually pretty rare,” said Howard Morrison, a park ranger with Sumter National Forest.

South Carolina is home to a healthy population of black bears. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, current sustaining populations exist in the Mountains/Upper Piedmont and Northern Coastal Counties.

But as more people move into the state, wildlife habitat continues to shrink, bringing humans and bears into closer contact.

“As new folks move into South Carolina, there’s new housing developments being built and that kind of thing. And that’s encroaching on habitat for all kinds of wildlife, but bears also,” said Sarah Green, Executive Director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Wildlife experts say bears wandering through neighborhoods are often just passing through. The biggest factor that keeps them returning is easy access to food.

“The bears that happen to be around developed areas, that’s where people have food. That’s where they may be cooking. That’s where they may be camping. There are a lot of things that smell like items that a bear might want to try to eat,” said Morrison.

Morrison says that’s because bears living near developed areas can begin associating people with an easy meal if they’re repeatedly rewarded with access to food or garbage.

“A lot of folks are scared of bears. We see a bear coming into our campground. A lot of folks, their first inclination is to run away and abandon everything that you’ve got sitting there. That’s what the bears are there for in the first place, because they’re not there for us. They’re there for our stuff. And if we allow them that access and that kind of reward, that’s when they get conditioned,” said Morrison.

He says if bears are not able to reach food left behind by people, they’re less likely to develop that association.

Experts say homeowners can reduce the chances of attracting bears by removing food sources around their property. They recommend:

  • Cleaning grills after cooking
  • Storing trash inside a garage or in a bear-resistant container
  • Bringing pet food indoors
  • Taking down bird feeders during the summer

“Bears have an incredible sense of smell. And so, they can smell your backyard grilling and things like that. And will come into areas looking for food,” Green said.

If you encounter a black bear, experts recommend:

  • Staying calm
  • Keeping your distance
  • Making your presence known
  • Slowly back away

Black bear attacks in South Carolina are extremely rare, and experts say the animals generally want to avoid people.

“Be respectful of the wildlife in their home and just enjoy seeing them when you get the opportunity.” Morrison said.

Morrison recommends heading to bearwise.org for more information. He says it’s not an agency site, but it is one that he often refers people to when they inquire about home and outdoor safety.

 

Chapin Goes Green…er

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Written by Cindy Chin.

Published in Chapin Magazine on June 18, 2026:

https://www.chapinmagazine.com/home/2026/6/18/chapin-goes-greener?fbclid=IwY2xjawSzkYJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIYUpuZDBPekpTMktaWWpYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl6HvBhLAbzUY6vFusRdNdgdBp0QTYI9ITbx1e_swe5P06Ktt0SN-QRJ2kBn_aem_urN1NwhEGCP_PFZ-RPykbw

 

Chapin Goes Green...er

 

Chapin Garden Club Strives to turn Chapin into
South Carolina’s Largest Per Capita Community Wildlife Habitat

In 2000, Chapin Garden Club launched two initiatives supported by the Garden Club of South Carolina: a Carolina Fence Garden at the Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Backyard Habitat program. Both programs were a success…  So Chapin Garden Club did what anyone in their position would typically do: moved the goal posts and upped the ante. Twenty six years later, they aim to turn Chapin into the largest per capita Community Wildlife Habitat in the state by 2030. But this time, they need your help…

 

How It Started

From the outset in 2000, CGC’s members embraced the challenges wholeheartedly—every member achieved certified habitat status to do their part in the Backyard Habitat program. The efforts established an enduring club tradition: membership meant maintaining a certified backyard. But what exactly is a “certified” backyard, and why does it matter? A Certified Wildlife Habitat® through the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is a greenspace that provides essential elements for local wildlife: food, water, cover, and places to raise young, while also utilizing sustainable practices such as reduced usage of chemical pesticides, the conservation of water, and a reduction in lawn area. Having these conditions in place helps combat habitat loss by supporting birds, butterflies, and pollinators with native plants.

For members of the Chapin Garden Club in the year 2000, the decision to get their yards certified was an easy one. By 2013, an influx of new members shifted focus temporarily; the yard certification tradition had begun to subside. To reignite interest, Bonnie Porter presented a refresher on habitat certification at the October meeting. Then-president Cindy Chin challenged members to certify their own yards and recruit others to do the same. The effort gained traction through flyers, local media, and community outreach.

 

Photo by Cindy Chin

The club’s commitment aligned with a broader goal—supporting South Carolina’s national leadership in wildlife habitats per capita. With guidance from Sarah Green of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Chapin added 32 new certified habitats by summer 2014. They celebrated with a gathering at Timberlake Country Club.

A pivotal moment came in 2019 when Jay Keck delivered a program on attracting birds and butterflies. His presentation sparked a lasting partnership with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and deepened the club’s focus on conservation education.

 

Chapin Goes Green

In May 2021, Keck introduced the idea of designating Chapin (ZIP code 29036) as a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat. Recognizing the opportunity, the club launched “Chapin Goes Green” and registered with the National Wildlife Federation in June 2021.

Certification required community education, media engagement, and achieving 225 habitat points through certified properties. The club undertook a coordinated effort that included:

  • Publishing articles on wildlife, native plants, and habitat gardening

  • Hosting workshops, presentations, and an annual Wildlife Trivia Night

  • Partnering with local organizations, schools, churches, and civic groups

  • Securing official support from the mayor, town council, and community associations

A major achievement was the creation of a 70-by-8-foot pollinator garden at Chapin Town Hall, developed in collaboration with multiple partners and supported by a Dominion Energy grant. The club also worked with the South Carolina Bluebird Society to establish a bluebird trail at Town Hall. Since 2021, the Cindy and Ed Chin Bluebird Trail and participating backyards have documented 153 successful fledglings. Additional enhancements included installing an outdoor message center and a bluestone seating wall at Town Hall, offering educational materials and trail maps to visitors.

 

“We are proud to work with our community to protect and connect critical habitats for wildlife.”

— Cindy Chin

Reaching the required number of certified properties proved the most challenging step. Engaging more than 200 property owners, businesses, and institutions required sustained outreach—but the effort succeeded. On February 15, 2024, Chapin was officially designated a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

The community celebrated on June 18, 2024, with a ceremony at Town Hall featuring tours of the pollinator garden and bluebird trail. Mayor Al Koon issued a proclamation recognizing the project’s impact, and state leaders and conservation partners attended. Local students also contributed, creating a video to promote habitat certification.

The project drew inspiration from other successful communities. Kelly Long of the Camellia Garden Club in Greer shared insights from their five-year certification journey, highlighting initiatives such as distributing milkweed seeds to support Monarch butterflies and engaging residents of all ages in conservation.

Today, Chapin has 208 certified properties, including parks, schools, places of worship, government buildings, and private homes. Maintaining certification requires annual renewal, and the Chapin Garden Club remains committed to education, outreach, and expanding participation.

Cindy Chin, who chaired Chapin Goes Green, describes the multi-year effort as a labor of love: “It is an honor and privilege to have Chapin recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. Chapin is now the 161st Community Wildlife Habitat in the U.S., the 14th in South Carolina, and the first in Lexington County. We are proud to work with our community to protect and connect critical habitats for wildlife.”

Through sustained collaboration and grassroots engagement, Chapin Garden Club has created a model for how communities can preserve natural beauty while fostering meaningful connections between people and wildlife. Today they ask: Will you help them?

What is a Community Wildlife Habitat?
It’s Community

The Community Wildlife Habitat is a NWF program that helps communities create sustainable wildlife friendly spaces while engaging residents in conservation and education. They partner with cities, towns, and neighborhoods in urban and suburban areas to incorporate wildlife practice and promote biodiversity in communities across the United States. These practices include using native plants, reducing pesticides, conserving water, and integrating wildlife considerations that support insects, moths, butterflies, caterpillars, birds, etc.. Communities are recognized when property owners such as individual homeowners and businesses, churches, schools, parks, government properties, etc. certify their properties as Certified Wildlife Habitats.

What is a Certified Wildlife Habitat?
It’s Personal

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) was South Carolina’s first conservation group. Established in 1931, it has been safeguarding our state’s wildlife for nearly a century and relies on proven scientific methods to protect and preserve the health of delicate ecosystems. It is the SCWF that administers the Wildlife Habitat program to assist homeowners, businesses, churches, schools, parks, etc. to individually certify habitat.  This requires providing 4 essential elements for wildlife: food, water, cover, and places to raise young plus incorporating some (not all) sustainable gardening practices. These practices can be very small changes that make a big difference and save time and money. Per the SCWF:

  • Stop Using Pesticides
    Yes, they kill the bad critters, but also poison bees and butterflies, birds and other animals whose diet consists of insects. Without pesticides, your flowers and vegetables will pollinate more aggressively -that means more flowers and fruits.

  • Plant Native Plants and Trees
    These plants are already adapted to our climate, and the native wildlife has adapted to these plants. Keystones native trees such as oaks support over 500 species of insects, moths, and butterflies. Native flowers such as goldenrod and asters also support over 100 species of the same. And, we have individual natives such as milk weed which is the only food for our beautiful monarch butterflies. Lastly, natives are generally more drought resistant and easier to grow.

  • Reduce Fertilizer Use
    If you must use fertilizers, be sure to closely follow the directions. Excessive chemical fertilizer will not help your plants any more and will pollute our waterways. You can create your own organic fertilizer by beginning a compost pile.

  • Let One Tenth of Your Yard Grow Wild
    Untouched areas left to their own devices support much healthier ecosystems allowing insects, moth, butterflies, fireflies, bird, etc. to proliferate and thrive.

  • Reduce the Amount of Turf
    Grass is time consuming and expensive, and has no benefit to any wildlife whatsoever. Instead, increase the size and diversity of your flower beds which attracts a diversity of wildlife.

How to Certify Your Yard

Certifying one’s habitat is extremely easy and takes less than 20 minutes. Sign on to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation site and follow the link to certified wildlife habitat.

Certification is a one-time event; there’s no annual renewal. The cost is $25.00 and you can also purchase a sign which identifies your property as a wildlife habitat. Proudly display it where all your friends and neighbors will see it and ask –

“What is this about?” And you can answer, “Well, it’s about:

  • enhancing livability and health in our communities

  • saving wildlife

  • creating beautiful environments for our children and grandchildren

  • educating the public on wildlife conservation and sustainable practices

  • and increasing the economic value of our homes and neighborhoods… “

A Bold New Goal – 2030 Vision

 

There’s so much to gain, and little to lose by certifying your yard. Every individual habitat is the key to maintaining Chapin as a Community Wildlife Habitat. Chapin Garden Club President, Shawn Grover explains, “If Chapin residents do not continue to certify their properties, Chapin will lose this extremely valuable and important designation. That would just be so heartbreaking for our community. But our goal, be it lofty, is to build Chapin into the largest per capita Community Wildlife Habitat in the state by 2030!

Please help the Chapin Garden Club and the whole town by certifying your yard today. For more information about certification, what to plant with purpose, questions, or technical assistance, go to SCWF.org or contact:

Savannah Jordan, Associate Wildlife Biologist®
South Carolina Wildlife Federation
email  savannah@scwf.org
O: 803-256-0670 | M: 864-398-6373

The 2026 Milkweed for Monarchs Program: More Than 10 Years of Monarch Conservation in South Carolina

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We are thrilled to announce the successful mailing of 5,000 packets of native milkweed seeds to residents across South Carolina, marking the eleventh year of the Milkweed for Monarch’s Program! This program allows residents of our state to sign up to receive packets of free native milkweed seeds (Common, Swamp, & Butterfly Milkweed).

Because monarchs only lay eggs on milkweed plants, they must have native milkweed along their 3,000-mile journey to survive. Over the past twenty years, there has been a sharp decline in the monarch butterfly population along their normal migration routes from Canada to Mexico. During this time, these important pollinators have dwindled by almost 97 percent. Native milkweed plants, however, are the key to helping these iconic pollinators thrive.

This program helps SCWF make a statewide impact for monarchs, and we are so grateful to every single person who signs up to receive a seed packet. We recently received some photos from our milkweed seed recipients, and that is one of our favorite parts of this project! If you have any photos of monarchs that you would like to share with us, you can email us at mail@scwf.org.

We hosted 20 volunteer days dedicated to hand-mixing and packaging milkweed seeds this year! We are incredibly grateful to the many volunteers who generously donated their time to support this important effort. Thanks to their hard work, SCWF can continue providing milkweed seeds that help create habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators across South Carolina.

Thank you to Comporium for sponsoring the 2026 Milkweed for Monarchs Project!

SCWF Celebrates Garden for Wildlife Month

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SCWF staff, partners, and volunteers recently joined together to install five pollinator gardens throughout the state – talk about busy bees!

As development increases, the resulting habitat loss is a major challenge that affects many pollinator species in South Carolina. Pollinator gardens provide pollinators and other wildlife with critical habitat that can beautify any space, increase native biodiversity, increase pollination services and biological control of pest insects, and provide community engagement and learning opportunities.

These gardens create and enhance habitat for pollinators and other wildlife by incorporating native flowering plants, which are important sources of food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and countless other species. Native plants are adapted to the region’s climate and require less watering, fertilizer, and use of pesticides. Pollinators also require specific native host plants which provide nutrition and habitat to their larval and adult stages. Milkweed, the host plant for monarch butterflies, was planted in each garden to give the adult females a place to lay their eggs and to provide the caterpillars with a source of food.

 

 

By installing the gardens in public areas, they also serve as demonstration sites to allow community members to connect with imperiled pollinator species and play a part in conservation efforts by replicating the gardens at their own homes. Educational signage was also installed with each garden that displays information about pollinator species, their importance, and how native plant gardens help them.

 

The first garden installation took place at the Museum of York County, where museum staff and volunteers joined to plant a variety of native plant pathways that lead to spaces where nature-themed outdoor musical instruments will be installed late this summer, including a bumblebee, butterfly, firefly, dragonfly, and ladybug. The museum’s garden is also a Certified Wildlife Habitat, which provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water, and does not rely on the use of pesticides. The museum received its certification in 2005 and also has created a Carolina Fence Garden.

 

The Catawba Nation is the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, and SCWF is honored to partner with the reservation’s Wildlife and Habitat Program on multiple conservation projects, including Project Prothonotary and the Pollinator Garden Project. At the Catawba Nation, reservation staff and volunteers helped to plant a variety of native plants for pollinators at the Cultural Center and at the preschool on the reservation.

 

 

The Catawba Bend Preserve is York County’s newest park, a 1,900-acre preserve in Rock Hill, spanning nearly five miles along the Catawba River. Operated by York County, the preserve offers a serene, natural escape focused on passive outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation. While the preserve is open and walkable, it is designed to be an evolving outdoor destination. Future amenities in various stages of development include mountain biking and disc golf courses, stocked fishing ponds and rebuilt earthen dams, the first mile of a paved, riverfront greenway, primitive tent camping, event spaces, and a motor coach park.

 

Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre nature preserve in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Dedicated in 1995, it protects native forests, lakes, and pastures from urban development, offering the public a natural escape for outdoor recreation and environmental education. The pollinator garden was installed with the help of staff from the Greenway and volunteers with the Catawba Master Naturalist Program, and it is located next to the Greenway’s Forest Playground. Bluestar (Amsonia) was chosen as one of the focal plants to honor the Greenway’s founder, Anne Springs, who was also a prominent South Carolina conservationist, philanthropist, and outdoor advocate.

To learn more about how to create your own pollinator garden, see our webpage for Enhancing Pollinator Habitat and be sure to follow along with us during the month of June, which is National Pollinator Month!

Savannah Jordan, SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager who led the project stated, “Each garden plays such an important role in providing and connecting habitat for pollinators. No matter how large or how small their size, each one makes a difference. To see pollinators like bees and butterflies checking out the plants right after we put them in the ground goes to show that if you plant them, they will come!”

Savannah Jordan, SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, stands still as a butterfly lands on her hand, almost as if to say “thank you”!

 

SCWF would like to thank Skyline Design and Landscape for their assistance in the design and installation of the garden, as well as providing all the native plants and materials. SCWF is also grateful for the following partners and volunteers for their involvement: Anne Springs Close Greenway, Catawba Master Naturalist & Alumni group, Museum of York County, Catawba Bend Preserve, York County Parks & Rec, Catawba Indian Nation, and Landsford Canal State Park.

 

 

 

 

 

This project was made possible by Duke Energy’s Catawba-Wateree Habitat Enhancement Program.

 

Midlands Master Naturalist Class of 2026

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Over the past 12 weeks, our 2026 Midlands Master Naturalists have spent countless hours exploring the Midlands and building connections with the natural world around them. From insects and geology to the unique flora and fauna that make this region so special, each week brought new discoveries, conversations, and moments of curiosity. Watching the growth, enthusiasm, and passion of this 2026 class has been incredibly rewarding, and we could not be more proud of all they have accomplished. While the class may be ending, their journey as Master Naturalists is just beginning. We know there are now 20 more people who will continue to ask questions, share knowledge, inspire others, and help foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnected world around us. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who spent these 12 weeks learning alongside us and to all of the parks, instructors, and partners who welcomed us along the way. Your time, knowledge, and support helped make this experience something truly special.

       b

Congratulations to Evan Dingle, Hunter Griffin, Jennifer Brown, Melinda McGee, Christine Woodham, Anne Kaiser, Glenda R Swearingen, Caroline Eastman, Katherine Kawamoto, Kim Pittman, Ellen Fishburne, Stephanie Pinson, Lexi Thomason Toole, Rebecca Funderburk, Rachel Como, Kate O’Hara-Goergen, Aidan-Lee Houser, Avery Hammett, Allison Bugarin, Mary Dell Hayes, and Nora Solway.

                       r
For more information on our Master Naturalist class, visit: https://www.scwf.org/midlands-master-naturalist/

Women in the Outdoors: Building Confidence, Skills, and Community

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This April, women from across South Carolina gathered outdoors to learn new skills, connect with nature, and build lasting friendships through two special South Carolina Wildlife Federation programs: the POWR+ Women’s Fly Fishing Day with guides from the Chattooga River Fly Shop in Mountain Rest, South Carolina and the co-branded Women’s Turkey Camp with Artemis South Carolina.

Both events focused on creating welcoming, supportive spaces where women of all experience levels could grow their confidence in the outdoors while learning from experienced mentors and fellow participants.

During Women’s Turkey Camp, participants spent time learning turkey hunting techniques, practicing outdoor skills, and connecting around campfires and shared experiences in the field. The camp emphasized mentorship, conservation, and helping women feel comfortable and empowered in public hunting spaces.

 

Later in the month, the POWR+ Women’s Fly Fishing Day introduced participants to the art of fly fishing through hands-on instruction and time on the water. From learning casting basics to gaining a deeper appreciation for South Carolina’s aquatic habitats, attendees experienced firsthand how fishing can foster patience, focus, and connection with the natural world.

 

Together, these programs highlight the growing community of women engaging in hunting, fishing, and conservation across the country. They also reflect SCWF’s commitment to making the outdoors more accessible and encouraging the next generation of conservation leaders.

Whether sharing stories after a morning hunt or celebrating a first fly cast on the water, participants left these events with new skills, new friendships, and a stronger connection to the outdoors. A big thank you to all of our partners, as well as the Fish America Foundation , Z-Man Fishing Products, and Barron’s Outfitters for supporting this year’s fishing activities and helping make these experiences possible.

 

WAIT Partner Update: Michelin US2

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Michelin US2 in Sandy Springs has been a WAIT partner for more than a decade. Over the years they have created nature trails on their property with interpretive signage for their employees, created wildlife meadows, given away milkweed seeds to employees, and held education classes focused on wildlife and wildlife conservation. Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, has even brought snakes to the facility to educate employees about how snakes fit into the ecosystem. Recently, Jay and Ami Crowe, an Environmental Specialist with Michelin, installed 13 Eastern bluebird boxes in prime habitat across US2’s campus. During the winter they will inspect and clean the nests while recording what bird species were using the nests around the site. One of the target birds, the Carolina Chickadee, has declined approximately 16% in the last 50 years. With the help of US2 and other WAIT partners, we’re hoping that efforts like this will help slow down or reverse this declining trend for this species and others across the state. Thanks Michelin US2 for being a great WAIT partner, and for providing breeding opportunities for some of our amazing birds and other wildlife. 

 

Working for Wildlife Day Brings Volunteers Together for Conservation Action

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Volunteers, partners, and staff gathered once again for the annual Working for Wildlife Day, a hands-on volunteer event hosted by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation in partnership with the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. The event continues a long-standing tradition of conservation work at the refuge, where volunteers help maintain and protect habitat for native wildlife.

This year’s workday brought together a dedicated group of volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. After gathering at the refuge headquarters in the morning, participants split into teams and headed out to tackle a variety of stewardship projects across the refuge.

 

 

Supporting Habitat and Wildlife

One of the tasks of the day involved raking around Red‑cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees. This endangered species depends on mature longleaf pine forests for nesting, and maintaining the areas around their cavity trees helps protect these sites during prescribed burns and keeps habitat conditions suitable for the birds.

Another group of volunteers helped check and maintain duck nest boxes throughout the refuge. These boxes provide important nesting opportunities for species such as the Wood Duck, which rely on cavities near wetlands to raise their young.

Volunteers also assisted with installing and maintaining signage around the refuge. These signs help guide visitors, protect sensitive areas, and share important information about the wildlife and habitats found within the refuge.

 

A Landscape Worth Protecting

The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge protects a unique sandhills ecosystem dominated by longleaf pine and wiregrass habitat. The refuge supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, including more than 190 species of birds and dozens of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

By assisting with habitat maintenance and conservation projects, volunteers play an important role in helping refuge staff protect these species and the landscapes they depend on.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

Events like Working for Wildlife Day would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers who give their time and energy to conservation. Their efforts help ensure that South Carolina’s wildlife and wild places remain healthy for generations to come.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us this year and helped make the day a success. Whether raking around woodpecker trees, checking duck boxes, or installing signage, each project contributed to the continued stewardship of this special place.

We hope to see everyone again next year for another day of working together for wildlife!