A Message From Executive Director, Ben Gregg:
Though the official first day of spring isn’t until March 20, the first of March symbolically marks the start of spring for many South Carolinians who are biting at the bit for warmer weather, a more active wildlife scene, and a flurry of outdoor adventures throughout the state.
Since the 1930s, S.C. Wildlife Federation has been protecting and enhancing the outdoor experiences of every South Carolinian. The state is truly blessed with its natural landscapes, fertile soils, pure waters, and flourishing wildlife. For 87 years, we have been at the forefront of making sure this heritage continues for the next generation.
I estimate we have represented 8 or 9 generations of South Carolina since our inception. As always, success depends on members and donors from every part of the state and all 46 counties. So, as the natural world comes alive over the next few weeks, we hope that you will be a vital part of sustaining our successes in conservation advocacy, native habitat recovery, and outdoor education for all ages. It has never been more important than right now.
In the advocacy realm, our lobbyist Trip King is leading the charge at the State House with renewing the Conservation Bank. Over the past 15 years, 228,000 acres of prime wildlife habitat and recreational treasures have been protected at a bargain price of 19 cents on the dollar. Large tracts of land are essential for maintaining sustainable wildlife populations, and the Conservation Bank is the ONLY funding source available. If you have a few moments, please respond to our periodic action alerts to legislators. A few minutes of your time can go a long way towards a vital difference.
Laura Blake-Orr is traveling statewide, meeting with landowners who are dedicated to enhancing wildlife populations on their property. With the tremendous loss of pollinators, butterflies, and other building blocks in both aquatic and land ecosystems, SCWF realizes more and more people need to “step up to the plate” and be a vital part of keeping our wildlife heritage intact. If you want to join the emerging army, give Laura a call. Meanwhile, as the weather warms, Sara Green is in the midst of organizing an array of outdoor education experiences for both young people and adults. You can visit the event page on this website for a calendar and sign-up information, or call Sara directly. Our membership coordinator Kristin Weaver has been with us less than a year, but she is already transforming our outreach to younger and more diverse audiences as we build a top-flight grassroots organization for the future of conservation. She is looking to expand our ranks and would welcome your reaching out to her with ideas and questions.
On a personal note, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Senior Biologist Steve Gilbert for keeping decision makers “honest” by insisting that the future of the state’s air, water, land, and wildlife be determined through best science and not through political trash-talk. One additional key component of our science advocacy and outreach is provided by Jenna Stephens who coordinates and manages our campaign to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands.
These dedicated and savvy folks could not do it without your backing. We need you “All In” as winter turns to spring. Thanks very much for your consideration and for your needed financial support. Hope to see you out and about this spring.
