Thank you to the 25 volunteers who showed up on Saturday, February 1st, to help Eastern bluebirds at Camp Discovery in Blythewood, SC! Camp Discovery’s mission is to engage and inspire through discovery in science and nature. On their 116-acre property, Camp Discovery has about 30 nesting boxes for bluebirds.
SCWF staff and volunteers go out each year to clean these boxes, reduce vegetation, and record the data. This is important to do because Eastern bluebirds will not nest in boxes if they contain old nests or debris.
Thank you to the Columbia Star for your article about this volunteer day!
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.
“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.
Thank YOU to our volunteers who showed up and worked together to make a difference for wildlife on December 7th despite the chilly weather! Our annual Working for Wildlife Day at the Carolina Sandhills NWR was a huge success thanks to the volunteers and the knowledgeable refuge staff who joined us. SCWF is proud to have collaborated with the refuge on workdays since 1998.
Projects that were completed included trail marking and maintenance, sweeping around the trees marked as nesting sites for the red-cockaded woodpeckers, repairing boardwalks, leaf blowing and litter pick-up.
Carolina Sandhills NWR hosts an incredible range of biodiversity and is a leading site in conservation efforts. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and all work done here is going right back to a keystone location for many of our unique state species and habitats. – Ari Hippensteal, SCWF Community Outreach Manager
If you haven’t yet visited the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, we encourage you to do so. Founded in 1939, the refuge contains rolling sand hills dominated by the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem. Along with the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, the refuge is home to more than 190 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, and 25 species of amphibians. More than 800 species of plants have been identified on the refuge, including rare species of pitcher plants, Well’s pixie-moss, and the white-wicky.
The team at Martin Marietta’s Berkeley Quarry goes above and beyond to educate local students and the community about the natural history of the Cross, South Carolina area, and how the quarry functions while respecting our natural resources.
Combined with numerous field trips, which include visits with local schools, gem and mineral clubs and community organizations, Berkeley Quarry’s crew educates close to 1,000 people annually, sharing information about a little known underground world that is normally hidden from view. Fossil collecting, geode breaking stations, a child mining area, quarry tours and geology lessons are among the activities that visitors enjoy while learning from the site’s knowledgeable and talented team members.
In addition to the geological interests of the area, habitat creation and preservation is important to Martin Marietta as well. Working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and American Forest Management, the Berkeley Quarry team has set aside several hundred acres of forested land that is intended to preserve habitat for both birds and animals. Wood duck boxes have also been installed on the grounds, and the area is regularly patrolled by a bald eagle that glides through the skies in search of prey.
Through community education, wildlife habitat creation and sustainable practices, Martin Marietta exemplifies how a large corporation should operate in an ecologically responsible way.
We hope this approach continues for years to come!
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 joinhere.
Want to be the first to know about our events, classes, and volunteer opportunties? Sign up here to receive our monthly eNewsletter in your inbox.
SCWF is devoted to helping wildlife thrive in our state, and there are many ways you can become involved with us! Support our mission by entering the photo contest, enjoying fine dining, volunteering, or donating.
Wildlife following Hurricane Helene
Many of our native plants and animals are resilient and have adapted to survive and recover from major weather events. However, following a powerful storm like Hurricane Helene, wildlife can often become displaced, injured, and left without the basic elements they need to survive. Strong winds can blow migrating birds off course, pushing them hundreds of miles away from their home habitat. Large amounts of tree loss can devastate species that depend on forests for food and shelter. Extreme flooding on the coast can create strong influxes of saltwater that dramatically shifts the delicate balance of freshwater and brackish wetland areas, and the reverse is true as heavy rainfall upstream can wash soil, sediment and many pollutants into coastal and marine environments.
With public safety as the top priority, it’s best to give wildlife time and space, observe from a distance and avoid entering dangerous areas to rescue an animal. To report an unusual, rare, or injured animal, contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The post-storm calm is also a good time to fill up those bird feeders as they will be hungry and tired from waiting out the storm, especially during migration season. You can help animals survive in all kinds of weather by creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Oyster Roast Fundraiser at Bowens Island in Charleston, SC
Sunday, November 10, 5 – 7 pm
Come feast on delicious wild oysters with SCWF and help raise funds for coastal wildlife conservation! Ticket sales are now live for SCWF’s oyster roast fundraiser at the iconic Bowens Island in Charleston on Sunday, November 1oth from 5:00-7:00 pm! There will be fresh, delicious oysters, beer & wine, vegetarian options, and a raffle. If you haven’t been to Bowens Island yet, come check out this unique location that is a local favorite known for fresh seafood and a laid-back atmosphere, right on the marsh.
Early registrants can snag one of 25 spots for the opportunity to get a sneak peek at one of South Carolina’s newest state parks, May Forest on James Island.
Have you been thinking about how to include conservation in your fall plans? Join us at Between the Antlers in Georgetown for a five-course, wine-paired conservation dinner. As each course is served, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck will share information about each of this year’s feautued species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive. This delicious menu was created by Executive Chef Chelsea Cribb and Chef Scott Dwyer. Use the link below to secure your tickets and sponsorships. We can’t wait!
Thank you to our presenting sponsors the Litchfield Company, and TheoLeo Wine, our wine sponsor.
Leave the Leaves Month
As we fall into autumn, here’s your friendly reminder to leave the leaves! Fallen leaves provide many benefits for wildlife, humans, and the environment. Pollinators, insects and other invertebrates use the natural leaf layer to overwinter, and the leaves provide critical habitat, shelter, and insulation for these critters during the cooler months. Fallen leaves can also add nutrients to our gardens as they decompose and act as natural mulch and fertilizer, saving us time and money. Consider leaving the leaves this season – the wildlife will thank you! Learn more about the benefits of fallen leaves and what to do with them in your own yard here.
World Migratory Bird Day: Birds of Ballentine in Irmo, SC
Saturday, October 12, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Image Credit: Cedar Waxwing by Brian Fox.
Join SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, Savannah Jordan, for World Migratory Bird day at the Richland Library of Ballentine to learn about migratory birds and how we can help them during their long fall migrations. Come with us on a bird walk around the library’s grounds and along their nature trail to learn helpful bird identification tips and have a chance to see some of Ballentine’s migratory bird species! Sign up to join us here:
Celebrated annually during the third week in October, SC Native Plant Week recognizes the importance of native plants, which play a vital role in providing food and shelter for wildlife, restoring habitat, conserving water, and mitigating the effects of flooding. The combination of warm soil and cooler temperatures makes fall the perfect time of year for planting, plus it provides additional nectar for pollinators. Add native plants to your yard this fall by ordering online and certify your yard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat!
Working for Wildlife – Volunteer Workday
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, December 7th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Image Caption: At last year’s volunteer day, Mason Eslinger, marked longleaf pines to help identify trees that are nesting sites for red-cockaded woodpeckers.
Friends, volunteers and staff of Carolina Sandhills NWR along with the SC Wildlife Federation will host a workday at the refuge on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Since 1998, the SC Wildlife Federation and the refuge have collaborated on volunteer projects. Check out our blog post from last year’s volunteer day here. Plan to join us for a day of learning about refuge wildlife as you help conserve and protect valuable natural resources. Anticipated projects include maintaining trails, installing trail and boundary signs, litter pick-up, and repairing boardwalks and kiosks. Sign up to join us here: https://www.scwf.org/events/2024/carolina-sandhills-nwr-workday
2024 Annual Wildlife Photography Contest
open through October 31, 2024
Submit your photos by October 31st to our 22nd Annual Wildlife Photography Contest! Send us your best photographs that capture the natural beauty of South Carolina’s wildlife and their habitats – in your own backyard or anywhere in the state. Registration is only $15, which covers up to three submissions in each of the following categories: Carolina Critters, Scenes of SC, and People in Nature.
Read more about each category, and register using the link below. https://www.scwf.org/events/2024/22nd-annual-wildlife-photography-contest
News & Notes
SCWF’s Ari Hippensteal, Community Outreach Manager, recently attended National Hunting & Fishing Day! Learn more about SCWF’s booth at this annual event here</
Do you know a full-time student currently pursuing a degree in any environmental field at a South Carolina college or universty? If so, encourage them to apply for our scholarship by October 31st! Learn more and apply here</
Would you like to learn how to certify your yard as a backyard wildlife habitat? Join Ari Hippensteal for “Trail Talk” on Oct 17 from 5:30-7:00 pm in Columbia, SC. This is part of Palmetto Trail‘s monthly speaker series. The location for this event is the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, located at 722 King Street, Columbia, SC 29205.
Congratulations to the Bull Point Community on achieving certification as a Community Habitat!
Did you know that leaving the leaves this fall can help fireflies?
“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.
Want to be the first to know about our events, classes, and volunteer opportunties? Sign up here to receive our monthly eNewsletter in your inbox.
It’s almost fall! Deer season is underway, and duck season dates have been announced. Did you know that
you can purchase your conservation duck stamps here at SCWF? This September you may notice monarch butterflies laying eggs and
migrating through the state as well as spider webs glistening in the morning dew. American persimmon fruits also
ripen this month.
SCWF is devoted to helping wildlife thrive in our state, and there are many ways you can become involved
with us! Support our mission by entering the photo contest, taking a class, enjoying fine dining, volunteering, or
donating.
2024 Annual Wildlife Photography Contest
open through October 31,
2024
South Carolina Wildlife Federation is sponsoring our 22nd Annual Wildlife Photography Contest. Send us your best
photographs that capture the natural beauty of South Carolina’s wildlife and their habitats – in your own backyard
or anywhere in the state. Registration is only $15, which covers up to three submissions in each of the following
categories: Carolina Critters, Scenes of SC, and People in Nature. Read more about each category, and register
here:
Fall Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation
Dinners
If you haven’t been to one of these five-course, wine-paired conservation dinners yet, please join us at one –
or both – this fall! These delicious dinners are unique because they feature dishes created by executive chefs
and inspired by imperiled bird species, and as each course is served, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck
will share information about each species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive. On
September 25, join us at The Willcox in Aiken for a menu created by Executive Chef Philip Friesen. On November
13, join us at Between the Antlers in Georgetown for a menu created by Executive Chef Chelsea Cribb and Chef
Scott Dwyer. Use the links below to secure your tickets and see the creative menus inspired by this year’s
featured species. We can’t wait!
Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Security Federal Bank and the Litchfield Company, and RNDC Wine,
our wine sponsor.
POWR Up: Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat
Santee, SC
October 4 – 5, 2024
“Small group size, amazing instructors, absolutely fantastic!
Lots of staff for our small groups so our instructors were able
to pinpoint issues and help us improve.”
Comments like these from POWR Series participants inspire us to continue to provide quality instruction for
women and their outdoor adventures! Registration is now open for POWR Up, an overnight retreat in Santee that
offers the opportunity to learn outdoor recreation skills in a non-competitive environment. There are three
class sessions, which are three hours each, including topics like Boating and Trailering, Bass Fishing,
Outdoor Photography, Hunting in South Carolina, Pine Needle Basketry, Kayak Fishing, and more. All gear and
equipment are provided for this event. Each participant will leave the classes feeling confident and ready to
try their new skills on their own.
Due to the demand for our Palmetto Outdoors Women Retreat or POWR, we have added (+) one-day workshops
across the state. POWR+ events are open to all women whether you have attended the retreat or have yet to do so.
Check out our 2024 fall offerings below and register quickly if you are interested in joining us because each
class is limited to 12 participants to ensure a quality experience.
Have you been to National Hunting & Fishing Day yet? This annual FREE family event is open to
the public and is a great way to try out many different outdoor activities such as fishing, archery, fly-tying
and fly fishing. All gear is provided! SCWF will have a booth again this year. Check out our blog post about SCWF’s booth at last year’s event.
Get Involved!
Saturday, September 14, Litter Sweep at Archer’s Lake in
Irmo
Wednesday, September 18, BioBlitz at Ballentine Library in
Irmo
Here are two ways you can get involved with us this month! On Saturday, September 14, join us for a
litter sweep at Archer’s Lake in Irmo to help make this lake a safer home for wildlife and people. This event
is a partnership with the Harbison Community Association and Keep the Midlands Beautiful.
On Wednesday, September, 18, come count pollinators with us at the Richland Library of Ballentine
for a BioBlitz in the pollinator gardens! Participants will have a brief intro on pollinators and how to use
iNaturalist for recording our observations, then we will head out to the lush pollinator gardens to see how
many bees, butterflies, and other species we can find. Use the links below to sign up to volunteer for each
event.
Come feast on delicious wild oysters with SCWF and help raise funds for coastal wildlife conservation!
Ticket sales are now live for SCWF’s oyster roast fundraiser at the iconic Bowens Island in Charleston on
Sunday, November 1oth from 5:00-7:00 pm! There will be fresh, delicious oysters, beer & wine, vegetarian
options, and a raffle. If you haven’t been to Bowens Island yet, come check out this unique location that is
a local favorite known for fresh seafood and a laid-back atmosphere, right on the marsh. Early registrants
can snag one of 25 spots for the opportunity to get a sneak peek at one of South Carolina’s newest state
parks, May Forest on James Island.
On Saturday, September 28th, SCWF is excited to partner with the Palmetto Trail on National
Public Lands Day for a nature hike along the Awendaw Passage. Ari Hippensteal, SCWF’s Community Outreach
Manager, will be there to help attendees look for native wildlife and encourage participants to take part
in nature photography. Sign up for this free event here.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Plishing Challenge! Check out our blog post announcing the grand prize winners to see how many fish
were caught this year and how many bags of litter were collected. We were impressed!
WAIT Partner, Michelin US-2, located right outside of Anderson, SC, is happy to announce they
are no longer using pesticides, fertilizers, or chemical weed treatment on their property! Check out our
blog post here to learn more about how they are working to increase
biodiversity.
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!
With the goal of increasing biodiversity on their property, Michelin US-2, located right outside of Anderson, SC, is happy to announce they are no longer using pesticides, fertilizers, or chemical weed treatment on their property. They are working towards removing all invasive Callery (Bradford) pear trees, which will allow native vegetation to replace this ecologically destructive tree species.
Michelin recently partnered with Furman University and Dr. John Quinn, professor of Biology, to perform multiple species inventories to record what kind of flora and fauna is present on their property. In addition to seven turtle species found on the property, great blue herons, bald eagles, and a variety of frog species were recorded too.
Species like the ones pictured above are thriving at US-2’s property. Image Credits L to R: Eastern Box Turtle Strolling in the Leaves by Jenna Plating and Greer’s Great Blue Heron by Katie Derhay.
With the good work being done on US-2’s property, the nature trail, which was established for employees and their families to enjoy, should be teaming with a healthy variety of wildlife for years to come. Thank you, Michelin, for providing yet another example of your company working to improve habitat conditions for wildlife throughout SC. And congratulations on celebrating 50 years at this site!
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.
“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.
