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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, a bill to prevent wildlife extinctions by funding locally-led conservation efforts. If it becomes law, South Carolina will receive $14 million each year to help hundreds of species in need, including bobwhite quail, gopher tortoises, black rails and loggerhead sea turtles.
“This is the most important piece of wildlife legislation in the past fifty years,” said Sara Green, executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Wildlife in South Carolina and across the country are in crisis and this bold, bipartisan bill will tackle the problem at scale without new taxes or regulations.”
Funding from the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will be used to implement the Congressionally-mandated state wildlife action plans, which identify more than 12,000 wildlife and plants that need conservation assistance nationwide.
Image Credits L to R: Swallowtail Kite by Ross Appel; Flatwoods Salamander by Dike Stevenson; Swallowtail Kite by David Dial; Wood Duck by Joseph Dress.
“The bipartisan passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act affirms that there is consensus across the political spectrum that we can, and we must, prevent extinctions from our backyards to the backcountry,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Inaction is the ally of extinction, and the time to act is now.”
The bill will also dedicate $97.5 million annually to fund proactive wildlife conservation efforts led by Native American Tribes. The nation’s 574 federally recognized Tribes manage tens of millions of acres of land nationwide with limited federal funding for conservation efforts.
“Tribes have thousands of years of traditional knowledge and a vested interest in solving the biggest challenges facing our fish and wildlife. The missing piece of the puzzle is adequate, sustained resources to build tribal capacity and support their conservation efforts,” explains Gloria Tom, Director of the Navajo Nation’s Fish and Wildlife Department. “The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would be an unprecedented step in providing those resources and rectifying historic funding inequity and injustice.”
The bill has strong bipartisan support in the Senate, with 35 cosponsors including Senator Lindsey Graham. The Senate bill would be paid for out of federal environmental penalties.
Monarch by Teri Carter.
“I want my children and grandchildren to be able to hear the song of the meadowlark and to see monarchs in their backyard, the way I did growing up. Senator Graham and Senator Scott should do everything they can to champion this historic legislation and get it over the finish line this summer,” said Green.
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.
Hurricane Helene showed us that whether we live on the coast or in the mountains, anywhere can be vulnerable to the devastating effects of major storms. To a degree, humans can prepare for these types of storms that continue to become stronger and more frequent, but what about wildlife? How do they respond to extreme weather events and what we can do to help them? Read the article below, adapted from the National Wildlife Federation’s blog post Seven Things to Know About How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife.
GOES-16 GeoColor satellite loop from September 26 to 27, 2024 showing Helene moving through the Southeast U.S. NOAA National Weather Service
Wind Dislocation
Powerful winds from hurricanes and tropical storms can blow birds off course and push them hundreds of miles away from their home habitat. Last year, a North Carolina brown pelican was found on the roof of a night club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The news often covers the appearance of rare species after a major storm. Sometimes younger or weaker birds become separated from their flock and many can take weeks to return home — if they can find the right foods on their way back.
During major storms, sea birds and waterfowl are most exposed. Songbirds and woodland birds, however, are specially adapted to hold on and ride things out. Their toes automatically tighten around their perch. This holds them in place during high winds or when they sleep. Woodpeckers and other cavity nesters will, barring the destruction of the tree itself, ride out storms in tree holes. Shorebirds often move to inland areas. In a unique effect of cyclonic hurricanes, the eye of the storm with its fast-moving walls of intense wind can form a massive “bird cage” holding birds inside the eye until the storm dissipates. It is often the eye of the storm that displaces birds, more than its strong winds.
Birds are not the only species affected by the winds. Sea mammals can be harmed too. While many can seek shelter in open water or in near shore shelter, some dolphins and manatees have actually been blown ashore during major storms.
Tree Loss
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew brought incredible wind velocities onshore and knocked down as many as 80% of the trees on several coastal Louisiana basins, such as the Atchafalaya. Tree loss during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused even more extensive damage. Loss of coastal forests and trees can be devastating to dependent wildlife species and migratory species. Many wildlife species have very specialized niches in these forests that are lost to heavy winds. Specific foods can be taken away too. High winds will often strip fruits, seeds and berries from bushes and trees.
Dune and Beach Loss
Storm surges, wave action, and winds can cause beach and dune erosion and that can have severe effects of species. Many wildlife species live in ecological niches in the sandy areas and dunes of coastal barrier island. In some cases the storm can cause a beach area to disappear. Sea turtle nests, for example, can be washed out, or a water surge, called a “wash over” can submerge these nests or tern and plover nesting areas.
Saltwater Intrusion
The sustained and powerful winds of a hurricane will cause salty ocean water to pile up and surge onshore. These “storm surges” can be huge. Hurricane Irene’s surges brought water levels that were as much as 8 feet above normal high tide and Katrina pushed a 30 foot high surge onto the coast. In addition to the physical damage this causes, the salt contained in sea water dramatically shifts the delicate balance of freshwater and brackish wetland areas. Creatures and vegetation that are less salt-tolerant will be harmed and many will not survive this influx of sea water. Marsh grasses, crabs, minnows, fish hatchlings, insects, and myriad creatures of freshwater and estuarine environments are harmed. The salt water intrusion in these some of these areas does not drain off very quickly and can even harm or kill off bottomland forests and other coastal trees.
Freshwater Flooding
The reverse is true too. The heavy rains generated by hurricanes will dump water in coastal area river basins (called watersheds) and this, in turn, can send vast amounts of fresh water surging downstream into coastal bays and estuaries. This upsets the delicate and finely tuned freshwater/salt water balance that can be so vital for the health of these ecosystems. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes sent such massive amounts of freshwater into the Chesapeake Bay. The normally brackish (partially salty) water was fresh for months placing great pressure on the species living there.
Turbidity
Heavy rainfall in upstream areas also washes soil, sediment and many pollutants into coastal and marine environments. After Hurricane Agnes, the turbidly or cloudiness of the water became so severe in the Chesapeake Bay that the native grasses growing on the bottom of Bay died off in huge quantities. These grasses provided critical habitat from crabs, fish spawning and many species. It took the Bay years to recover. Similarly, sediment can wash over coral reefs, blocking needed sunlight and even causing algae to grow.
Marine and Aquatic Species
Hurricane Irene, like other hurricanes, generated massive waves and violent action on the surface. When hurricane Andrew hit Louisiana the government estimated that more than 9 million fish were killed offshore. Similarly, an assessment of the effect of that same storm on the Everglades Basin in Florida showed that 182 million fish were killed. Hurricane Katrina also had a huge effect on dolphin species. Many dolphins were hurt during the storm and were rescued and underwent rehabilitation.
What Can You Do?
The forces of hurricanes, such as Helene, are so immense that they deserve tremendous respect. So the first thing you can do is to stay safe yourself. Heed public safety warmings, prepare your property by collecting and storing lose items outside, be prepared for power outages and use common sense. Following a storm, birders and wildlife enthusiasts can help by keeping their eyes peeled for unusual or rare species that turn up. It is useful for wildlife agencies to hear about rare appearances. Wildlife rescue organizations should be contacted if someone sees a creature that was injured in a storm. It always recommended to avoid trying to handle and injured animal on your own unless you have had specific training. If you usually feed birds at your home, the post storm calm is a good time to fill up those feeders. Your pals will probably be hungry and tired after waiting out the storm.
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.
For media inquiries contact:BeBe Dalton Harrison, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, bebe@scwf.org, (803) 256-0670
“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 the South Carolina Wildlife Federation to continue to provide quality instruction for women and their outdoor adventures.
This educational program has grown, from a weekend of introductory outdoor activities, to a progression of topics that help participants build knowledge and confidence in outdoor skills. After learning the basics with patient and knowledgeable instructors at POWR, participants are ready to build on what they learned at POWR Up and in POWR+ events. These longer and more in-depth programs foster their newfound skills and build on those they already have, giving them the confidence to participate on their own or with like-minded women they may meet at the events.
Registration for the October 4-5 POWR Up is open to anyone wanting to build on their outdoor skills. Set in beautiful Santee State Park, participants will have the opportunity to register for up to 3 classes 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 is provided for this event and the small class sizes make this such a valuable experience for the instructors and the participants. As one participant described, “POWR keeps me connected to like-minded women in an atmosphere that brings me back to my beloved Girl Scout days. (It is) A way to experience the outdoors without having to own all the equipment needed for all the activities I want to experience.”
BeBe Dalton Harrison, Director of Education at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, organizes POWR and wants to invite women who want more experience in the outdoors to join in this year’s event. “POWR Up builds on basic skills to help women feel more confident spending time outdoors.” says Harrison. “We want women to not only learn outdoor skills, but to take what they learn and continue it with friends and family, and in some cases develop a passion for it,” Harrison explains. She continues, “We want women to move from awareness of these amazing opportunities to participation in their own outdoor adventures. Women can confidently invite others to go fishing, boating, birding, and more.”
In addition to the fall POWR Up event, two POWR+ events are scheduled for the month of September. POWR+ events are one day sessions that run from 10 am to 2 pm offering an in-depth look at a specific topic. Registration is also open for these two POWR+ events.
● The first is POWR+ Inshore Fishing with Artificial Lures with Captain Tanya Dowdy where participants will learn techniques to fish with many different types of artificial lures including hard baits, soft plastics, floats, and more. Participants will get the chance to meet at one of South Carolina’s newest State Parks, May Forest. There will be an instructional portion along with the opportunity to fish using their new skills.
● The second is: POWR+ Beach Ecology with Naturalist Amber Von Harten will introduce participants to our coastal environment at the beautiful Botany Bay. Participants will learn about the beach environment, flora and fauna, and shell identification.
The POWR Series is presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation with generous support from organizations and volunteers. Supporters who help make these events possible include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Bass Pro Shops (Greenville Store), Nature Adventure Outfitters, Angling Women, Chattooga River Fly Shop, and Three Sisters Essentials. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors.
To learn more about the POWR Series, we invite women to visit www.scwf.org for more information. We suggest that you register early for these fun and educational experiences.
