Keep South Carolina Wild

Palmetto Pro Birders: Huntington Beach State Park

Join us for a day of birding at Huntington Beach State Park, rated as the top eBird  hotspot in South Carolina. We will sample the many habitats of the park, including salt marsh, tidal creeks and flats, maritime woods, brackish ponds, and the beach. If tides and conditions permit, we will hike to the jetty (a three-mile round trip). Over the years, a significant number of rarities have been reported at the jetty, including common eider, long-tailed duck, purple sandpiper, black guillemot and others. Our focus will be on wintering birds and we hope to see waterfowl, including scoters, rails, piping plover and other shorebirds, gulls, terns, horned grebe, common loon, red-throated loon, northern gannet and others. We will also seek the park’s many songbirds, placing a special focus on wintering sparrows. In addition, we will discuss the various conservation measures the park has taken and how they impact these coastal birds. If you want to see some of the species we saw in 2025 check out our blog post here.

This module will require a significant amount of walking and participants should bring water and a packed lunch. Snack food is available in the park store. A park entrance fee is required.

Where: Huntington Beach State Park. Meet in the state park office parking lot.

Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16.  This training will count for one day toward Palmetto Pro Birder certification (8 days needed total). For SC Master Naturalists, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification. If you are not a Pro Birder or Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us.

This class will be led by Irvin Pitts, SCWF Outdoor Academy Instructor, and Jay Keck, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager.

Irvin Pitts

Irvin retired from a career with the South Carolina State Park Service where he served as Parks Biologist and Chief of Resource Management. Prior to that, he worked at Table Rock and Caesars Head State Parks as park naturalist. Irvin retired from a career with the South Carolina State Park Service where he served as Parks Biologist and Chief of Resource Management. Prior to that, he worked at Table Rock and Caesars Head State Parks as park naturalist.

Jay Keck

Jay has been a passionate nature and bird lover since his early teens. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and two boys, and has identified 95 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 160 species in Lexington county since moving back in September of 2013. He has viewed birds in Spain, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, as well as many areas in SC from the mountains to the coast. Being inspired by SCWF’s mission, he earned his Palmetto Pro Birder certification, and has led bird walks for SCWF as well as Saluda Shoals park, Columbia Audubon, and private organizations. Even when he is golfing, hunting, or fishing, he is secretly birding. At SCWF, Jay coordinates the Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program as well as leading birding classes for the Palmetto Pro Birder & Midlands Master Naturalist programs.

Other Important Notes:

  • If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.

  • Restrooms are available, and pink and blue bushes are along the trail…

  • The rain date for this event is Friday, December 5th.

  • After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.

 

Cost: The cost is $100.00 per person and limited to the first 15 people that register.

IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape. Birding involves a lot of standing, and we may cover some distance in our field work.

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS EVENT UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU CAN HANDLE THESE CONDITIONS.

SCWF reserves the right to cancel any event, due to unforeseen circumstances, extreme weather, low registration, or guidance from local/state officials. Any cancellation by SCWF will result in a full refund for all registrants.

 

Banner and Featured Image Credits: 2025 Huntington Beach Probirder by Allison Bugarin.

Palmetto Pro Birders: Phinizy Swamp

Join Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager and Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education and Outreach Manager, for a Pro Birder outing at Phinizy Swamp. This diverse wetland provides excellent opportunities to observe a variety of resident and migratory bird species while exploring one of the Southeast’s unique wetland ecosystems.

As we explore the boardwalks and trails, we’ll be on the lookout for wading birds, waterfowl, woodpeckers, warblers, raptors, and many other species that use the swamp’s diverse habitats. Along the way, we’ll also have the opportunity to observe some of the swamp’s other wildlife, including native reptiles and amphibians, while discussing the important role wetlands play in supporting this incredible diversity of species.

This outing is limited to 12 participants, so register early to reserve your spot.

Where: Phinizy Swamp

When:  Monday, October 5th from 7 am -11 am. (Rain Date – October 6th.)

Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16.  This training will count for one day toward Palmetto Pro Birder certification (8 days needed total).

Jay Keck

Jay has been a passionate nature and bird lover since his early teens. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and two boys, and has identified 95 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 160 species in Lexington county since moving back in September of 2013. He has viewed birds in Spain, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, as well as many areas in SC from the mountains to the coast. Being inspired by SCWF’s mission, he earned his Palmetto Pro Birder certification, and has led bird walks for SCWF as well as Saluda Shoals park, Columbia Audubon, and private organizations. Even when he is golfing, hunting, or fishing, he is secretly birding. At SCWF, Jay coordinates the Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program as well as leading birding classes for the Palmetto Pro Birder & Midlands Master Naturalist programs.

 

Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education & Outreach Manager. In this role, she manages education and outreach programs, including Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat and the Midlands Master Naturalist program. Allison has been a passionate nature lover since her childhood. She fell in love with birds when she got the chance to monitor red-cockaded woodpeckers on a military base. She earned her Bachelors in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences through Oregon State University. She lives in Eastover, SC, and has enjoyed observing birds throughout South Carolina. Allison has participated in bird monitoring, citizen science projects, and conservation work, and has viewed birds in multiple U.S. states and abroad. Even when she’s hiking, gardening, or exploring, she’s always watching and listening for birds.

Other Important Notes:

• If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.

• After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.

Cost: The cost is $75.00 per person and limited to the first 12 people that register.

IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape for this walk.

Featured Image Credit: Reflections by Brenda Young.

Banner Image: Cottonmouth by Allison Bugarin.

Palmetto Pro Birders: Sparkleberry Paddle

This class is full. You can add yourself to the waiting list using the button below. 

 

Join Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, and Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education and Outreach Manager, for a Pro Birder paddle through beautiful Sparkleberry Swamp, one of South Carolina’s most unique and biodiverse wetland ecosystems.

This secluded swamp habitat provides excellent opportunities to observe a variety of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife while exploring one of the state’s most fascinating natural areas. As we paddle through the swamp, participants will keep an eye out for seasonal migrants, resident wetland species, turtles, snakes, and other wildlife that call this ecosystem home.

Sparkleberry Swamp is a favorite destination for birders and nature enthusiasts, offering a chance to experience South Carolina’s wetlands in an intimate, small-group setting. Whether you are an experienced birder or simply enjoy getting outside and discovering wildlife, this paddle is a great opportunity to slow down, explore, and see what the swamp has to offer.

Where:  Sparkleberry Swamp

When:  Wednesday, October 7th at 7 am  (Rain Date – October 8th.)

Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16.  This training will count for one day toward Palmetto Pro Birder certification (8 days needed total).

Jay Keck

Jay has been a passionate nature and bird lover since his early teens. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and two boys, and has identified 95 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 160 species in Lexington county since moving back in September of 2013. He has viewed birds in Spain, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, as well as many areas in SC from the mountains to the coast. Being inspired by SCWF’s mission, he earned his Palmetto Pro Birder certification, and has led bird walks for SCWF as well as Saluda Shoals park, Columbia Audubon, and private organizations. Even when he is golfing, hunting, or fishing, he is secretly birding. At SCWF, Jay coordinates the Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program as well as leading birding classes for the Palmetto Pro Birder & Midlands Master Naturalist programs.

 

 

Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education & Outreach Manager. In this role, she manages education and outreach programs, including Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat and the Midlands Master Naturalist program. Allison has been a passionate nature lover since her childhood. She fell in love with birds when she got the chance to monitor red-cockaded woodpeckers on a military base. She earned her Bachelors in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences through Oregon State University. She lives in Eastover, SC, and has enjoyed observing birds throughout South Carolina. Allison has participated in bird monitoring, citizen science projects, and conservation work, and has viewed birds in multiple U.S. states and abroad. Even when she’s hiking, gardening, or exploring, she’s always watching and listening for birds.

 

Other Important Notes:

• If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.

• After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.

Cost: The cost is $100.00 per person and limited to the first 6 people that register.

IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape for this paddle.

Featured Image Credit: Sparkleberry Swamp Morning Fog by Tammie Miller.

Banner Image Credit:  Audubon Art Alive! by Moss Miller.

Things that Flutter & Gorgeous Caterpillars at SCWF’s Sumter Wetland Preserve

Get ready for another exciting caterpillar-filled class with Dr. David Coyle and Jay Keck at SCWF’s Sumter Wetland Preserve property. Dr. David Coyle will talk about all things Lepidoptera (fancy talk for moths and butterflies) before we begin exploring the native trees, shrubs, and perennials in search of caterpillars. Within this inner Coastal Plain region we’ll search plants like Carolina laurel cherry, fetterbush, and swamp dog-laurel in search of caterpillars. Some species we might find include: the Io moth, powdered dagger, and the red-humped caterpillar moth, among many others. There will also be potential to find some reptile, amphibian, and of course, bird species this time of year within this flood plain habitat.
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Who: Dr. Coyle joined the Clemson faculty in 2018 with a focus on forest health and invasive species. Prior to Clemson, he created and directed the Southern Forest Health and Invasive Species program, which provided education and training to forestry professionals across the southeastern U.S. Dr. Coyle uses various forms of communication – including social media, traditional writing, and in-person visits – to help educate people about forest health, invasive species, and forest management. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters and the Entomological Society of America, serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Invasive Species Management Association, and is Co-Director of ProForest (an organization working to promote proactive forest pest management).
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This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. For SC Master Naturalists, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification. If you are not Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us.
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Classes fill quickly, register today! After registration, you will receive an email with directions and any other details pertinent to the class.
Dr. David Coyle

 

Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager

 

Other Important Notes:
  • The rain date for this event will be 09/18/26. We will make every effort to hold it, even in a few rain showers. If it looks like a deluge, we’ll notify you of cancellation and refund your money.
  • After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.
Cost:  $75 per person.
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SCWF reserves the right to cancel any event, due to unforeseen circumstances, extreme weather, low registration, or guidance from local/state officials. Any cancellation by SCWF will result in a full refund for all registrants.

 

 

24th Annual Wildlife Photography Contest

Registration opens August 15th! 

 

 

Calling all amateur photographers!

South Carolina Wildlife Federation is sponsoring our 24th 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. You can check out the blog about last year’s contest here.

CONTEST CATEGORIES:

Carolina Critters

This category is intended for photos of wildlife that you see in South Carolina, whether it is in your backyard, on a hike, or in an urban setting! Have you captured the moment when a painted bunting comes to your feeder? Did you photograph a bird sifting through the Upstate snow to find its meal? How about the shy deer venturing out in the Pee Dee field to graze? Or that great blue heron wading through the swamps of the Lowcountry? These types of photos that are perfect for this category.

Image Credit: “Looking for Home” By Jennifer Brown.
Image Credit: “Peekaboo” by Stephanie Radford
Image Credit: “Relaxation” by Elaine Mathis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: We do not accept photos of exotic (non-native), captive, or domestic animals since this category is intended to show SC wildlife in their natural settings rather than in a zoo or wildlife sanctuary.

Scenes of South Carolina

From the mountains to midlands to the coast, we know that South Carolina’s landscapes are beautiful and ecologically diverse. Whether you enjoy photographing sunsets on the ocean, sunrises in the mountains, rocks in a stream, or early morning dew in a field, we love seeing all the many ways your photographs depict the beauty of our state.

Image Credit: “Salt Serenity” by Stuart Barfield.
Image Credit: “Red Knot Sunset Arrival” by Jenn Clementoni.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: “Mission Lake” by Bradley Wicker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: These photos may include wildlife but it’s not necessary.

People in Nature

We know that you love being outdoors as much as we do!  That is why we added this category to the photo contest. This category is intended for you to share your photos of people enjoying outdoor activities in our beautiful state. Whether you are an angler, birder, hiker, hunter, kayaker, rock climber, shell collector, or enjoy some other outdoor activity, this is your chance to submit photos of people enjoying outdoor activities.

Image Caption: “A River Runs Through It by Kenny Himes.”
Image Caption: “I Spy Bird Bands” by Reggie Fairchild.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: “Catch n’ Release” by Lyric Littlejohn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Be sure your photos illustrate safe and ethical practices. Action shots are preferred over posed photos.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Two easy steps! 1. Pay your entry fee. 2. Submit your photos! Your emailed receipt will contain instructions about how to submit your photographs.

Submitting Photos: After you pay your entry fee, your emailed receipt will contain instructions about how to submit your photographs. You may enter up to three photographs in each category per person in color or black and white. We also ask that you do not include a personal watermark on your photos. SCWF reserves the right to add a watermark when publishing online. Digital images are preferred.

File Types – jpg, gif, and png file types (minimum of at least 72 pixels per inch, or minimum of 250 KB-sized image in jpg format).

Entry Fee
Each photographer must submit a one-time entry fee of $15.00 – this fee covers entrance of up to 9 photos (3 per category) in the contest. You may pay the entry fee online through the button below, or you may mail in a check with your photos – make check payable to SCWF.

By paying this fee, I certify that my photographs are eligible for this contest according to the rules below.

Contest Rules

Eligibility
Entries must be images taken in nature in South Carolina. Photos of captive, domestic, and exotic (non-native) species will be disqualified. SCWF employees or board members or their immediate family members are not eligible.

The SCWF photo contest is limited to amateur photographers – defined as those who do not receive more than 10% of their annual income from selling their photographs, or not more than $5,000 annually if retired or unemployed.

*Note: Contestants, by their entry, agree that the South Carolina Wildlife Federation may publish their images in SCWF publications and on the SCWF website and social media platforms. Photographer name credit will be given when images are used.

Digital Alteration Guidelines
All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified. Acceptable are adjustments to color, contrast, brightness and sharpness; removal of dust and scratches; cropping; black and white conversions, and background blurring. Not acceptable are photo composites (combinations of two or more photos, not of the same scene); background removal, the addition, duplication, deletion, or moving of objects in the photos; or the use of artistic digital filters and effects, such as watercolor, neon glow, posterizing, stained glass, and others which do not depict the scene in its natural way. If you have any questions, please email us at photo@scwf.org.

We also ask that you do not include a personal watermark on your photos, and SCWF reserves the right to add a watermark.

Judging
The judges panel is made up of SCWF staff and board of directors. Carolina Critters entries are reviewed by a biologist for identification purposes. Decisions of the judges are final. Notification will be sent by e-mail after judging is complete.

Prizes
The First Place Winner in each category will receive a $100 cash prize, and the category runner up and second runner up will also be recognized on our blog.

Dates
Entries must be received by the October 31st deadline. We aim to notify the winners by December 31st. Only First, Second, and Third places will be awarded. Contest winners will be published online.

Now that we’ve got all that straight…get out there and take some great photos!  Good luck!
Questions? Contact SCWF at (803) 256-0670 or photo@scwf.org. This project is managed by a small team. We kindly ask for your patience in waiting for a reply. We will respond to all questions!

 

Banner Image Credit: “Afterglow” by Jorge Rodriguez.

Things that Flutter & Gorgeous Caterpillars at Caesars Head State Park

This class is full. You can add yourself to the waiting list HERE.

 

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Get ready for a fantastic class on caterpillars, butterflies, and other insects on Thursday, August 13th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland, SC.

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Dr. David Coyle will talk about all things Lepidoptera (fancy talk for moths and butterflies) before we begin exploring the native trees, shrubs, and perennials in search of caterpillars. In this region we’ll search plants like black locust, Joe-pye-weed, maple leaf viburnum and many others in search of caterpillars. Some species we might find include: the stinging rose, the monkey slug, and the saddleback caterpillars.

Jay Keck, our in-house bird guy, will also be helping with identifying caterpillars and any of the birds feasting on them during the class.

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Who: Dr. Coyle joined the Clemson faculty in 2018 with a focus on forest health and invasive species. Prior to Clemson, he created and directed the Southern Forest Health and Invasive Species program, which provided education and training to forestry professionals across the southeastern U.S. Dr. Coyle uses various forms of communication – including social media, traditional writing, and in-person visits – to help educate people about forest health, invasive species, and forest management. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters and the Entomological Society of America, serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Invasive Species Management Association, and is Co-Director of ProForest (an organization working to promote proactive forest pest management).

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This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. For SC Master Naturalists, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification. If you are not Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us.

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Classes fill quickly, register today! After registration, you will receive an email with directions and any other details pertinent to the class.
Dr. David Coyle

 

Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager

 

Other Important Notes:

Cost:  $75 per person.

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SCWF reserves the right to cancel any event, due to unforeseen circumstances, extreme weather, low registration, or pandemic-related guidance from local/state officials. Any cancellation by SCWF will result in a full refund for all registrants.

Time: August 13th from 9am – 12pm. Rain date, August 14th. 

There are only 12 spots, so please sign up quickly if you are interested!

 

Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinner at The Willcox in Aiken

Ticket sales close Sept. 16th at 3pm, or when all tickets are sold!

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at The Willcox in Aiken from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a five-course, wine-paired conservation dinner featuring dishes inspired by imperiled bird species created by Executive Chef Philip Friesen.

 

This year’s featured species include the common loon, purple gallinule, indigo bunting, scissor-tailed flycatcher, blue jay, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. 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.

 

This convivial evening will not disappoint! Purchase your tickets early to ensure that you can join us for this deliciously informative conservation dinner. All funds raised will benefit conservation and education programs at SCWF. Vegetarian option available.

Menu

Inspired by the roseate spoonbill

A floral and light cocktail with a beautiful pink hue and subtle botanical flavors

 

Inspired by the scissor-tailed flycatcher

Creamy cauliflower velouté, basil oil, aged Asiago

Inspired by the indigo bunting

Arugula salad, blueberries, pickled beets, slivered almonds, blueberry vinaigrette

Inspired by the purple gallinule

Seared scallop, truffled pea puree, chili oil, micro chard & amaranth

Inspired by the common loon

Parmesan-encrusted steelhead trout, orange beurre blanc, grilled broccolini, charred lemon

Inspired by the blue jay

Compressed pear, mascarpone hazelnut mousse, hazelnut praline

Make a night of it! Group rate hotel rooms are available at special pricing of $252 for deluxe rooms. Instructions for booking will be included in your purchase acknowledgment email. 

Presenting Sponsors

 

SCWF Friends

Lynn Lewis & David Hawkins

 

 

Philanthropic Sponsorships

Please consider choosing a sponsorship to further support our mission!

For company sponsorships, you’ll receive two dinner tickets at the $525 level, or four tickets at the $1,050 level, and we’ll include your logo on all of this event’s marketing materials sent out to our 45,000+ supporters and followers, press releases, website, and on the printed menu. 

For SCWF Friend sponsorships, you’ll receive two dinner tickets at the $325 level, or four tickets at the $650 level, and will be recognized by name on the same formats. 

 

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us increase our impact for local wildlife. 

FKS dinner refund policy: 90% of ticket price will be refunded for cancellations requested more than one week prior to the event. All refund requests must be made in writing or by email to mail@scwf.org.

Featured image: Gathered Around the Plate by Liz List.

Palmetto Outdoors Women’s Retreat 2026

REGISTRATION IS FULL

To join the wait list, please click on the button below.

We are thrilled to offer this year’s POWR (Palmetto Outdoors Women’s Retreat) at Hickory Knob State Park this year! This event is designed for women to experience nature and outdoor recreation with like-minded ladies in a non-competitive environment.

Archery, nature hikes, kayaking, and fishing are just a few of the 20 classes to choose from. Participants will have the opportunity to select up to 8 classes and be introduced to many outdoor activities.

LOCATION:  POWR will be held at  Hickory Knob State Park and resort. (1591 Resort Drive, McCormick, SC 29835)

AGE GUIDELINES:  Open to females age 16 and older (no maximum age). Girls ages 16-18 must be accompanied by responsible adult – no supervision will be provided.

Cost: $175, which includes the retreat classes and a t-shirt. *Optional meal plan: $115. Lodging arrangements must be made separately.
*Meal plan includes pre-payment for Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. If you don’t choose the meal plan, you may eat at the restaurant for whichever meals you choose, and will need to pay the cashier after each meal.

DATES/TIMES:  October 23rd-25th, 2026. POWR will open for check-in at 11:00 am on Friday. The first class begins at 1:30 pm on Friday, and the last class concludes Sunday at noon.  

TENTATIVE CLASS LIST: 

Archery
Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Birding
Boating And Trailering
Eco-Hiking
Fish Cleaning & Cooking
Freshwater Fishing
Intro To Deer Hunting
Kayaking Intro
Lake Thurmond Paddle
Low Ropes
Map & Compass Reading
Nature Crafts
Nature Spa
Pine Needle Basketry
Self Defense
Skeet Shooting
Yoga

 

REGISTRATION PROCESS: Registration button is below, and is opening on June 24th at 12pm! Each participant must register separately. After registration, participants will receive a unique code to reserve their room at Hickory Knob State Park and Resort. Campsites are also available. A separate class selection email will be sent out at a later date to all registered participants.

EVENT REGISTRATION REFUNDS:  90% of registration, t-shirt & meal plan fees will be refunded when requested in writing or by email on or before October 11th. 50% of registration fees will be refunded if requested after that date.

 

Thank you to our partners and sponsors!

The Retreat is presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. We are especially grateful to our sponsors, Comporium, SC Department of Natural Resources, Fish America Foundation, Zman, Barron’s Outfitters, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the BassPro/Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors. A special thank you is due to the numerous individual volunteers who so willingly donate their time to share their knowledge and expertise.

 

Palmetto Pro Birders: Lake Murray Paddle

This class is full! Please add yourself to the waiting list here.

 

Join Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, for a Pro Birder paddle at a beautiful, secluded cove on the northwest side of Lake Murray. We will kayak under a bridge that is home to hundreds of breeding cliff swallows and will get a great look at their clay nests built directly onto the bridge. It’s one of Jay’s favorite things to see on any of our trips!

On this trip, Jay will focus his efforts on a section of the creek that is below a canopy of river birch, tulip poplars, and Carolina willows. The shade will help us stay comfortable, and being among the trees will place us directly in the breeding habitat of some of the neotropical migrants that call South Carolina home during the summer months.

We will be on the lookout for species such as the belted kingfisher, red-headed woodpecker, yellow-billed cuckoo, and Kentucky warbler. On the fall paddle, we even saw a clapper rail at this location!

This paddle is limited to six guests, so register early to secure your spot.

 

 

Where:  Prosperity (Crayne’s Landing)

When:  Monday, June 11th at 7 am  (Rain Date – June 12th.)

 

Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16.  This training will count for one day toward Palmetto Pro Birder certification (8 days needed total).

Jay Keck

Jay has been a passionate nature and bird lover since his early teens. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and two boys, and has identified 95 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 160 species in Lexington county since moving back in September of 2013. He has viewed birds in Spain, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, as well as many areas in SC from the mountains to the coast. Being inspired by SCWF’s mission, he earned his Palmetto Pro Birder certification, and has led bird walks for SCWF as well as Saluda Shoals park, Columbia Audubon, and private organizations. Even when he is golfing, hunting, or fishing, he is secretly birding. At SCWF, Jay coordinates the Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program as well as leading birding classes for the Palmetto Pro Birder & Midlands Master Naturalist programs.

Other Important Notes:

• If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.

• After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.

Cost: The cost is $100.00 per person and limited to the first 6 people that register.

IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape for this paddle.

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Featured Image Credit: Red-headed woodpecker by Amanda Johnson.

Banner Image Credit: Sad Shad by Brian Fox.

Palmetto Pro Birders: Blue Ridge Parkway

The Parkway is open again!!! We can now resume our annual summer road trip to explore the Blueridge Parkway after talking to USFS staff who confirmed the parkway is open again. Early June is peak breeding season for many of the birds that migrated through SC to the beautiful forests and fields of the Appalachian Mountains.  With a higher elevation, the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC are home to many neo-tropical species like the Canada warbler, cerulean warbler, and scarlet tanager during the breeding season. Other birds we only see in the winter, like the brown creeper, winter wren, and the hermit thrush, also breed there and sing their sweet songs, which we don’t get to hear during the non-breeding season.

Along with those spectacular birds, we will also have the chance to see an amazing bird called the red crossbill, a species only found in the Blue Ridge Mountains in our part of the country. Irvin Pitts and Jay Keck will be guiding a group of ten at various lookout spots and parks along the Blue Ridge Mountains. This will be a full day of birding in order to see as many as these special birds as possible while we’re in the mountains. We look forward to seeing you in higher elevations and cooler temperatures this June!

Where:  Meet up location is the Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Art Center. (382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805)

Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16.  This training will count for one day toward Palmetto Pro Birder certification (8 days needed total). For SC Master Naturalists, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification. If you are not a Pro Birder or Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us. After registration, you will receive an email with directions and any other details pertinent to the class.

When:  Monday, June 8th from 7 am until 1 pm. Rain Date is Tuesday, June 9th.

Instructors: This class will be led by Irvin Pitts, SCWF Outdoor Academy Instructor, and Jay Keck, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager.

Irvin Pitts

Irvin retired from a career with the South Carolina State Park Service where he served as Parks Biologist and Chief of Resource Management. Prior to that, he worked at Table Rock and Caesars Head State Parks as park naturalist. Irvin retired from a career with the South Carolina State Park Service where he served as Parks Biologist and Chief of Resource Management. Prior to that, he worked at Table Rock and Caesars Head State Parks as park naturalist.

Jay Keck, SCWF Habitat Education Manager. Jay has been a passionate nature and bird lover since his early teens. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and two boys, and has identified 108 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 187 species in Lexington county since moving back in September of 2013. He has viewed birds in Spain, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, as well as many areas in SC from the mountains to the coast. Being inspired by SCWF’s mission, he earned his Palmetto Pro Birder certification, and has led bird walks for SCWF as well as Saluda Shoals park, Columbia Audubon, and private organizations. Even when he is golfing, hunting, or fishing, he is secretly birding. At SCWF, Jay coordinates the Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program as well as leading birding classes for the Palmetto Pro Birder & Midlands Master Naturalist programs.

Jay Keck

Other Important Notes:

•    If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.

•    Restrooms are available, and pink and blue bushes are along the trail…

•    Participants should bring water and be prepared for a day in the field.

•    The rain date for this event is Tuesday, June 9th.

•    After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.

Cost: The cost is $100.00 per person and limited to the first 10 people that register.

IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape. Birding involves a lot of standing, and we may cover some distance in our field work.

 

Thank you to our program sponsors!

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Featured Image Credit: Cerulean warbler by Craig Williams.