Keep South Carolina Wild
Join us at the Ballentine Library to count pollinators for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census!
Join Master Naturalist Tami Kyre, SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager Savannah Jordan, and Ballentine Library staff member Melissa Sprenne in Ballentine’s Pollinator Garden to go looking for bugs and learn how to identify what’s buzzing around.
For more information, please visit: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/2026-08-04/pollinator-exploration
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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.
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.
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.
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. The winning images may be reproduced by SCWF for sale. 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.
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Some call them “creepy” and some call them “cool.” Either way, spiders are definitely interesting, and this workshop is designed to help you discover some the amazing attributes that make them so. We’ll have opportunities to distinguish the sexes of spiders, surely a skill you’ve long desired to acquire. Through our discussion and discovery you’ll gain a better understanding of the different types of webs spiders spin, including how and why they are spun. Their silk is symbolic of the many connections they make in nature, and we’ll have conversations about that too.
We’ll talk about identification of the most common species found around the home. Of course our time together will include a walk in the woods to search for and identify woodland species. Because many spiders tend to reach maturity in the fall, they make themselves a bit more available for study this time of year. Since we’ll be at Goodale State Park, we’ll reserve the right to get a bit distracted if we see something other than a spider that warrants discussion. However, we’ll try to keep it focused and certainly fun.
At the end of the day, you’ll be able to:
1. Identify several species of spiders common in residential and woodland settings
2. Describe basic aspects of spider natural history
3. Appreciate the relationships between spiders and their environment
4. Feel confident and equipped in moving forward into your own study of spiders
Where: This training will take place at Goodale State Park, in the midlands and Sandhills Region of South Carolina. Meet at Picnic Shelter #1, more detailed directions will be sent in advance of the class. The website, which includes general directions, can be found by clicking here.
When: September 10, 2025. We’ll meet at 9:00 AM, and conclude at 2:00 PM.
Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. For SC Master Naturalists who have not taken a spider course, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification if you need a Sandhills component. Lunch will last thirty minutes, so depending on when we finish, this will count for approximately four and a half hours of training. If you are not a Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us.
This class will be taught by Austin Jenkins, who teaches and facilitates the popular Midlands Master Naturalist class for the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. Jenkins teaches Natural History of South Carolina at USC Sumter.
IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape. We will be outdoors during the whole class, and it may be HOT. In addition, we will be on our feet most of the day.
Cost: The cost is $75.00 per person.
To ensure a quality experience for all, space is strictly limited to 20 participants. Classes fill quickly, register today! After registration, you will receive an email with lodging recommendations, directions, and any other details pertinent to the class.
Other Important Notes:
Restrooms are available at the park.
Participants should bring a bag lunch and water and be prepared for a day in the field.
There is no rain date for this event. We will make every effort to hold it, even in a few rain showers. If we can’t make it happen due to weather or some other situation, we will 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.
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.
Featured Image Credit: Green lynx spider by Allison Bugarin.
Banner Image Credit: Black Widow by Allison Bugarin.
Have you recently learned to fish? Are you a lifelong angler? Either way, you are in the right spot! PLISHING is a combination of the Swedish phrase “plocka upp”, meaning (litter) pick up, and fishing! Join our challenge and, as you set out on your fishing adventures, you can log your fish as well as litter you pick up and dispose of properly. Each fish caught, fish released, and bag of litter collected can earn you prizes (in addition to enjoying the outdoors and practicing conservation!) Click here to get started!
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.
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.
Join Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, for an introduction to the fascinating world of caterpillars and their essential role in South Carolina’s ecosystems.
Caterpillars are much more than just the larval stage of butterflies and moths. They are a critical link in the food web and serve as an important indicator of habitat health. During this webinar, participants will learn how to identify common caterpillars found throughout South Carolina, where and when to search for them, and the host plants that support their development.
Jay will share practical tips for finding caterpillars in gardens, parks, and natural areas, while exploring the incredible diversity of species that call South Carolina home. Participants will also discover how caterpillars contribute to healthy ecosystems by supporting birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife, and why native plants are key to their survival.
Whether you’re a gardener, birder, naturalist, educator, or simply curious about the natural world, this webinar will provide the knowledge and tools to begin observing and appreciating these often-overlooked creatures.
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.
This class is full! You can add yourself to the waiting list here.
Please join us on Friday, July 17th for an arachnid-filled adventure at Dreher Island State Park with Dr. Robert Wolff.
This unique walk will begin at 7:30 pm and will focus on finding spiders by looking for their eyeshine as we explore the park with headlamps at night. The class will conclude at approximately 10:00 pm. Dr. Wolff has spent most of his life studying spiders, and will identify and discuss the different spider species we’ll find in the park. The shores of Lake Murray are known for their abundance of spiders, so it should be an action-packed night!
Class Date: July 17. Rain date July 25
Image Credit: Dark Fishing Spider by Allison Bugarin.
Banner Image Credit: Wolf Spider Species by Allison Bugarin
Many invasive species impact South Carolina’s natural and managed landscapes. This webinar will discuss how and why we have an invasive species problem, and participants will learn to identify common invasive animal species (vertebrates and invertebrates) found in the Southeast. We will discuss the impacts of these species, and also if there is anything we can do to help manage this problem.
