Keep South Carolina Wild

Category: Education

POWR+ Handgun Orientation

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

Ladies, if you have a fear of guns, misunderstanding of guns, or a general curiosity about handguns, then this is the class for you! The POWR+ Handgun Orientation class is for women who have little to no experience with handguns but a desire to learn about the safety, handling, and techniques that are required to properly handle and shoot a handgun. Most of this class is based in a classroom setting with some live fire on the range. SCWF staff will also present about wildlife that can be seen on the range and participants will receive photos of themselves after the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our instructors are DNR Law Enforcement professionals with handgun training and an expertise in this field. This class IS NOT a CWP class, but rather a pre-CWP class.

Lunch will be provided but please bring any other personal items you might need (sunscreen, water, etc.). We provide an array of handguns and ammunition, although you can bring your own handgun if you choose, but you will have to provide your own ammunition.

This is a fun, low stress class that will teach you what you need to know going forward in the sporting field, hunting environment or CWP training.

This is a POWR+ event. Due to the demand for our Palmetto Outdoors Women Retreat (POWR), we have added (+) one-day workshops across the state. POWR+ events are open to all women whether you have attended the retreat or not.

The cost of this class is $100 and will be limited to 15 participants, so sign up now if you are interested!

Thanks to funding from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, all those who participate will receive:

  • Orange/camo Richardson hat
  • A safety vest
  • Ear/eye protection.

Please note that you must be 18 to participate in this class.

 

 

EcoLeaders at Sesquicentennial State Park

Calling all conservationists! Do you want to make a direct impact on the conservation of South Carolina’s natural resources? Do you want to help protect our state’s beautiful natural areas? If so, then please use the link below to sign up to volunteer for SCWF’s EcoLeaders program at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC. This event will be held on Monday, July 21st from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

 

Participants will be planting native plants for wildlife habitat and pollinators. This new native plant garden will then be certified by the National Wildlife Federation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that planting native plants not only has a significant positive impact for native wildlife species, but it also serves as carbon storage. Carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is a leading cause of climate change and plants are great at taking CO2 out of our atmosphere and storing it in the ground, which is very beneficial to soil and wildlife.

 

Please be prepared for a full day outside. We recommend bringing a hat, plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. SCWF will provide snacks and lunch.

 

Thank you to the Bloomberg Philanthropies & the City of Columbia for sponsoring this project!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headlamp Spider Class

Please join us for us on Friday, July 25th for an arachnid-filled adventure at Dreher Island State Park with Dr. Robert Wolff, professor of Science and Health Science at South University Columbia.

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! Jay Keck, SCWF bird guy, will also be attending to assist with critter identification, and to overcome his own fear of spiders. So, if you’d like to learn more about spiders from an expert, or instead would simply like to make fun of Jay and his irrational fear of spiders, please sign up quickly to reserve your spot! We’ll be limiting this to ten participants in order to provide a quality learning experience for all! 

 

Class Date: July 25. Rain date July 26.

Image Credit: Hanging on the Web by David Armstrong.

Water for Wildlife Habitat Workshop

Beat the heat this summer by joining us on Saturday, July 12th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Water for Wildlife Workshop. This is a fun, interactive, and educational workshop where you will learn about the importance of providing water for wildlife and the variety of ways to add water sources to your own yard, garden, or greenspace. Plus, learn how you can get your yard certified as a Certified Wildlife Habitat and make your own bee waterer to take home to help wildlife in your own yard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participants will also see a rain barrel demonstration and learn about water conservation and watershed protection from a Water Resources Agent with Sumter County’s Clemson Extension Service and Sumter Soil and Water.

 

 

Be sure to register each participant; up to six family members can be registered at once!

 

Camp Wildwood

Camp Wildwood is a high energy hands on, outdoor environmental camp sponsored by the Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc., the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, South Carolina State Parks, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Camp Wildwood is a fun-filled week during which high school students can experience the many aspects of their natural environment. It is a place to discover that we are part of nature and everything we do in some way affects the natural balance. At Camp Wildwood, you acquire the knowledge and appreciation needed for the protection and wise use of our natural resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camp Wildwood is a place for learning self reliance, self discipline and independence in an outdoors setting. It is a place to build self confidence in relationships with adults and peers, and a place to learn how to cooperate within a group. It is also a place to learn about the diversity of our natural resources and how many career choices there are in the environmental field. Scholarships are available through SCWF – inquire for more information to BeBe Dalton Harrison, SCWF Director of Education.

Plishing Challenge

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!

Join us at one of our events this summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spiders of September

Some call them “creepy” and some call them “cool.” Either way, spiders are infinitely 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 9, 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: Writing spider by Cindy Owen.

Bannner Image Credit: Green lynx spider by Trey Wardlaw.

Families Exploring Nature

What is that bird? What kind of tree is this? Can we go fishing? Parents, do you get these questions all summer once school is out? We’ve got you covered! Register today for the South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Families Exploring Nature Day in Lexington, South Carolina!

Join our staff on a leisurely nature walk, learn the basics of fishing and try your luck in the pond, plant some native milkweed seeds to take home and help pollinators in your own backyard. This event will run from 9:00-12:00 and registration is only $10 per person!  Come explore with us!

Coastal Kayaking Experience

Salty air, swaying marsh grass, and periwinkle snails…it’s time for a POWR+ Coastal Kayaking Experience!

Join Elizabeth Anderegg of Nature Adventures and BeBe Dalton Harrison, SCWF Director of Education on a Coastal Kayaking Experience in Shem Creek.  After a brief review of paddle strokes and safety, we will set out on an adventure through the creek exploring the salt marsh, learning about coastal wildlife, and enjoying a leisurely paddle.  Pack your lunch so we can eat on the water! POWR stands for Palmetto Outdoors Women’s Retreat, and our POWR+ classes are one day classes that cover one outdoor skill or topic in-depth.

Date: Monday, June 9 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Cost: $100

Day of the Dragon

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

Join us for an investigation into the exciting natural history of dragonflies and damselflies! These majestic creatures grace our waters on the wing throughout the summer in South Carolina, where we boast over a hundred species that come in all shapes, sizes, and incredible colors.

Goodale State Park, in the heart of the South Carolina Sandhills, is bursting with a bountiful regiment of these regal creatures. During our day, we’ll analyze each part of the dragonfly, from the eyes to legs to the wings to the tail, investigating the related biology of each aspect. We’ll mosey down to the aquatic habitats the dragons call home. This includes a large millpond that hosts a large number of skimmers, pennants, and pond damsels. We’ll also investigate the backwoods, where the running water gives rise to a completely different assemblage of dragons and damsels, to include jewelwings, rubyspots, and several dancer species.

In addition to surveying the sky, we’ll use the dip nets to capture larval dragonflies and damselflies, examining their differences and underwater lifestyles along with the associated biota with which they coexist. Dragonfly life also demands diverse aquatic vegetation, and we’ll discuss several of these plant species and the important strata they form upon the water.

By the end of the day, you’ll be able to:
1.    Discuss the connections between form and function of dragonfly anatomy
2.    Successfully identify several species of dragonflies and damselflies
3.    Understand the variety of ecological requirements needed to support dragonfly life
4.    Predict species assemblages associated with particular aquatic habitats

Where: This training will take place at Goodale State Park just outside of Camden, South Carolina. Meet at Picnic Shelter 1. Enter the park and just keep driving. Go past the community building, past the ranger station, and around the bend where dragonflies dwell. The website, which includes directions, can be found by clicking here.

When: Tuesday, June 17. We will meet at 9:00 AM. The day will conclude sometime around 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 dragonfly course, this event can count as Advanced Training (4.5 training hours) and towards your statewide certification if you need a Sandhills component. If you are not a Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us. Participants will also receive contact info of other participants to allow for carpooling to the park.

 

 

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.

  • If available, please bring binoculars and a hand lens. If you have a dragonfly book, bring it, but this is not required or necessary. Otherwise, we will have several copies of field guides so that you can choose one for future studies. Feel free to bring an insect net if you have one. Otherwise, we will have some available.

 

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: “Statue” by Ellen Haynes.