Come feast on delicious wild oysters with SCWF and help raise funds for coastal wildlife conservation! Natural habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate, and local wildlife need our help to conserve and restore the woods, waters, and wetlands on which they depend.
Ticket sales are now live for SCWF’s oyster roast fundraiser at the iconic Bowens Island in Charleston on Sunday, November 1st from 3:00 – 5:00 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. All sponsorships include a VIP social from 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
Plus you are doubling your impact for conservation since Bowens Island restaurant participates in SCDNR’s oyster shell recycling program, so our used oyster shells will be returned to the environment to build new reefs!
Become a sponsor to help us increase our impact for local wildlife!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Trip King
Refund Policy: 90% of ticket price will be refunded for cancellation more than two weeks prior to the event; 75% refunded when less than two weeks before event. All refund requests must be made via email to mail@scwf.org.
Join SCWF for a Sporting Clays Competition fundraiser on Friday, November 13th at Palmetto Outdoors Shooting Center in Swansea where your four-person team can compete for awards and bragging rights.
Event Schedule:
Registration & safety meeting – 9am
Tournament – 10am-12:30pm
Lunch – 12:30pm-1pm
Awards – 1pm
Registration for your 4-person team is $500.
Individual registrations are $125.
Sponsorships
All sponsorships will receive logo recognition at the event and on all digital marketing shared with our 47,000+ supporters and followers. Sponsorship deadline is October 12, 2026.
$500 Station Sponsorships – includes 1 non-participant representative per station
$1,000 Team Sponsorships – includes one 4-person team registration
Registration includes one golf cart per team, 100 targets per shooter, and a BBQ & fried chicken lunch from Palmetto Pig. Participants should bring their own gun, ammunition, and hearing and eye protection (required). Maximum shot size is 7.5. The facility has some guns available to rent for $20. Ammunition is available for approximately $40.
Join the South Carolina Conservation Coalition on Tuesday, August 11th at 12:00PM ET for a webinar all about wetlands, their benefits, and how we can help preserve them as they face new threats.
Wetlands play crucial roles for our communities, protecting us from flooding and providing fishing, hunting, and recreational opportunities. Development pressures are mounting as SC continues to grow, but there’s still hope to conserve our valuable wetlands.
From building resilience across the state to creating a local ordinance, Coalition Co-Chair Emily Poole will lead a conversation with staff from the SC Office of Resilience and the Town of Bluffton about their recent work to protect wetlands.
SCWF is proud to be a member of the South Carolina Conservation Coalition and proud to work alongside partners across the state to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our wetlands and advancing the protections they need.
Come count pollinators with us at the Ballentine Library pollinator garden while participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census!
Join Master Naturalist Tami Kyre, SC Wildlife Federation Habitat Education Manager Savannah Jordan, and Richland Library staff member Melissa Sprenne in Ballentine’s pollinator garden to search for pollinators and learn how to identify what’s buzzing around. Open to all ages, families are welcome to enjoy a special story time in the garden featuring excerpts from The Great Pollinator Count Book by Susan Edwards Richmond.
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 RadfordImage 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. 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.
Help pollinators by participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia to document pollinator populations and inspire the creation of sustainable habitats. It invites residents across multiple southeastern states to spend 15 minutes observing and counting insects that land on their favorite pollinator plants, contributing vital data to support regional conservation efforts on Friday August 21st through Saturday, August 22nd.
You don’t need to be an expert in insect identification – anyone can participate by simply counting the insects that land on a single blooming plant for 15 minutes. Help us capture a snapshot of pollinator activity in communities across South Carolina, including the types of pollinators and which flowers they visit, and help build a southeast-wide dataset with other states! Every pollinator counts! We hope you’ll join us at one of our upcoming counting events. If you would like to host a count of your own or add your counting event to our list, email our Habitat Education Manager Savannah Jordan at savannah@scwf.org to learn how.
Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at The Willcoxin 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
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
Eric & Allison Brinkley
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.
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.
Only 400 raffle tickets will be sold – that means you have at least a 1 in 400 chance of winning for each ticket you buy! And there’s a 10% discount for multiple ticket purchases!
Honda Power Equipment has you covered with its EU2200i 2,200-watt 120V inverter generator with CO-MINDER™ advanced carbon monoxide detection system.
More power from the generator you trust. The all new EU2200i raises the bar when it comes to quiet, dependable, durable and easy-to-use generators. The EU2200i delivers 10 percent more power than the EU2000i, letting you power more of what you need, in the same lightweight, compact package. Plus it provides even better performance, combined with improved ease of use and maintenance, for powering work, home or play.
Whether it’s an extra refrigerator or a larger TV at your tailgate party, the EU2200i gives you the power to get more done. The EU2200i can operate a wide variety of appliances, making it perfect for portable use at home, camping, on the jobsite, or much more.
Ideal for TV, DVD, satellite, fridge, coffee pot, & more
Super quiet & lightweight
Inverter – stable power
Honda My Generator app + Bluetooth capability
CO-MINDER: advanced carbon monoxide detection system
2,200 surge Watts; 1,800 rated Watts
Honda 121cc GXR120 engine with recoil start
30A, 125V locking plug allows parallel connection to another EU2200i or EU2000i with parallel cable (not included)
CO-Minder for essential protection from harmful carbon monoxide
Bluetooth connectivity lets you monitor generator performance from smartphone
All proceeds support our mission to conserve and restore wildlife and habitat through education and advocacy. Winner will be chosen on September 30, 2026, or when all tickets are sold.
Item available for pick up at the SCWF office in Columbia on or after October 1, 2026. Email mail@scwf.org with any questions.
No physical tickets will be issued. Net proceeds from this raffle support our conservation and education programs in South Carolina. Since at least 2021, 100% of all raffle receipts have supported our conservation and education programs in South Carolina. Should the minimum revenue generated from ticket sales not exceed $1,200, the raffle will convert to a 50/50 cash prize.
Donated By Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing, Inc.
