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

Ticket sales close Sept. 15th 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.

Presenting Sponsors

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.

Spiders of September

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.

Honda Generator Raffle

Be prepared for hurricane season!

Why be stuck without power ever again?

As part of this year’s Wild Summer Nights Online Auction, SCWF is selling raffle tickets to win a Honda generator valued at $1,200!

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.

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.

Introduction to Caterpillars

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.

Headlamp Spider Class

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

Invasive Species in South Carolina: What Are You and Why Are You Here?

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.

Summer Open House & Auction Preview 2026

You are invited to our summer Open House drop-in where you can preview select items that will be in this year’s Wild Summer Nights Online Auction that will take place July 24-27, 2026. Come hang out with the SCWF staff, enjoy refreshments, and check out our native plant pollinator garden. This is also a great time to pick up coffee or any other merchandise that you have been eyeing. We hope to see you soon!

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).

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: 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 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.

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.