Keep South Carolina Wild

Category: Events

Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinner at The Hollow in Columbia

Ticket sales close May 31 at 4pm!

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at The Hollow in Columbia 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 Dante Serra.

This year’s featured species include the Eastern whip-poor-will, golden-winged warbler, green heron, prairie warbler, yellow-billed cuckoo, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. We can’t wait to see the menu inspired by these species! 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.

Menu

Inspired by the yellow-billed cuckoo
Confit frog legs, potato cake, blackberry compote 

Inspired by the Eastern whip-poor-will
Summer fruit gazpacho 

Inspired by the roseate spoonbill
Crawfish-stuffed prawn, grits, Creole

Inspired by the green heron
Blackened catfish, collard greens, red rice risotto 

Inspired by the prairie warbler
Lemon bar with macerated berries & whipped cream

 

Presenting Sponsor:

 

SCWF Friends:

 

Susan Hamilton & Tom Gross

Drs. Jackie and Alaric van Dam 

Company 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 to our 45,000+ supporters and followers, and on press releases, website, and the 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 South Carolina’s 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: 2026 menu art winner, Gathered Around the Plate by Liz List.

Carolina Bay Workshop

This one-day class will focus on Carolina Bays, unique anomalies present in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain. These odd depressions in the landscape have puzzled naturalists for many decades. They host an important and unique ecology because of their hydrology. While isolated from any tributaries, bays often hold water in winter and spring, then drying by mid-summer. Many plants and animals have come to specialize in these conditions. Savage Bay presents a unique opportunity for observation because of its accessibility and the beautiful pond cypress savanna within.

The trail to the bay will take us through a Sandhills scrub oak forest. We’ll explore Sandhills plants including the four scrub oaks. TLC had a song about scrubs, you know. They didn’t “want no scrub,” but I love scrubs, so we’re going to talk about them. Other common plants are poison oak, persimmon, and sandhills hawthorn. With any luck, a few fall wildflowers will still be blooming.

Before entering the bay, we’ll discuss various hypotheses for the formation of these features before narrowing down the explanations to the one currently most supported by scientific evidence. I’ll hold you in suspense until then. I will also explain the ecological importance of Carolina bays, with examples from the scientific literature and a discussion of their current level of protection.

Along the bay border, we will explore a pocosin plant community, host to species such as redbay, sweetbay, fetterbush, titi, and gallberry. The middle of the bay opens up into a picturesque plant community known as the pond cypress savanna. In addition to the pond cypress and water tupelo, we’ll see honeycup (Zenobia) and pondspice (Litsea), a rare shrub in South Carolina.

While the Sandhills grow more silent in the fall, animals will also be addressed, especially those unique to this ecoregion. Bird species associated with these Sandhills include brown-headed nuthatches, chipping sparrows, and pine warblers.

We’ll travel around the block to Goodale State Park for a late lunch, some prize giveaways, and a walk by the water before our day concludes.

This training will begin at Savage Bay Heritage Preserve. We will email more specific directions before the trip. In the meantime, more information about the site can be found here: Savage Bay Heritage Preserve.

When: Tentative date is Wednesday, June 17, 2026; We will start at 9 AM. The day will conclude between 2 and 3 PM.

Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. Participants will receive city info of other participants to encourage carpooling.

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. Savage Bay has relatively flat terrain, but we may cover some distance. Savage Bay does not have trails, so we will be walking through vegetation and on uneven ground. You should be prepared to possibly encounter briars, mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks. Poison ivy is present in the bay.

Cost: The cost is $75.00 per person.

To ensure a quality experience for all, space is strictly limited to 15 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:

• If available, bring binoculars.
• Restrooms are not available at Savage Bay Heritage Preserve. It is best to leave early enough to stop at a restroom before 9 AM. Otherwise, the woods are available. There are restrooms at Goodale State 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. I will make every effort to hold it, even in a few rain showers. If the weather or conditions necessitate cancellation, I will notify you 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 me.

• The bay is typically dry this time of year, but the soil could be mucky in some parts of it.

 

 

Field Herpetology

 

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

Spend a day in the field discovering what it means to be a herpetologist! This hands-on program focuses on reptiles and amphibians—some of the most fascinating and elusive species in our region. Both groups play key roles in ecosystem health and serve as excellent environmental indicators. During the day, you’ll learn about field methods researchers use to monitor these species and gain experience applying techniques such as aquatic trapping and coverboard surveys. Along the way, we’ll encounter the incredible diversity that defines our local herpetofauna.

The workshop takes place at Salleyland, a private property owned by the Gibbons Family. The site features a rich mix of habitats, from flowing blackwater creeks to managed upland pine forests. The Gibbons Family generously opens the property to environmental groups and educational programs as part of an ongoing effort to document the species found there. All species observations from this course will contribute to that inventory.

Be prepared for a true field experience—expect hot, muddy conditions and several hours of walking (approximately 2+ miles) through varied terrain. Long pants and knee-high boots or shoes that can get muddy are required. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider packing a change of clothes. We’ll wrap up the morning with a group lunch and discussion of our findings. Please pack your own lunch if you plan to join for this portion of the day.

Instructor: This class will be led by Jake Zadik, a naturalist and biologist based in the South Carolina Lowcountry with a lifelong passion for herpetology. Jake collaborates with local communities to provide natural history programs, conduct field research, and offer guidance on land and habitat management. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with the region’s diverse reptile and amphibian species—as well as many other taxa—with current projects focusing on Copperheads and Diamondback Terrapins.

Jake is an active instructor with the Charleston Master Naturalist Program, where he leads the herpetology portion of the course. In 2018, he co-founded the South Carolina Herpetological Society—an effort that has since grown into South Carolina Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SCPARC), where he continues to serve as co-chair.

 

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 12 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:

  • 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: Southern two-lined salamander by Jake Zadik.

Banner Image Credit: Timber rattlesnake by Jake Zadik.

Earth Day at the Ballpark

SCWF invites you to join us on Wednesday, April 22 for Earth Day at the Ballpark at Segra Park in Columbia. Along with other conservation organizations, SCWF will have a table at the game where visitors can learn all about fireflies, the lightning bugs!

Tickets are just $12.67 to see the Columbia Fireflies take on the Augusta GreenJackets in this friendly regional rivalry that is sure to be fun for the whole family. When you purchase tickets through the link below, you will score a limited-edition Fireflies “COLA” hat with your ticket – a stylish nod to both your team spirit and environmental awareness.

Women’s Turkey Camp

Registration will start at 12:00 pm on Friday March 6, 2026. 

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and the women of Artemis South Carolina for 2 days of turkey hunting and camping in the Sumter National Forest Sunday, April 5 – Tuesday, April 7, 2026. All experience levels are welcome. Space is limited so that our group remains safe and manageable.

 

Featured image credit: Tom Turkey by Teresa Kopec.

Banner image credit: Path to Nowhere by Andrew May.

Fireflies of South Carolina: The Natural History and Conservation of Lightning Bugs

How many types of lightning bugs are there in the Palmetto state? Where do they go during the winter? Are fireflies endangered? Join Xerces Society firefly biologist Richard Joyce for an evening presentation about the diversity, natural history and conservation of South Carolina’s lightning bugs, and learn how you can help protect and understand these magical insects.

Banner image credit: Synchronous Fireflies light up the forest at dusk by National Park Service.

2026 Wild Summer Nights Online Auction

This year’s Wild Summer Nights Online Auction runs Friday, July 24th, 9am – Sunday, July 26th, 8pm.

This is our favorite fundraiser because it truly has something for everyone. Whether you are planning your next vacation, event, outdoor adventure, or are looking for a uniquely wonderful gift, you will enjoy bidding on a variety of items for a great cause! All proceeds support our mission to conserve and restore wildlife and habitat through education and advocacy.

If you would like to donate an item or experience, please use the Make an Item Donation button below.

If you would like to be a sponsor, read on for options!

The 2026 auction has a fundraising goal of $100,000, and we need your support to reach this goal!

Sponsorship options:

Presenting, $2,500: featured logo ads & top billing on auction site, event webpage, and press releases. 

Full, $1,500: featured logo ads and top billing on the auction website and top billing on the event webpage.

Half, $750: logo ads and listing on the auction website and event webpage.

Quarter, $375: name listing on the event webpage.

Share your support of wildlife and habitat conservation with our 46,000+ supporters and followers!

You can register to bid here – https://SCWF2026auction.givesmart.com – raffle tickets are available now for a Honda generator valued at $1,200!

 

 

 

Be an auction sponsor!

Make an Item Donation

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Banner Image Credit: Light the Way by Stuart Barfield.

Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinner at Topsoil Restaurant in Travelers Rest

Ticket sales close on Friday, April 3rd, or when all tickets have been sold.

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at Topsoil Restaurant in Travelers Rest near Greenville on Wednesday, April 8th,  from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a six-course, wine-paired conservation dinner featuring dishes inspired by imperiled bird species created by Executive Chef Adam Cooke.

This year’s featured species include the Eastern whip-poor-will, golden-winged warbler, green heron, prairie warbler, yellow-billed cuckoo, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. We can’t wait to see the menu inspired by these species! 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. Vegan/vegetarian options available. Please note dietary restrictions and seating requests in the Notes field on the ticketing page.

Menu

Golden-winged Warbler

Amuse: twice baked sunchokes with Monetta asparagus, bacon, chive

Balestri Valda Soave Classico DOC ’Sengialta’, Italy

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Oyster mushroom bisque, sherry Gouda cream

Vigna Madre Pecorino ‘Becco Reale’, Terre di Chieti IGP, Italy

Roseate Spoonbill

Local beet & strawberry salad, strawberry rose’ vinaigrette, watercress, whipped garlic-dill fromage blanc

Mas des Infermières Source Rosé, Luberon AOP, France

Green Heron

Yellowtail hamachi crudo, black lemon vinaigrette, orange & cumin-scented pickled carrot and cauliflower

Coto de Gomariz ‘Flower and the Bee’ White, Ribeiro D.O., Spain

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Hickory Nut Gap pork cheek braised with spruce tip and rosemary, Carolina Gold rice middlins, fresh peas and truffle

Aguijon de Abeja Cabernet Franc, San Juan, Argentina

Prairie Warbler

Caramel banana budino, sweet cornmeal short cookie, rum whipped crème fraiche, candied cashew

Evolucio Late Harvest Furmint, Hungary

Sponsor

Company Sponsor

Wine Sponsor

SCWF Friends

 Amie & Hunter Garrett

Melanie & Chase Samples

Allison & Anthony Quartararo

Anne & Mark Kaiser

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 40,000+ 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 credit: Gathered Around the Plate by Liz List.

Conservation Lobby Day & Oyster Roast

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Join SCWF and the SC Conservation Coalition, a statewide alliance of over 40 conservation organizations, on Tuesday, March 31st for our 23nd annual Lobby Day at the State House and Oyster Roast at 701 Whaley Street!

Be a part of making an impact at the State House while networking and celebrating conservation with fellow volunteers, staff, and elected officials. There is typically an information session beforehand to learn about the current bills, and then time spent lobbying at the State House in the morning, but the schedule is based on the legislative calendar. The oyster roast will be held that evening. Please dress comfortably for a day of walking and standing. Most people will be in business attire.

If you would like to learn more about last year’s event, please read our blog post here.

Banner image credit: The South Carolina State House by Sara Green.

POWR+: Women’s Fly Fishing Day

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

 

Join other like-minded outdoors women and take part in this incredible fly fishing experience in upstate South Carolina on Friday, April 17, from 9 am to 3 pm. This event is designed for women to connect with each other and feel confident on the water. All levels are welcome and space is limited. We will have several instructors for those who need a refresher, but experienced anglers will be able to hit the water upon arrival with an experienced guide. Having your own gear is encouraged but not required.

 

 

 

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.

To ensure a quality experience for all, space is strictly limited to 10 participants. Classes fill quickly, register today! After registration, you will receive an email with directions and other details pertinent to the class.

Check out pictures from the 2023 Fly Fishing event here.

Location: The meeting location is Chattooga River Fly Shop; 6832-A Highlands Hwy, Mountain Rest, SC 29664.

Cost: The cost is $100 per person and limited to the first 10 people that register.