Today we celebrate Endangered Species Day, which is recognized annually on the third Friday in May to spread awareness about endangered species and how to protect them from extinction.
A Garden for Wildlife Month™ Story: Community Habitat Leader Spotlight
SCWF Gardens for Wildlife™ with new habitat garden
SCWF staff, volunteers, and community partners joined together at the new SCWF office in downtown Columbia to install a habitat garden in honor of Garden for Wildlife™ Month! Part of our mission is to restore wildlife habitat in order to help maintain healthy ecosystems for all plants, animals, and humans.
A Garden for Wildlife Month Story: Community Habitat Leader Spotlight
During the month of May, one way we celebrate Garden for Wildlife Month is by spotlighting our Community Habitat team leaders and asking them why they garden for wildlife. Kelly Long is the leader of Greer’s Community Wildlife Habitat, which earned their certification in October of 2021 and recently renewed their certification in April!
Working Agricultural Lands Protection Act Signed!
Originally introduced in February of 2023, the Working Agricultural Lands Protection Act recently received final approval by the General Assembly and has now been signed into law by the Governor at a ceremonial bill signing event at Cottle Farms in Hopkins, SC and attended by many supporters of the bill.
WAIT Partner Update: Bridgestone
Bluebird Boxes at the Heritage at Lowman by Anne Wenger
A beautiful example of community support for the Heritage at Lowman is that we have received ten new bluebird boxes to be placed around our campus. Jay Keck, son of John and Carolyn, who reside in the Courtyard apartments, in cooperation with Chapin Women’s Club and the Heyward Career and Technology Center of Columbia provided these in the latter part of April.
SCWF Staff make an impact on Earth Day!
Costa Rica Birding 2024
WAIT Partner Update: Shaw Industries
Shaw Industries has been a valued WAIT partner in the Midlands since 2016. Located along the Saluda River, Shaw's property is a wintering place for waterfowl such as wood ducks and bufflehead. The property's habitat, which includes maturing forest, a wetlands area, and thickets, provides nesting opportunities for neo-tropical migrants like the summer tanager, white-eyed vireo, and hooded warblers.
Want to help Monarch butterflies...? Here's how to create habitat for free!
Residents who want to attract monarch butterflies in their yard and give them a place to lay their eggs for the next generation can receive free native milkweed seeds from the South Carolina Wildlife Federation this spring.
SCWF Director Honored by Clemson Extension
Scholarship Winners Announced!
A committee of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation board is proud to announce the selection of the 2023 scholarship recipients. Congratulations to Margaret Gaither, Kloi Hart, and Levi Wagner for their selection as SCWF scholarships and to Nina Coli for being selected as the Nicole Chadwick Memorial Scholarship.
SC Legislative Update
Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat (POWR)
SCWF's Spring Soiree Fundraiser
A Squirrel and Dumplings Feast
This past hunting season was particularly enjoyable for Industry Habitat Manager, Jay Keck, and his sons. In addition to hunting doves and deer, they decided to try their luck squirrel hunting in order to spend more time in the outdoors together. It had been over thirty years since Jay had actively pursued squirrels with his father, so connecting his past with his present by taking both of his sons hunting, was truly a special time for him.
Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Art Contest Winners Announced
We are grateful to every single artist who entered this year’s Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Menu Art contest. The creative way the artists showcased this year’s featured species is inspiring. South Carolina is blessed with stunning wildlife and habitats, and each of these pieces reflects that beauty.
Huge swaths’ of SC wetlands now vulnerable due to weakened federal protections
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision rolled back federal wetlands protection, making it easier for developers to backfill marshes and streams. Officials are worried this will contribute to South Carolina's already worsening flood risks.
WAIT Partner Update: Michelin US5
Michelin US5 in Lexington has reinvigorated their WAIT program with many nature-loving employees at the property. Two bird baths, 10 Bluebird boxes, a bee and butterfly house, along with 17 wildlife feeding stations, have been placed on the property. A new walking path made out of recycled tires directs employees through the beautiful, wooded area in front of the factory.