Keep South Carolina Wild
September 11, 2024
It’s almost fall! Deer season is underway, and duck season dates have been announced. Did you know that you can purchase your conservation duck stamps here at SCWF? This September you may notice monarch butterflies laying eggs and migrating through the state as well as spider webs glistening in the morning dew. American persimmon fruits also ripen this month.
SCWF is devoted to helping wildlife thrive in our state, and there are many ways you can become involved with us! Support our mission by entering the photo contest, taking a class, enjoying fine dining, volunteering, or donating.
2024 Annual Wildlife Photography Contest
open through October 31, 2024
South Carolina Wildlife Federation is sponsoring our 22nd 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. Registration is only $15, which covers up to three submissions in each of the following categories: Carolina Critters, Scenes of SC, and People in Nature. Read more about each category, and register here:
https://www.scwf.org/events/2024/22nd-annual-wildlife-photography-contest
Fall Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinners
If you haven’t been to one of these five-course, wine-paired conservation dinners yet, please join us at one – or both – this fall! These delicious dinners are unique because they feature dishes created by executive chefs and inspired by imperiled bird species, and 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. On September 25, join us at The Willcox in Aiken for a menu created by Executive Chef Philip Friesen. On November 13, join us at Between the Antlers in Georgetown for a menu created by Executive Chef Chelsea Cribb and Chef Scott Dwyer. Use the links below to secure your tickets and see the creative menus inspired by this year’s featured species. We can’t wait!
Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Security Federal Bank and the Litchfield Company, and RNDC Wine, our wine sponsor.
POWR Up: Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat
Santee, SC
October 4 – 5, 2024
“Small group size, amazing instructors, absolutely fantastic!
Lots of staff for our small groups so our instructors were able to pinpoint issues and help us improve.”
Comments like these from POWR Series participants inspire us to continue to provide quality instruction for women and their outdoor adventures! Registration is now open for POWR Up, an overnight retreat in Santee that offers the opportunity to learn outdoor recreation skills in a non-competitive environment. There are three class sessions, which are three hours each, including topics like Boating and Trailering, Bass Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Hunting in South Carolina, Pine Needle Basketry, Kayak Fishing, and more. All gear and equipment are provided for this event. Each participant will leave the classes feeling confident and ready to try their new skills on their own.
Register Here: https://www.scwf.org/events/2024powr-up
POWR+ Education Classe
Due to the demand for our Palmetto Outdoors Women Retreat or POWR, we have added (+) one-day workshops across the state. POWR+ events are open to all women whether you have attended the retreat or have yet to do so. Check out our 2024 fall offerings below and register quickly if you are interested in joining us because each class is limited to 12 participants to ensure a quality experience.
National Hunting & Fishing Day
Saturday, September 14, 9 am to 3 pm
Seneca, SC
Have you been to National Hunting & Fishing Day yet? This annual FREE family event is open to the public and is a great way to try out many different outdoor activities such as fishing, archery, fly-tying and fly fishing. All gear is provided! SCWF will have a booth again this year. Check out our blog post about SCWF’s booth at last year’s event.
Get Involved!
Saturday, September 14, Litter Sweep at Archer’s Lake in Irmo
Wednesday, September 18, BioBlitz at Ballentine Library in Irmo
Here are two ways you can get involved with us this month! On Saturday, September 14, join us for a litter sweep at Archer’s Lake in Irmo to help make this lake a safer home for wildlife and people. This event is a partnership with the Harbison Community Association and Keep the Midlands Beautiful.
On Wednesday, September, 18, come count pollinators with us at the Richland Library of Ballentine for a BioBlitz in the pollinator gardens! Participants will have a brief intro on pollinators and how to use iNaturalist for recording our observations, then we will head out to the lush pollinator gardens to see how many bees, butterflies, and other species we can find. Use the links below to sign up to volunteer for each event.
Oyster Roast Fundraiser at Bowens Island
Sunday, November 10, 5- 7 pm
Charleston, SC
Come feast on delicious wild oysters with SCWF and help raise funds for coastal wildlife conservation! Ticket sales are now live for SCWF’s oyster roast fundraiser at the iconic Bowens Island in Charleston on Sunday, November 1oth from 5:00-7:00 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. Early registrants can snag one of 25 spots for the opportunity to get a sneak peek at one of South Carolina’s newest state parks, May Forest on James Island.
Register here: https://www.scwf.org/events/2024-oyster-roast-bowens-island
News & Notes
On Saturday, September 28th, SCWF is excited to partner with the Palmetto Trail on National Public Lands Day for a nature hike along the Awendaw Passage. Ari Hippensteal, SCWF’s Community Outreach Manager, will be there to help attendees look for native wildlife and encourage participants to take part in nature photography. Sign up for this free event here.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Plishing Challenge! Check out our blog post announcing the grand prize winners to see how many fish were caught this year and how many bags of litter were collected. We were impressed!
WAIT Partner, Michelin US-2, located right outside of Anderson, SC, is happy to announce they are no longer using pesticides, fertilizers, or chemical weed treatment on their property! Check out our blog post here to learn more about how they are working to increase biodiversity.
Tags: eNewsletter, Newsletter
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