A Garden for Wildlife Month™ Story: Community Habitat Leader Spotlight

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. Ellen Morton is the leader of the Bull Point Community Wildlife Habitat, which earned their certification in 2023.

SCWF Gardens for Wildlife™ with new habitat garden

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

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!

Bluebird Boxes at the Heritage at Lowman by Anne Wenger

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.

WAIT Partner Update: Shaw Industries

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.

Scholarship Winners Announced!

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. 

A Squirrel and Dumplings Feast

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

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.

WAIT Partner Update: Michelin US5

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.