MARLBORO COUNTY — The Hampton Wildlife Fund (HWF) proudly presented the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) with a $190,000 donation during a ceremony held March 27 in Columbia. This significant contribution will directly strengthen SCDNR’s statewide education and outreach programs, helping ensure that South Carolinians of all ages can learn about, experience, and appreciate the state’s natural resources.
“This generous investment from the Hampton Wildlife Fund directly supports our mission to educate, engage, and inspire the next generation of conservation stewards,” said Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of SCDNR. “Partnerships like this allow us to expand our reach, enhance the quality of our programs, and ensure that South Carolina’s natural resources are not only protected, but understood and valued by the people who call this state home.”
The funding will support a wide range of high-impact programs, including:
· SC Archery in the Schools
· Scholastic Clay Target Sports
· Take One Make One (TOMO)
· Youth Fishing Rodeos
· Marine and Freshwater Education
· Envirothon
· Camp Wildwood
· Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic
· SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
· SCORE (South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement)
· Scholarships
· Plus additional conservation education initiatives
For decades, the Hampton Wildlife Fund has served as a vital philanthropic partner to SCDNR, raising essential dollars that expand opportunities for youth, families, and communities across South Carolina. This year’s contribution continues that legacy of service and stewardship.
“Every dollar raised by the Hampton Wildlife Fund goes right back into programs that make a real difference for the people of South Carolina,” said Alvin Taylor, Hampton Wildlife Fund
board chairman. “These investments help introduce young people to the outdoors, teach responsible stewardship, and conserve the natural resources that define our state’s heritage. The impact reaches far beyond a single event or program – it strengthens conservation for generations.”
The support provided by HWF helps SCDNR deliver hands-on learning experiences, outdoor skills training, habitat education, and community engagement opportunities that would not be possible without private contributions. From first-time archers to young anglers at their first fishing rodeo, these programs inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
The Hampton Wildlife Fund, a South Carolina-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, remains committed to advancing conservation, supporting youth education, and honoring the legacy of Harry R.E. Hampton by ensuring that South Carolina’s natural resources are protected, understood, and enjoyed by all.