Conservation Education
The SCDNR Conservation Education is a section within SCDNR’s Office of External Affairs. The Conservation Education program creates educational opportunities through outdoor recreation and environmental learning. Whether in the classroom, on the trail, or in the field, Conservation Education staff seek to promote Heritage Preserves and Wildlife Management Areas while increasing public understanding and appreciation for wildlife, fisheries, forests, and landscapes. Through guided naturalist hikes, K-12 educational programs, outreach efforts, and interpretation, Conservation Education’s goal is to create new environmental stewards and help you live life outdoors.
K-12 Education Programs
In-School Programs
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources can bring conservation education to your classroom! Each in-school program is designed to be approximately an hour long and incorporates a hands-on activity. Lessons can be completed in the classroom, but most of the activities will need an open outdoor space on the school’s campus. SCDNR staff availability will determine how many classes can be seen in one day. These free programs are correlated to the 2021 South Carolina College and Career-Ready Science Standards.
For questions or to schedule a program, please contact Beth Foley, Conservation Education Coordinator, at FoleyE@dnr.sc.gov or (803) 394-3920. In your request, please make sure to include your school’s name, grade level, total number of classes, total number of students, and suggested program dates.
For a list of available programs, please check out our Conservation Education In-School Programs
K-12 Field Trips
Bring your students out to visit one of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ public lands. SCDNR owned and managed properties are protected areas that play a critical role in conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural and cultural resources. These lands are open to the public for a variety of recreational uses, from hunting and fishing to hiking and wildlife viewing.
These free education programs are correlated to the 2021 South Carolina College and Career-Ready Science Standards. The field trips take place on a variety of Heritage Preserves and Wildlife Management Areas across the state. Each program is designed to be approximately 4 hours long running from 9am – 1pm, with a built-in lunch break. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunches and refillable water bottles.
Please plan to bring a clipboard and pencil for each student. Students will be outside for the entirety of the program and should wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes. Schools must bring enough adults (teachers included) to achieve a 1:7 adult to student ratio.
For questions or to schedule a program, please contact Beth Foley, Conservation Education Coordinator, at FoleyE@dnr.sc.gov or (803) 394-3920. In your request, please make sure to include your school’s name, grade level, total number of classes, total number of students, and suggested program dates.
For a list of available programs, please check out our Conservation Education Field Trips
SC Project WILD
Project WILD's mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. Project WILD offers instructional materials to formal and non-formal educators to help make learning fun, hands-on, and interdisciplinary. Sign up to attend a professional development workshop to receive one of the Project WILD activity guides.
For more information, please contact Beth Foley, Conservation Education Coordinator, at FoleyE@dnr.sc.gov or (803) 394-3920
Hikes with a Naturalist
SCDNR naturalist hikes are open to anyone interested in exploring the great outdoors through SCDNR's Heritage Preserves and Wildlife Management Areas. Guided hikes are led by Conservation Education staff and cover topics that range from fisheries and wildlife to history and forestry. Hikes are offered from the mountains to the coast and last approximately 1-2 hours. No experience with hiking is necessary but an admiration of the great outdoors is encouraged.
Please see the below schedule for a list of available programs and locations. For more information regarding Hikes with a Naturalist or for general naturalist inquiries, please contact Will Mundhenke, State Naturalist, at MundhenkeW@dnr.sc.gov. Registration for guided hikes will open approximately one month prior to the hike.
| When | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 25th | Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve | Registration Coming Soon |
| Saturday, May 31st | Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve | Registration Coming Soon |
| Friday, July 25th | Brasstown Creek Heritage Preserve | Registration Coming Soon |
| Saturday, August 9th | Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve and WMA | Registration Coming Soon |
| Friday, September 5th | Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve | Registration Coming Soon |
| Saturday, October 4th | Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve and WMA | Registration Coming Soon |
| Saturday, November 15th | Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve and WMA | Registration Coming Soon |
Already a South Carolina Master Naturalist? Volunteer with SCDNR Conservation Education and lead or assist with educational programs around the state. Contact Will Mundhenke, State Naturalist, at MundhenkeW@dnr.sc.gov for more information.
Contact us for more information about our programs and the natural resources of the state. For education programs, send an email to ConservationEd@dnr.sc.gov. For all general outreach and career fair requests, send an email to Outreach@dnr.sc.gov.
Para obtener información o ayuda en español visite nuestra página www.dnr.sc.gov/spanish, envíenos un correo electrónico a informacion@dnr.sc.gov o llámenos al 803-734-3729