GO WILD FOR NATURE ON MAY 5

A family event and day immersed in nature

COLUMBIA, SC (MARCH 1, 2007) — The Nature Conservancy, an international nonprofit conservation organization protecting more than 118 million acres of land worldwide, announces Go Wild for Nature, a day to see, do and explore for all ages. This event will be held on May 5, 2007, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Webb Wildlife Center, owned and managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources, in Garnett, S.C.

This year we closed on the largest land conservation deal in South Carolina’s history through an unprecedented partnership of The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund and the state. This historic partnership purchased 39,000 acres of critical natural lands from International Paper. The deal protects miles of river frontage on the Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee and Savannah Rivers. These areas will be wonderful sites for public use under the stewardship of the SC Department of Natural Resources. One of the purchased tracts, Hamilton Ridge, is adjacent to the Webb Wildlife Center and will be a key focus of our celebration.

“We are absolutely thrilled about this unique educational experience,” said Mark Robertson, executive director of The Nature Conservancy-South Carolina. The environmental experts leading event activities come from all over the state and have tailored the programs to all ages. This event is truly about making memories and making conservation fun – from games and face painting to nature walks with Rudy Mancke and kayaking with Captain Chris Crowley of Coastal Expeditions. Our goal is to raise the awareness of all ages as to the beauty of South Carolina and why it is so important that we protect one of the Last Great Places.”

The May 5 day in nature presents renowned conservation experts, naturalists, wildlife specialists and many activities, including:

§ Learn all about South Carolina reptiles and take home a souvenir photo with a snake! Animals provided by the Edisto Island Serpentarium

§ Nature walks with Rudy Mancke, Dr. Doug Rayner, Dr. John Nelson

§ Skeet shooting at Palachucola Wildlife Management Area, compete in a mini tournament for prizes

§ Tour the Red-cockaded Woodpecker colonies with Dr. Maria Whitehead (ornithologist)

§ Kayak a black water wonderland with naturalist guide Captain Chris Crowley of Coastal Expeditions

§ Enter to win a kayak, donated by Half-Moon Outfitters

§ Face painting, balloon bounce, making bird feeders and much, much more

In addition to the day-of programs, The Conservancy will offer a “draw your favorite South Carolina bird” contest for children 12 and under, deadline for entries is March 26. Interested children can send in their drawing of a bird found in South Carolina, such as the Carolina Wren, Purple Martin, Bluebird or the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. All entries will be displayed during the Go Wild for Nature day. The winners will be featured in The Conservancy’s summer 2007 newsletter and on the South Carolina Chapter website. Entry form, rules and additional information are available at nature.org/southcarolina or by calling (803) 254-9049 x16.

Go Wild for Nature will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2007. The event will begin with check in at 10:30 a.m., lunch and the speaker program will be at noon, and activities begin at 1:30 p.m. The event will conclude at 4 p.m. Cost is $15.00 per adult and $10.00 per child (children under six years of age get in free), and the registration cost includes lunch and a choice of activity. Activity selection and registration is required prior to the event. Visit nature.org/southcarolina, call (803) 254-9049 x 16 or email mottaviano@tnc.org, for registration form, directions and additional information. Event sponsors include Half-Moon Outfitters, Patagonia, Coastal Expeditions, Sticky Fingers, Moe’s, WECCO, Mama Fu’s Asian House and Sea Town Homes.

The Nature Conservancy has worked in South Carolina since 1969 to protect and preserve the state’s most important natural resources. With the support of more than 9,500 members and the guidance of a volunteer board of recognized business and conservation leaders from around the state, the Conservancy has helped safeguard more than 287,000 acres of natural areas throughout South Carolina. The organization works to save priority landscapes, waterways and coastal areas; stop looming threats to these landscapes, including non-native invasive species, fire suppression and alteration of waterways; and protect, steward and restore the health of these places so they last into the future.