NAEP-SC upcoming events

Annual Oyster Reef Build: SCDNR SCORE Program + Happy Hour (1 May 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

NAEP-SC Volunteer Day – SCDNR SCORE Program

NAEP-SC is excited about our annual oyster reef build volunteer day followed by happy hour. As part of the volunteer effort, NAEP-SC has partnered with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program. SCORE is a SCDNR program that bags recycled oyster shells and uses them to create oyster reefs along our coastlines. Our volunteer efforts will help restore some of South Carolina’s precious oyster habitat. According to the SCORE website, “by working together, community members and biologists can restore oyster populations while 1) enhancing habitat for fish, shrimp, and crabs, 2) improving water quality of estuarine areas, and 3) informing and educating children, industry, and the general public.” More information about the SCORE program can be found at score.dnr.sc.gov. Please join us for this important way of giving back to both the environment and community.

Closed toe shoes are required. Also, please bring a refillable water bottle and a change of clothes and shoes since we will get muddy and wet! Please consider carpooling if you are able.

Happy hour will follow at the nearby Frothy Beard Brewing Company at 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407. The first round of drinks is on NAEP-SC!

Please register by April 24 so we can provide an accurate headcount to SCDNR.

Where

Charles Towne Landing Visitor Center and Museum:

1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407

*Meet in the main parking lot at Charles Towne Landing.

When

May 1, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Happy Hour:

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29407

https://frothybeard.com/

Lunch & Learn: NOAA Fisheries: EFH, Consultations, and Beyond (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:45:00 GMT

NAEP-SC is excited to have staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Habitat Conservation Division as our featured speakers. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

Register by August 7, 2026. Lunch will be provided, and space may be limited due to the venue size.

TIME & LOCATION

August 14, 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Dominion Energy

601 Old Taylor Rd.*

Cayce, SC 29033

*This address gets you to the front guard gate where you must sign in and show ID. When passing the guard building, the building will be immediately on your left at 220 Operation Way.*

ABOUT THE EVENT

Please join us for lunch and learning about the Habitat Conservation Division, EFH Coordination, and more.

Topic include:

NOAA Fisheries’ Role in Habitat Conservation
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and Why It Matters
Common Project Impacts and How They Are Evaluated
Coordination Types and Best Practices
Tools and Resources Available
Ways To Improve Coordination Requests and Submittals to NOAA Fisheries
And more!

Download the event flyer for more information.

Explore-SC Series: USFWS Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery Tour (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

NAEP-SC EXPLORE-SC: USFWS Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery Guided Tour

NAEP-SC is excited to introduce our next Explore-SC Series event at the USFWS Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery at Wadmalaw Island, SC (near Charleston).

Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery (NFH) is part of the Warmwater Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation Program in the South Atlantic-Gulf Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Situated in coastal South Carolina, the facility sits on the banks of the Wadmalaw Sound and is nestled among salt marsh and lowland forest. The site provides ideal opportunities for researching and improving upon culture and propagation techniques for freshwater, saltwater and anadromous aquatic species.

The hatchery cultures aquatic species year-round and produces two anadromous fish species, Atlantic sturgeon and American shad; one marine fish species, red drum; one amphibian species, Carolina gopher frog; and several freshwater mussel species.

Each of these programs has its own priorities and objectives. American shad, red drum, and gopher frogs are released locally into the appropriate habitat, while the Atlantic sturgeon and mussel programs focus on conservation-oriented research, and the development of propagation and culture techniques.

Come join us on a guided tour of the hatchery (approx. 45-minute long) followed by a guided nature walk (approximately 1-hour long). This event is free. Family and friends are welcome! Tour sizes will be limited, so please register by September 14 so we can provide a head count to USFWS.

A refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray are highly recommended.

For parking: after you come through the gate, follow the signs to the "Fish Holding Facilities" downhill. Park on the left in the grass near the fish house.

TIME & LOCATION

Friday, September 18, 2026

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

USFWS Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery

7030 Bears Bluff Road

Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487-6815

https://www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/bears-bluff/about-us

Deep Water Vineyard

Afterwards, stop at the nearby Deep Water Vineyard on your way back home before they close at 5 p.m. for some wine or meads or just to see the beautiful grounds. Their last wine tasting starts at 4 p.m. Drive safely!

6775 Bears Bluff Rd

Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487

https://deepwatervineyard.com/#

SCMA/NAEP-SC Annual Environmental Scholarship Clay Shoot (2026) (6 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

SCMA/NAEP-SC Annual Environmental Scholarship Clay Shoot

NAEP-SC has once again partnered with the South Carolina Mitigation Association (SCMA) to host an event fully devoted to supporting our future environmental professionals. All proceeds from this fundraising clay shoot will go to environmental scholarships.

Come enjoy networking, lunch, and premiere sporting clay courses at the beautiful Hermitage Sporting Grounds in Camden, SC. 100 clays/targets, lunch, and a shell bag is included.

Visit https://www.scmitigation.org/clayshoot to register or sponsor this event.

When

November 6, 2026

9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Where

Hermitage Sporting Grounds
2362 Tickle Hill Rd.
Camden, SC 29020