More Than Just Wild Places...
Wild Hearts Need a Haven
The Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation which partners with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for the promotion of education, research, management and the administration of game and fish laws, which will benefit conservation of wildlife, marine and other natural resources in South Carolina.
Protecting Palmetto State Gems: The Hampton Wildlife Fund's Enduring Legacy
For over six decades, the Hampton Wildlife Fund has stood as a pillar of conservation in South Carolina, playing a vital role in safeguarding the state's diverse and irreplaceable wildlife. Its contributions encompass a multitude of facets, each leaving a lasting impression on the Palmetto State's ecological tapestry.
One of the fund's most impactful initiatives is its unwavering support for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Since its inception, the Hampton Wildlife Fund has channeled over $4.3 million towards the SCDNR, bolstering vital conservation efforts across the state. These contributions fuel critical programs like habitat restoration, endangered species protection, and wildlife research, ensuring the long-term well-being of South Carolina's precious fauna.
Beyond financial aid, the fund fosters the next generation of conservation stewards through its scholarship program. Since 1995, the Hampton Wildlife Fund has awarded over $698,800 in scholarships to South Carolina students pursuing degrees in wildlife management, fisheries, and other relevant fields. These bright minds, equipped with knowledge and passion, become the future guardians of the state's natural treasures.
The Hampton Wildlife Fund's dedication extends beyond terrestrial creatures, actively safeguarding the vibrant tapestry of life in South Carolina's waterways. Initiatives like oyster reef restoration and aquatic habitat improvement safeguard the health of the state's estuaries and coastal ecosystems, ensuring the survival of marine species and the delicate balance of the marine environment.
The Hampton Wildlife Fund's legacy in South Carolina is one of unwavering commitment and impactful action. From supporting the SCDNR and nurturing future conservationists to protecting marine ecosystems, the fund's multifaceted approach has left an indelible mark on the state's natural heritage. As South Carolina moves forward, the enduring dedication of the Hampton Wildlife Fund serves as a beacon of hope for the continued protection of the Palmetto State's irreplaceable wildlife.
About Harry Hampton
As the founding father of South Carolina’s conservation movement, Harry R. E. Hampton stands in the forefront as one of the great leaders of our state.
Born in 1897, Hampton grew up in Columbia and Charleston when state governing of wildlife consisted only of rudimentary law enforcement. Beginning as a youth, he explored, hunted and fished a then-undeveloped South Carolina.
When he was a news reporter for The State newspaper, Hampton’s conservation interests culminated in 1931 with a massive publicity campaign to organize a game and fish association, instigate natural resources legislation, and form a state game commission. The resulting association later became the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.
While he was federation president, Hampton’s constant hounding of the legislature influenced game and fish laws as well as the formation of the State Wildlife Department and the Commission in 1952. Hampton’s 20-year babble to preserve the Congaree River bottom also ended in success with the Congaree’s establishment as a National Natural Monument in 1976.
Once, when Hampton was asked what made him feel so personally responsible for the wild animals and places in South Carolina, he replied, “Just bullheadedness, I guess, is at the bottom of it.” When we ask you to contribute to the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, be bullish like Hampton and invest in your best asset: the woods and waters of South Carolina.