SC7 Expedition enters S.C. Midlands enroute to the coast and Lowcountry Photo – SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin (center) with son Thomas Mullikin Jr., SCDNR Capt. Tommy Buckhannon and two SCDNR game wardens at Jones Gap, South Carolina, along the SC7 trail, July 9. By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Despite searing SouthContinue Reading
SCDNR Director shares thoughts from the SC7 trail about the connection of all things natural By SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” – John Muir Everything in nature is connected. What do mosses,Continue Reading
Governor McMaster praises attendees, says Palmetto State is a paradise By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Scores of lofty awards were presented, including an unexpected Order of the Palmetto, S.C.’S highest award, at Global Eco Adventures’ (GEA) 10th-annual ECO BALL, held April 22, Earth Day, at historic 701 Whaley in Columbia’sContinue Reading
A Collaborative Future for Our Natural Resources By Tom Mullikin Earth Day is a time to reflect on the state of our natural resources. Across the U.S., especially here in South Carolina, we are confronting a new environmental reality defined by intensifying storms, rising waters, and historic growth. These forcesContinue Reading
Willis Bowers is the Quiet Hero Beneath the Surface By Tom Mullikin In South Carolina, drowning is not a rare tragedy. It is unfortunately a persistent, but preventable one. Each year, lives are lost in our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, often in silence and often in communities where accessContinue Reading
SCDNR’s Chief of Wildlife named to national hall of fame By Tom Mullikin In the world of wildlife conservation, few honors carry the weight of induction into the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Hall of Fame. Reserved for individuals and groups whose work has left a lasting mark on theContinue Reading
Mullikin honored aboard the oldest still-serving warship in the United States Navy By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) received a rare honor during a break in meetings in Boston, Massachusetts, last week. While touring Boston’s historic Charlestown Navy Yard,Continue Reading
The award recognizes those who protect South Carolina’s lands, waters, and wildlife with exceptional dedication By Cheyenne Twilley Colonel Chisolm Frampton, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), was presented the Palmetto Excellence in Stewardship Award — the first such award in SCDNR’s history: The Department announcing the presentation, Dec. 11,Continue Reading
Mullikin celebrates law enforcement officers from across South Carolina By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources – and one of 60 of the most influential (impactful) military leaders from S.C. recognized during Veterans Month whosonthemove.com/ – was the keynote speaker forContinue Reading
Lake Sweep Nets Over 15,000 Pounds of Trash Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) led a successful Lake Sweep/River Sweep on September 20, 2025, removing more than 15,170 pounds of litter, recyclables, and bulky debris from Lake Murray and nearby waterways. The cleanup is part of South Carolina’s annual Beach Sweep/RiverContinue Reading
Dr. Tom Mullikin receives lofty honor from Chief Justice John W. Kittredge By W. Thomas Smith Jr. A meeting of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Board of Directors was pleasantly and unexpectedly interrupted by Chief Justice John W. Kittredge, South Carolina Supreme Court, who approached the podium andContinue Reading