Is your child texting about forestry again? It's been a while, but we're back with more clues as to what they're really talking about... #ForestryFunnyFriday

@ForestryCommish is hiring a Stewardship Forester to develop and implement Stewardship Management Plans, provide technical assistance to private forest landowners, coordinate educational programs and more. Learn more and apply online: bit.ly/4Bv9TM3. #SCCareers #Hiring

The Forestry Commission’s first official shoulder patch was issued starting around 1957. It was half-circle in shape with gold trim and gold lettering on a black background. The central feature was a green palmetto tree. Some patches described the wearer’s position or area of work (Ranger, Warden, etc.). #ThrowbackThursday #ForestryHistory #SCForestry The patch was designed by Gene Middleswart, a forest management staff forester. Personnel were encouraged to purchase their own khaki shirts and green pants to wear as a uniform. This system was in place until the agency began issuing uniforms in 1981. See more SCFC history: scfc.gov/about-us/history/pi…

Firebreaks are an important part of each successful prescribed burn, but do you know how and where they should be created? Join us for a FREE firebreak construction workshop to learn more!⁠ ⁠ Fire managers will review various equipment and methods for creating firebreaks, along with where to create firebreaks when preparing for a prescribed burn.⁠ ⁠ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN⁠ -Safety practices⁠ -How to establish adequate firebreaks⁠ -How to prevent erosion to protect water quality ⁠ *This workshop requires walking through the woods to review a variety of firebreaks. Dress appropriately for the weather - rain or shine.⁠ ⁠ WHEN⁠ Saturday, Nov. 21⁠ 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.⁠ ⁠ WHERE⁠ 353 Fire Tower Road⁠ Orangeburg, SC⁠ ⁠ REGISTER⁠ eventbrite.com/e/firebreak-c…

More than 600 fourth graders from around the Midlands learned all about sustainable forestry, the forest industry and our environment last week during our Wood Magic Forest Fair at Harbison State Forest! The fair combines hands-on activities with visually engaging presentations to teach children about the importance of forest lands to wildlife, the economy and our daily quality of life. ⁠ The 3.5-hour program happened October 26th-30th, and it wouldn't have been possible without our 83 volunteers who served as guides, instructors and food servers, as well as other behind-the-scenes jobs. Volunteers came from many backgrounds, agencies, organizations and businesses including: -Audubon SC -Calhoun, Richland, Laurens and Lexington County Soil and Water Conservation Districts -Center for Heirs' Property Preservation -Associated Hardwoods -Clemson Extension -Domtar Paper Company, LLC -International Paper -Environmental Education Association of SC -Parker Poe Law Firm -Green Steps Schools -Joe Adair Outdoor Education Center -SC Master Naturalist Program -SC Forestry Commission -US Forest Service -Smurfit WestRock Thanks to your professionalism, this program went off without a hitch! Thank you to all the teachers and schools who participated in this event. We hope to see you again next year! Next stop: Georgetown!

Is your home prepared for a wildfire or other disaster? Join the SC Forestry Commission and Greenville County Emergency Management for a FREE community workshop later this month! Homeowners, renters, realtors and HOA/neighborhood leaders are all welcome. WHEN Tuesday, November 17, 2026 6:00 p.m. WHERE Greenville County Emergency Management 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr. Greenville, SC YOU'LL LEARN -Simple steps to reduce wildfire risk around your home -How your neighborhood can become a Firewise USA® community and why it pays off -How to prepare for severe weather, flooding, winter storms and more -How to build a family emergency plan and kit RSVP gc.readyop.com/fs/4dk1/31dcb… or call 864-467-2680

APPLY NOW! The South Carolina Forestry Commission is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2026 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program starts today! Through this program, eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for up to $7,500 in reimbursement for the purchase of equipment and other items supported by the grant. This funding helps departments strengthen their firefighting capabilities and better protect the communities they serve. Applications will be accepted through our new online form - not mailed out like previous years. Important Dates: Applications Open: November 1, 2026 Application Deadline: December 31, 2026 Volunteer fire departments with an email address on file with SCFC will receive additional information and application instructions. Apply and learn more: arcg.is/1XT4vC1

Think before you burn, y'all... It's been nearly three weeks since most parts of South Carolina have experienced significant, widespread precipitation; in fact, the State Climatology Office confirms no rainfall was recorded statewide October 19–25. South Carolina remains in a significant drought; approximately 75% of the state is abnormally dry or experiencing drought, and more than a quarter is in severe drought. Dry vegetation, fallen leaves and pine straw can ignite easily, and even a small outdoor fire can quickly escape, even without high winds. The South Carolina Forestry Commission urges everyone to use extra caution when burning outdoors. State law requires citizens outside of city limits to notify the Forestry Commission before burning, but also check weather conditions, have water and firefighting tools readily available, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. Think Before You Burn!

Invasive species are spooky! #ForestryFunnyFriday #InvasiveSpecies

The Forestry Commission’s 1941 South Carolina State Fair exhibit #ThrowbackThursday #ForestryHistory #SCForestry

On this #NationalFirstRespondersDay, join us in thanking our Forestry Commission firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers and all first responders across the country for taking immediate action when disaster strikes and helping keep communities safe around the clock.

It's National Fire Prevention Month! We're here with a simple reminder to THINK BEFORE YOU BURN to prevent wildfires. Hurricane Helene swept through South Carolina two years ago, leaving stands of downed trees and woody debris covering the landscape. These downed fuels increase the risk of wildfire by making ignition and spread more likely and also block access for firefighters, which slows response times. If you plan on conducting any kind of outdoor burning, please follow these reminders and exercise the utmost caution! 1. Don’t burn if you don’t absoutely have to. • Consider bagging your yard debris and taking it to a landfill. 2. Check the weather. • Wait until later to burn if it's windy outside, especially if relative humidity is low and/or it's been a while since good, soaking rain. 3. Notify the Forestry Commission before burning yard debris. It’s required by state law! • Use our online system or call your county's toll-free notification line, both available at scfc.gov/notify. 4. Take the proper precautions: • Limit the fire to woody, vegetative material like leaves, limbs and branches. • Clear a firebreak around the fire (at least as wide as the burn pile itself). • Have water and tools at hand to keep the fire under control. • Never leave the burn for any amount of time, and stay with the fire until it is completely out, preferably drowned out with water.

Attention, volunteer fire departments! The South Carolina Forestry Commission is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program will open November 1, 2026 Through this program, eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for up to $7,500 in reimbursement for the purchase of equipment and other items supported by the grant. This funding helps departments strengthen their firefighting capabilities and better protect the communities they serve. Applications will be accepted through our new online form - not mailed out like previous years. Important Dates: Applications Open: November 1, 2026 Application Deadline: December 31, 2026 Volunteer fire departments with an email address on file with SCFC will receive additional information and application instructions. When it opens, the application and additional info will be available here: arcg.is/1XT4vC1

Conservation partners celebrate dedication of SC’s 7th state forest⁠ ⁠ YEMASSEE, S.C.—Leaders from the SC Forestry Commission, Open Space Institute, Beaufort County government, the SC Conservation Bank, the SC Office of Resilience and Open Land Trust today gathered to dedicate South Carolina’s newest publicly held land, Pocotaligo Station State Forest.⁠ ⁠ Held on the 2,821-acre property that spans Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties, the dedication event officially established South Carolina’s seventh state forest and marked the culmination of a years-long collaborative conservation effort.⁠ ⁠ Not only does the project conserve land that was vulnerable to development in one of the state’s fastest-growing areas, but it adds to an expansive patchwork of other protected, undeveloped lowcountry properties that stretch all the way from west of Charleston to the Savannah River.⁠ ⁠ “The creation of a new state forest is cause for celebration,” said State Forester Scott Phillips. “We look forward to managing these lands for recreation, education and sustainable forestry, ensuring they continue to thrive and delight for generations to come.”⁠ ⁠ The new state forest will provide public outdoor recreation, safeguard wildlife habitat, ensure sustainable active forest management and provide revenue for local schools. As with all SCFC-managed lands, 25 percent of revenue generated through responsible timber and pine straw sales or lease income will be paid to school districts in Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties, adding to the forest’s long-term benefits to the community.⁠ ⁠ View the map: scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/…

It's National Color Day! Forests provide an array of colors, especially in the fall, for us to enjoy. Here are some of our favorites!

This morning the Forestry Commission, SCDNR and Chesterfield County officials celebrated the opening of a new fishing pier at Sand Hills State Forest in Patrick. SC Forestry Commission Forest Management Chief Russell Hubright, SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin, Rep. Richard Yow and Sen. Allen Blackmon spoke about the history of the state forest, its meaning to the community and the importance of the new fishing pier to the local community and beyond. The new pier replaced the previous dock that had fallen into disrepair over many years of use. This project was made possible by the Chesterfield County Water Recreation Fund. We're thankful for our partners, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Chesterfield County Legislative Delegation.

Have a favorite tree in the Midlands? The Treasured Trees program is returning to the region, and you can take part by nominating your favorite tree, whether for its size, age, historical significance or unique beauty! The official revitalization of the Treasured Trees program was announced last month by Columbia Green, the Columbia Garden Club, the Garden Club Council of Greater Columbia, the City of Columbia and local civic partners. The Midlands tradition, which started in 2005, is being refreshed and strengthened to highlight the natural beauty, history and community value of the local tree canopy. Since its inception, 206 individual trees and five groves of trees have been honored as Treasured Trees, with nominees historically spanning the Midlands, reaching as far as Batesburg-Leesville and Newberry. The Treasured Trees program is designed to build public awareness and appreciation for the importance of trees in our ecosystem and daily lives. NOMINATE A TREE *Deadline is Oct. 31, 2026 Apply at one of the two webpages: columbiagreen.org/treasuredt… or publicworks.columbiasc.gov/t… 1. Fill out the online application form accessible through both webpages or 2. Fill out the online PDF and email it to forestry@columbiasc.gov or 3. Download the PDF and fill it out by hand and mail it to City of Columbia, Forestry & Beautification, 2910 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203, Email photos of your nominated tree to forestry@columbiasc.gov and be sure to include your name. SELECTION The selection committee will meet Nov. 16 to review the applications and select this year’s honorees. Honorees and nominators will be recognized on South Carolina Arbor Day Friday, Dec. 4, 2026. The City of Columbia will provide framed certificates and program materials to honor the owners and nominators of the selected trees.

It's National Forest Products Week! 🌲 The observance pays tribute to the thousands of products that come from our forests, the professionals who manage them and the businesses and people that create, move and add value to the goods they generate. 💸 Forest products come from a renewable and sustainable resource and touch our lives every day. 🗒️ ✏️ 🪥 🧻 Many forest products are easily recognizable, like napkins, toilet paper and computer paper, but some are not so obvious, like toothpaste made from cellulose gum and compounds from trees in medicine and shampoo. Our forests also provide much more than consumer goods, helping purify the air and providing 60 percent of the fresh water in the US. 💧 #ForestProductsWeek #ForestProud

Every successful prescribed burn starts with a plan. Learn how to prepare a prescribed fire plan with experienced practitioners next month! WHO This course is geared toward landowners who are interested in using prescribed fire on their property and have little or no experience in preparing a prescribed fire plan. WHAT Participants will be guided through the planning process by experienced prescribed burning practitioners. You'll learn to: -Set prescribed burning objectives -Identify smoke-sensitive areas -Determine needed weather conditions -Evaluate fuel types -Plan for advanced burning preparations WHEN Tuesday, Nov. 10 5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m. WHERE SC Forestry Commission Office 2908 Walterboro Hwy Varnville, SC REGISTER prescribedburnhampton.eventb… *Cost is $20 CONTACT Mike Windhorn mswindh@clemson.edu

Our 4th Annual Dozer Academy wraps up today as a new group of wildland fire bulldozer operators graduates from the program at Manchester State Forest. This week’s training included courses that will be vital for operators in real-life situations.⁠ ⁠ Dozer Academy kicked off Monday with participants completing safety field exercises, including rollover escape and a Code Red exercise. Later on, topics such as dozer and FireTrack maintenance and in-woods repairs, loading/unloading and basic maneuvering were introduced.⁠ ⁠ Students also practiced various dozer operations such as righting a flipped plow, bog recovery, slope, waterbars, night operations and specific skills such as stump recovery and removing snags.⁠ ⁠ Congratulations to our employees who completed this comprehensive course, and thank you to our staff who organized and facilitated this important training.