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 Wildlife program
Wildlife and Industry Together (W.A.I.T.) is a program of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation designed to encourage integration of wildlife habitat needs into corporate land management decisions.
Greer CPW became number 15 on the growing list of certified W.A.I.T. sites September 21st 1999, in South Carolina.
South Carolina has become increasingly developed with less land available for wildlife. The commitment of Greer Commission of Public Works, and the other industries that have assumed leadership roles in providing wildlife habitat, is critical.
Lake Robinson Habitat
 One component to the design of the Lake Robinson habitat was the Carolina Fence built surrounding the lake. The fence uses basic elements, both cultural and natural, that have been designated as a symbol of our state. The concept involves a split rail fence as the primary structure supporting Carolina Jessamine vines. This evergreen vine, indigenous throughout South Carolina and the state flower, has long been celebrated for its vibrant yellow flowers in March. In addition, the fragrant flowers are a first annual source of nectar to many native insects.
Also, several wren houses have been built by local Boy Scout and Girl Scout volunteers, were mounted on the fence posts. Not only is the Carolina wren the state bird, they are important to attract and conserve since they sing year-round. Carolina wrens do not leave for the winter so Greer CPW employees and visitors can enjoy their music even in the winter.
The finishing touch to the Carolina Fence was a block of Carolina blue granite. In 1969, blue granite was recognized as the official stone of South Carolina through an Act of the General Assembly. The Act noted "the blue granite stone of this state has been widely used to beautify all areas of South Carolina." To learn more about our W.A.I.T Program, visit one of our habitat sites or call Lake Warden Chuck Barnes at Lake Robinson at 864.895.3645.
CPW Operations Center Habitat
The lake area isn't the only CPW property that was redefined to create an environment designed for and to attract wildlife. The Operations Center, located in downtown Greer on McCall Street, features a songbird orchard and a butterfly garden.
Greer CPW's butterfly garden was designed with several elements to fulfill the butterfly's life cycle needs, beginning with a variety of food sources. Before a female butterfly’s death, she lays pearl-like eggs on a host plant, which furnishes healthy meals and a home for her larval caterpillar. The nectar plants placed in the garden by the W.A.I.T. volunteers will cater to the butterflies when they burst forth from their cocoon but will also attract transient butterflies to the area.
CPW also used native plants that can cope with excessive amounts of water in soil for their butterfly garden. The water surrounding the plants also provides a location for an important butterfly activity called puddling. This activity requires the use of the butterfly proboscis (long tongue) to "drink the water."
The W.A.I.T. Team did not neglect a single detail and knew, of course, that any "native" South Carolina butterfly needs a place to sun so a flat, light colored rock was also provided for the butterflies to bask on. Although the "Butterfly House" is mainly decorative, it does serve an important purpose-- providing a windbreak for its fluttering residents.
In addition to the W.A.I.T. Habitat locations, CPW supports a protected waterfowl area between the two lakes owned by CPW-- Lake Robinson and Lake Cunningham. CPW also provides nesting habitat for wood ducks in the northern part of Lake Robinson.
The corporate philosophy of Greer CPW encourages employees to make their community a better place. Members of the 2004 W.A.I.T. Team include: Chuck Barnes; Jerry Davis; Phil Ennis; Kevin Kinard; Kim Pruett; Kandy Powell; Theresa Flynn, Blake Barbare, Jonny Corley, Farrah Forrester; and Bruce Yerkes. These individuals are certainly to be commended on a job well done.
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