WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, RESEARCH & EDUCATION
Leading scientific research to enhance understanding of wildlife and their habitats, and sharing this knowledge so we can all become better stewards of our natural resources.
About Us
The Nemours Wildlife Foundation was established by the late Eugene duPont, III and his family in 1995.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit foundation administered by a dedicated, enthusiastic board of directors.
Nemours Wildlife Foundation is housed on and operates the nearly 10,000 acre Nemours Plantation in northern Beaufort County, South Carolina.
Our Vision
Nemours Wildlife Foundation aspires to be a leader in the scientific study and stewardship of our natural resources
Our Vision is to honor the legacy of Eugene duPont, III, and his family through excellence in land stewardship, education and discovery of the knowledge needed to manage, sustain, and restore wildlife populations and their habitats, and improve our quality of life.
Our Mission
- To develop and use management practices that conserve and sustain wildlife populations and their habitats.
- To deliver a research program that enhances our understanding of wildlife populations and their habitats and provides science-based information for decision-making on all issues impacting natural resources conservation.
- To deliver an educational and outreach program that enhances the appreciation of nature for all citizens.
- To preserve our hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational heritage, and promote conservation ethics
TRANSITIONS AT NEMOURS
By Mike McShane, Chairman, Nemours Wildlife Foundation
Michael G. McShane, Chairman
Board of Directors
After 12 years of serving as chairman of the Nemours Wildlife foundation board of directors, Colden Battey has elected to step down but remain as a trustee. We are all tremendously grateful for Colden’s 25 years of dedicated service to the foundation and I am very pleased Colden will remain engaged. Please see his statement below.
President & CEO
Dr. Ernie Wiggers has announced his retirement as President and CEO of the foundation effective December 31, 2021, giving us 12 months to not only celebrate Ernie’s accomplishments but to prepare for a successor.
Foremost, before we discuss our search process, I must express our collective and profound appreciation for the accomplishments by Ernie as Executive Director, then as President and CEO. Retiring at the end of next year will bring his tenure at Nemours to 22 years of building a now nationally recognized, preeminent wildlife research and education program. This is not only Ernie’s legacy, but one we can all be very proud of as supporters.
As a reminder, Ernie grew up on a farm in Pomaria, SC, graduated from Clemson University in 1975 with his bachelor’s degree and in 1979 with his master’s in wildlife biology. Ernie and his wife, Hope, then travelled to Texas Tech for his PhD which he completed in 1983. They then moved to the University of Missouri where he was on the faculty in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in the College of Agriculture from 1983 until 1999 when we were fortunate to lure him back to South Carolina.
I have appointed an executive search committee which our very capable colleague and board member Alex Shuford has agreed to lead. Board members Colden Battey and Jerry Schulze will serve as well. I appreciate and trust their wisdom and commitment to excellence.
My commitment is to keep our stakeholders engaged as we work collectively on a decision to find the right successor for the foundation. Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss any questions regarding our plans or suggestions.
With Warm Regards,
Mike (ravenspoint@msn.com)
NEWSLETTER
Read Our Latest Newsletter
Colden R. Battey, Jr., Board Member
“In March of 2020 I began to experience some physical challenges and decided it was best for the foundation that I step down from the chairmanship of the board of directors. Mike McShane, the board vice chairman, has assumed the chairmanship and I believe he will provide the foundation with great leadership.
It has been one of the high points of my career to lead this foundation. I will remain on the board and will continue to work for the success of the foundation.“
Colden R. Battey, Jr
LOCATED ON NEMOURS PLANTATION
Nemours Plantation is located within the heart of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto (ACE) Basin, world-renowned for its conservation accomplishments and listed by The Nature Conservancy as “one of the last great places”.
The Foundation’s setting in this incredibly diverse natural landscape provides unmatched opportunities for conducting scientific and educational programs.
Nemours contains a rich diversity of habitats including remnant rice fields, fresh and brackish water marshes, upland pine and hardwood forests, bottomland hardwoods, and cypress/tupelo swamps.
The Nemours Wildlife Foundation is regularly engaged in short and long term studies focusing on conservation, management, and sustainability of wildlife populations and their habitats.
GROUP TOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Nemours Wildlife Foundation is located on the private Nemours Plantation. Because of the sensitive nature of wildlife research taking place year-round, we are not open to the public. We welcome organized groups by appointment as our research schedules permit. Please contact us for available dates and times.
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