Ernie P. Wiggers, Ph.D.
President/CEO Nemours Wildlife Foundation
Ernie Wiggers was born in Newberry County, South Carolina and grew up on a small, rural farm where his interest in the outdoors was developed. He holds two degrees in wildlife science from Clemson University and his PhD from Texas Tech University. He was on the faculty and later became Chair of the Fish and Wildlife Department at the University of Missouri. In January 2018, Dr. Wiggers was presented with Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student by the university.
In 1999 Dr. Wiggers returned to his home state to assume the role of founding Director of the Nemours Wildlife Foundation. Over the past 19 years, the Foundation’s role in scientific investigations has grown with more than two dozen graduate students having studied topics as diverse as bobwhite quail, eastern diamondback rattle snakes, wild turkeys, clapper rails, and mottled ducks. These studies have been in collaboration with several universities including Clemson University, University of South Carolina, University of Georgia, Marshall University and Mississippi State.
Dr. Wiggers helped establish the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council and has served as state chair of this council and the South Carolina Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Dr. Wiggers is currently the CEO and President of the Nemours Wildlife Foundation and serves on the ACE Basin Task Force. He and his wife Hope have two children, Sloane and Bryan, both graduates of Clemson University.
Beau Bauer B.S, M.S.
Staff Biologist Nemours Wildlife Foundation
Beau Bauer is the Staff Biologist for the Nemours Wildlife Foundation in Yemassee, SC, where he is responsible for conducting research on a variety of upland and wetland species and their habitats in addition to assisting with education and outreach programs.
He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson University. Prior to attending Clemson, Beau served in the United States Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant after five years of active duty service.
Beau is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® and has been a member of The Wildlife Society since 2013. He has been on the executive board of the South Carolina Chapter of The Wildlife Society since 2017 and currently serves as President-Elect. Additionally, Beau is a steering committee member of South Carolina’s Wildlife Habitat Education Program.
Beau resides on Nemours Plantation with his wife and 2 young children. He enjoys exploring the cultural and natural history of South Carolina and Clemson football.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nemours Wildlife Foundation
Michael G. McShane Chairman |
Johns Island, SC |
Gerald H. Schulze Secretary/Treasurer |
Beaufort, SC |
Colden R. Battey, Jr. Board Member |
Beaufort, SC |
James A. Beard, Jr. Board Member |
Pawleys Island, SC |
Linda A. Demmer Board Member |
Green Pond, SC and Harbor Springs, MI |
Alex Shuford Board Member |
Beaufort, SC |
Johnny Williamson III Board Member |
Denmark, SC |
FOUNDATION STAFF
Nemours Wildlife Foundation
Ernie P. Wiggers, Ph.D
President and CEO
ewiggers@nemourswildlife.org
Beau Bauer
Staff Biologist
bbauer@nemourswildlife.org
Michele Barker
Administrative Assistant
mbarker@nemourswildlife.org
Robert Kitler & Justin Rickenbaker
Plantation Management
Bubba Erwin
Landon Avant
Peachie Washington