WiSE (Wilderness Southeast)

For over four decades, Wilderness Southeast (WiSE) has been dedicated to the advancement of conservation and environmental awareness and education in the Chatham County area. This dedication has taken a number of forms over the years and is now focused in two program areas:  1) Familiarizing visitors to our area with the unique ecosystems of the Lowcountry region of our state; and 2) working with Chatham County students to build a greater understanding of the natural places that make our home special, developing environmental stewards for generations to come. 

Our cornerstone environmental education program, Fish Gotta Swim (FGS), is an in-depth middle school science enrichment program developed by WiSE staff focusing on water quality and its implications for life.  For years, FGS has functioned as a dynamic, in-person experience for students who may not have the opportunity to engage with the natural world in their day-to-day lives.  FGS provides each student with 21 hours of interactive instruction and educational trips, emphasizing the scientific process and demonstrating the real-world relevance of classroom science and the interconnectedness of living and non-living elements of local wetlands. In years past, WiSE has taught upwards of 8,000 student-hours of water quality education annually to Savannah-Chatham County Public School (SCCPSS) students. 

Due to restraints posed by the pandemic, FGS was negatively impacted this past year.  So, we are seeking funds to revitalize and raise awareness of FGS.  This funding will provide for program redevelopment, staffing, supplies, and an awareness campaign to ensure this critical work continues.  

**Photo by Jack Goodman**