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The HGTC Wildlife Society Chapter joined representatives from the South Carolina Department
of Natural Resources during the S.C.O.R.E. Partnership Kickoff and Oyster Roast on
the HGTC Georgetown Campus.
Pictured from left: Dr. Lori Heafner, HGTC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Shannon Detzler, HGTC Foundation President & CEO; Charles Granger, HGTC Department Chair, Forestry; Al Mosely, HGTC Forestry Professor; Kevin Swain, SCDNR Biologist; Holly Sommers, SCDNR Shell Recycling Coordinator; Mac Altman, HGTC Assistant Chair & Forestry Professor
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) celebrated a new environmental partnership between its Wildlife Society Chapter and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) through the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (S.C.O.R.E.) Program on Friday, Feb. 20, on the Georgetown Campus.
The kickoff event featured an oyster roast sponsored in part by SCDNR, providing a hands-on opportunity for students, faculty, and area environmental professionals to connect and learn more about coastal restoration efforts in Horry and Georgetown counties.
Through this partnership, the HGTC Wildlife Society Chapter will work alongside SCDNR’s S.C.O.R.E. Program to strengthen oyster reef restoration initiatives in estuarine ecosystems across the region.
“This partnership represents the kind of experiential learning that defines HGTC,” said Al Mosley, professor of forestry at HGTC. “Our students will not only gain valuable field experience but will also directly contribute to improving water quality, reducing shoreline erosion, and strengthening marine habitats in our own backyard.”
The collaboration grew from years of volunteer work with SCDNR’s S.C.O.R.E. Program, particularly in the Charleston Harbor area, and a shared recognition that expanded oyster recycling and reef restoration efforts were needed along the Grand Strand and Georgetown coastlines.
As part of the initiative, the HGTC Wildlife Society Chapter will:
- “Adopt” local restaurants in Horry and Georgetown counties that generate recyclable oyster shells.
- Coordinate shell collection and transportation to designated S.C.O.R.E. drop-off locations.
- Construct Manufactured Wire Reefs (MWRs) to support shoreline stabilization and oyster habitat restoration.
- Assist in reef deployment in areas impacted by erosion and water quality challenges.
The program aligns with SCDNR’s growing efforts to increase volunteer engagement and expand oyster recycling in coastal communities.
Beyond environmental impact, the partnership is expected to create additional internship and professional networking opportunities for HGTC students pursuing careers in forestry, wildlife management, marine sciences, and environmental conservation.
“This initiative strengthens our students’ professional foundations while delivering tangible benefits to our coastal ecosystems,” Mosley added. “It is a win for our students, our partners, and our community.”
HGTC leadership, faculty, and staff attended the kickoff event and supported this collaborative effort.