W.A.I.T. Program
The Wildlife and Industry Together (W.A.I.T.) Program is designed to give corporate landowners and their employees a framework for integrating wildlife habitat needs into corporate land management decisions.
In 1998, Western Carolina initiated the W.A.I.T. Program at its Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP). The program is a natural extension to Western Carolina's mission of providing the community with a cleaner environment. The W.A.I.T. Program also allows Western Carolina volunteers to expand their commitment to the environment by giving them a framework for enhancing the wildlife habitats at their Upstate plant sites.
W.A.I.T. is a registered program of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation which is in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. With their assistance, Western Carolina volunteers have worked together to design comprehensive W.A.I.T. plans.
These plans include building and installing bird boxes, creating foot trails and wildlife viewing areas, and enhancing various wildlife habitats. As their first project, volunteers built and installed nearly 40 bluebird boxes at Western Carolina's Mauldin Road Plant. At this time, a plan is being constructed to certify the Durbin Creek WWTP for the W.A.I.T. program as well. Duck boxes have already been constructed by local Boy Scouts for the new program at Durbin Creek. This habitat area will also include a nature trail and an education shelter for the public to enjoy.
For more information about the W.A.I.T. Program, please call 864-299-0260.