Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

NAI Columbia Announces February 2024 Transactions

Columbia, SC –
Sales:
– John Gregory, CCIM, Bill Lamar, and Tristan Lee sold 5911 Edmund Highway in Lexington, South Carolina. The industrial property is 10,500 square feet and sold for $314,325.
– John Gregory, CCIM, Bill Lamar, and Tristan Lee sold 1607 St. Julian Place in Columbia, South Carolina. The office is 7,965 square feet and sold for $1,175,000.
– Nelson Weston, Tombo Milliken, and Tom Milliken sold 1540 Bush River Rd. in Columbia, South Carolina. It is 1.2 acres of land and sold for $150,000.
– John Gregory, CCIM, Bill Lamar, and Tristan Lee sold 5921 Edmund Highway. The industrial property is 10,500 square feet and sold for $235,675
– Tombo Milliken, Tom Milliken, and Nelson Weston sold six high-end residential lots in the Pecan Orchard at Woodcreek Farms to Pulte Homes. The lots sold for $570,000.
Leases:
– John Gregory, CCIM, Bill Lamar, and Tristan Lee leased 400 Northeast Drive in Columbia, South Carolina. The industrial property is 4,550 square feet.
About NAI Columbia
NAI Columbia is a full-service commercial real estate firm located in Columbia, South Carolina providing customized brokerage, property management, project management, development, research, and consulting services throughout South Carolina and beyond. NAI Columbia is broker-owned with over 200 years of combined local experience among its eight partners. Founded in 2019, the firm is a partnership with NAI Earle Furman in Greenville, S.C., along with eight local partners that served as senior brokers with NAI Avant, which derived from national real estate developer Edens and Avant, before its sunsetting and
807 Gervais Street Suite 200 | Columbia, South Carolina USA 29201 | +1 803 744 9800 | naicolumbia.com
reformation as NAI Columbia under new leadership and a new company structure. NAIC is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions through 375+ offices worldwide. For more information visit www.naicolumbia.com.

SCDOA and IMPH honored with 2023 South Carolina Notable State Documents Award

Columbia, S.C. — The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) in partnership with the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH) was announced as a winner of the 2023 South Carolina Notable State Documents Awards.

For its work Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults as a Determinant of Health, SCDOA and IMPH won in the category of Monographs (physical or born digital).

While social isolation finds its way to all ages, this focus centers on the impact it has on older adults in our state. In this report, readers learn about the effect social isolation has on the physical and mental health of older adults. The recommendations in the report are noted as the top areas of concern, and include suggested ways to reduce problems associated with social isolation in our most vulnerable population.

“Social isolation in older adults is a top priority for our agency,” says Connie Munn, Director of SCDOA. “We are very proud of the work and partnership with the Institute of Medicine and Public Health to help combat social isolation in older adults. This report will help us continue to be vigilant in our five-year plan and ensure that we all have a role to play in reducing social isolation among our older adults.”

A taskforce of 40+ members developed the recommendations in the report along with feedback captured from older adults experiencing social isolation or serving as caregivers for socially isolated older adults.

“We are proud of our partnership with the SC Department on Aging and the work of the Social Isolation in Older Adults Taskforce,” says Maya Pack, Executive Director of IMPH. “We are thrilled that the work will continue under the Office for the Study of Aging at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina with an inclusive, ongoing coalition titled South Carolina’s Operation to Confront Social Isolation and Loneliness (SOCIAL Aging).”

For more information on the South Carolina Department on Aging, visit https://aging.sc.gov/ and https://www.getcaresc.com/.

For more information on IMPH, visit https://imph.org/.

Let the Hunt Begin for Riverbanks’ Anniversary Prizes

Discover Hidden Treasures: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Reveals Golden Opportunity for Fun
Celebrate 50 Wild Years with Exclusive Prizes and Community Collaboration

Columbia, SC — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will mark 50 inspiring years of wildlife conservation on April 25, 2024. To celebrate the 50th anniversary milestone, Riverbanks is excited to unveil a Golden Ticket giveaway, extending a golden invitation to the entire community to join in on the fun. Teaming up with local businesses and supporters, Riverbanks is distributing 50 Golden Tickets throughout the Midlands, each offering an exclusive prize. From family four-packs of general admission tickets to behind-the-scenes tours and rare opportunities like assisting in the creation of enrichment activities for meerkats, there’s something on the wild side awaiting lucky winners.

The fun begins now, with tickets waiting to be discovered until June 30, 2024. Partnering with community collaborators, from local businesses to civic organizations and beyond, each will provide access to a hidden treasure through engaging activities. Whether you are out in the community, scrolling online, or watching your favorite TV station, a Golden Ticket could be within reach. Helpful hints will be shared on Riverbanks’ social media platforms for those wanting to participate.

Upon acquiring an official Golden Ticket, each lucky winner will scratch off a golden emblem to reveal their prize. Directions for how to claim the prize will be included on the ticket. “Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is thrilled to celebrate 50 wild years with our community, whose unwavering support has helped make this major milestone possible,” said Monique Jacobs, vice president of advancement at Riverbanks. “What better way to say, ‘thank you,’ as we kick off our Golden Anniversary than by giving back in partnership with local businesses with an array of fun and engaging Golden Tickets.”

50th Anniversary Golden Ticket Partners:
• ABC Columbia
• Better Business Bureau
• Capital City/Lake Murray Country
• COLAtoday
• Columbia Chamber
• Columbia Fireflies
• Cumulus Media/B-106.7
• Experience Columbia
• Flying Biscuit Café
• Greater Cayce/West Columbia Chamber
• Greater Irmo Chamber
• Grow Financial Federal Credit Union
• Mast General Store
• Peak Drift Brewing Company
• Richland Library
• Riverbanks Gift Shop
• Saluda Shoals Park
• SCETV and SC Public Radio
• South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
• The Hoot
• The Nickelodeon
• University of South Carolina
• Vista Guild
• Wingard’s Market
• WIS
• WLTX

Riverbanks aims to foster a spirit of collaboration and celebration throughout the 50th anniversary festivities. Visit riverbanks.org/50years for an updated list of Golden Ticket Partners.

Riverbanks’ Social Media Platforms:
• Facebook – Riverbankszoo
• Instagram – Riverbankszoosc
• X/(Twitter) – Riverbankszoo

Seize the opportunity to become a part of this momentous celebration and stay connected with Riverbanks on social media.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for five decades has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.

Banker Exchange Highlights Female Empowerment & Achievement During Women’s History Month

As the world celebrates Women’s History Month, Banker Exchange, a pioneering firm in 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, takes the opportunity to announce and celebrate its recent recognitions: the SCBiz Empowering Women Award and the prestigious 2024 GSA Women of Influence Award received by its President, Shonna Felkel.

The SCBiz Empowering Women Award recognizes organizations in South Carolina that have demonstrated a significant commitment to supporting and elevating women in the workplace and the community. This honor underscores Banker Exchange’s dedication to creating an environment that nurtures the professional growth and leadership of women.

In parallel, the GSA Women of Influence Award acknowledges 25 exceptional women who have made substantial contributions to making the Upstate a vibrant place to work and live. Shonna Felkel’s selection as one of the honorees is a testament to her unwavering passion, leadership, and commitment to community causes, alongside her remarkable contributions to the real estate industry.

“Women’s History Month offers a poignant moment to reflect on our collective strides towards female empowerment and leadership,” said Shonna Felkel, President. “At Banker Exchange, we’re honored by the recognitions of the SCBiz Empowering Women Award and my GSA Women of Influence Award. These accolades are a testament to our team’s dedication to fostering a culture that celebrates and supports the achievements of women, reinforcing our commitment to this important cause.”

Banker Exchange’s announcement aligns with the spirit of Women’s History Month, highlighting the firm’s and Felkel’s impactful roles in advancing the status of women in both professional arenas and community engagements.

About Banker Exchange: Banker Exchange is a leader in facilitating 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, offering comprehensive services and guidance to exchangers nationwide. With a commitment to integrity, expertise, and client-focused solutions, Banker Exchange is a trusted partner in maximizing real estate investments.

For more information about Banker Exchange, please visit bankers1031.com.

Don’t Let Termites Spring Into Your Home!

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As spring heralds longer days and warmer climates, it also awakens a less welcome guest: termites. These pint-sized destroyers rack up a hefty $5 billion yearly in home repairs. National Termite Awareness Week, running from March 3-9 serves as a timely reminder, and Terminix Service, Inc. is empowering homeowners with proactive measures to safeguard their properties from termites, including the increasingly aggressive Formosan species rapidly spreading across the Carolinas.

“As the Carolinas continues to see a rapid influx of new residents, the importance of homeowner education increases,” said Terminix Technical Director Kevin Hathorne. “Our region harbors a variety of termites, including subterranean, drywood, and now Formosan subterranean termites are spreading into new areas. We’re committed to enlightening homeowners on how to make their property less attractive to these pests.”

Top 10 Tips to Terminate Termite Troubles: Terminix recommends these preventative measures, including:

1. Repair plumbing leaks.
2. Make sure gutters and downspouts are not clogged or damaged and are directing water away from the foundation. Install gutters if you don’t have them.
3. Point sprinklers away from your foundation.
4. Prevent pooling water next to your foundation by re-grading the soil so that water flows away from your house, or install a drainage system like a French drain.
5. Keep your roof in good shape and free of leaks.
6. Repair and replace damaged siding and flashing.
7. Store firewood, scrap lumber, or any other wooden products as far from your house as possible.
8. Do not use excessive mulch or pine straw around the foundation.
9. Trim any adjacent bushes and trees.
10. Ensure your crawl space has adequate ventilation and a moisture barrier or is encapsulated and conditioned like the Terminix Humidi-Seal system offers.

Locally-owned Terminix Service, Inc. provides a termite protection plan with the strongest guarantee in the business. For more information, visit www.trustterminix.com or call 1-800-Terminix.

About Terminix Service, Inc.
For 75 years, our customers have trusted Terminix Service, Inc., for the best termite and pest control protection for their homes and businesses. With annual revenue of over $150 million, the family-owned and operated Terminix Service, Inc. is the tenth-largest pest control company in North America. Terminix Service, Inc. operates in South Carolina, western North Carolina, and the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia. Visit www.TrustTerminix.com or call 1-800-TERMINIX.

Family Connection South Carolina to Host 2024 Hopes & Dreams Conference

Annual Conference highlights resources for families and professionals caring for children who have disabilities

Columbia, SC — Family Connection of South Carolina will be hosting their annual Hopes and Dreams Conference on March 21 at the R2i2 Conference Center. The conference brings together parents, professionals, students, non-profits and state agencies for a day of learning and collaboration.

“Every day, parents of children with disabilities, chronic health conditions and mental health concerns are faced with the difficulty of trying to understand and access much needed services” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. “Our Hopes & Dreams conference highlights resources and best practices so families know where to turn for help. This day is an opportunity for parents and professionals to learn alongside each other as they build collaborative relationships to meet the needs of children in their care.” said Holbert.

The Hopes & Dreams conference will open with local musician and spoken word artist, Dove Dupree. The keynote speaker is John Badalament, Director of Programs, The Fatherhood Project at Massachusetts General Hospital and author of The Modern Dad’s Dilemma. Workshops will feature experts from across the state presenting topics related to navigating childcare and early intervention services, family law, financial planning, parent engagement in education, transitioning from pediatric to adult care, and opportunities to develop self-advocacy skills. Continuing education credits will be offered, and more than 30 exhibitors will be in attendance.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; followed by opening remarks at 9:00 a.m., and workshops will conclude at 4:15 p.m.

Event information including conference schedule, registration, and exhibitor and sponsor opportunities is available at: www.familyconnectionsc.org/training/conferences. Early-bird discounts are available through February 29, 2024.

In addition to Ongoing Sponsor, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Supporting Sponsor, South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council, event sponsors include: South Carolina Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium, Molina Healthcare, Wellpoint, Nightingales Nursing & Attendants; SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, SC Department of Education, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

About Family Connection of South Carolina:
Since 1990, Family Connection of South Carolina has been changing lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for those with disabilities and chronic health conditions. We offer programs and services to ensure that parents, professionals, and caregivers have access to available resources to help their children reach their full potential. Our work focuses on five areas: Parent Support, Healthcare, Education, Training and Advocacy. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an ongoing sponsor of Family Connection of South Carolina. For more information or to make a referral or donation, visit www.familyconnectionsc.org or call 800-578-8750. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

PROVE IT Act Highlights America’s Climate Leadership

Young Republicans and conservatives in South Carolina and across the country are growing increasingly concerned about the need to pass smart, commonsense solutions to address the climate crisis that poses a threat to our environment and our economy.

That’s why it’s heartening to see Senator Lindsey Graham and other prominent conservatives in the Senate backing legislation that would help America continue to lead on carbon reduction efforts while highlighting the benefits of our cleaner manufacturing practices and standards.

The Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act would direct the Department of Energy to commission a study on the emissions produced by certain goods here in America, where we have the highest environmental standards in the world, compared to countries with looser or no such standards, like China.

The bipartisan PROVE IT Act will help provide solid data to illustrate just how much cleaner American manufacturing is compared to some of our global and economic rivals. It will not only help boost clean manufacturing domestically, but will also hopefully put pressure on other industrialized nations to step up their environmental standards in order to continue reducing emissions at the global level.

Ultimately, the PROVE IT Act is about showing how America is leading in the effort to slash carbon emissions while continuing to grow a vibrant, increasingly clean manufacturing sector. Hopefully more Republicans will follow Senator Graham’s lead and help pass this vital legislation without delay.

USGLC Welcomes 57 Young Professionals to the Next Gen Global Leaders Network Class of 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) is announcing the 2024 class of the Next Generation (Next Gen) Global Leaders Network, a year-long leadership training, cultivation, and engagement program for a group of diverse and bipartisan young professionals from across the country in support of their own engagement on global development and diplomacy in their communities.

This promising class of future leaders from over 25 states will take part in various classes with USGLC leaders and special experts to gain vital skills on topics including, but not limited to, development policy, media and communications skills, and advocacy training. Throughout the year, they will interact with policymakers and opinion leaders, have opportunities to share and publish their own stories and perspectives, and will ultimately become members of USGLC’s State Advisory Committees. This program continues to be an opportunity for USGLC to invest in the next generation of leaders and future champions of global development and diplomacy.

This year’s class includes 57 young professionals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, representing a broad spectrum of political affiliations and emphasizing the importance of the bipartisan nature of this program.

Here is the 2024 class of USGLC’s Next Gen Global Leaders Network (with titles and affiliations listed for identification purposes only).

Alabama

Stephanie Manning; Refugee Resettlement Program Director, Global Ties Alabama; Huntsville, AL
Arizona

Dominic Frattura; Director of Advocacy, North American Interfraternity Conference; Scottsdale, AZ
Alma V. Peralta; International Trade Specialist, City of Tucson; Tucson, AZ

California

Nikki Narvasa*; Contracts Manager, Lockheed Martin Space; Sunnyvale, CA
Colby Smith*; Marine Corps Officer, Naval Postgraduate School; Monterey, CA

Colorado

Erin Amsberry; Director of Communications, Colorado Business Roundtable; Denver, CO
Shea Thurling*; Senior Software Engineer at Lockheed Martin Space, Colorado Army National Guard; Denver, CO

District of Columbia

David Rader*; Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Defense; Washington, DC

Delaware
Wendell Covell; Deputy Program Director, JFS Delaware; Wilmington, DE

Florida

Nicola Brown; President at KOKORO and Practitioner-in-Residence, Bright Ventures; Port St Lucie, FL
Cecilia Gonzalez Herrera; Advocacy Coordinator for Voting Rights, LatinoJustice PRLDEF; Orlando, FL
Randolph Scott; Associate Director of International Affairs, University of West Florida; Pensacola, FL
Gerald Torres-Soto; Miami, FL

Georgia

Rejoice Jones; Founder, Vower; Atlanta, GA

Kansas

Suzanne Ryan-Numrich; International Trade Director, Kansas Department of Agriculture; Manhattan, KS

Maine

Brody Haverly-Johndro; Attorney, Verrill Dana LLP; Portland, ME

Minnesota

Benjamin Coder; Graduate Student in the Master of Public Policy Program, Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota; Maple Grove, MN

Missouri

Kari Hoggard; Global Programs Research Developer, Convoy of Hope; Springfield, MO
Umama “Umi” Khenissi; Section 3 Manager, Employment Connection; St. Louis, MO
Aloukik SJB Rana; Associate at Global Philanthropists Circle (GPC), The Synergos Institute; St. Louis, MO

Nebraska

Andrew Dominguez Farias; Lobby and Policy Fellow, Asian Community and Cultural Center; Lincoln, NE

New Hampshire

Alexander de Geofroy*; Vice President of Information Technology & Analytics, Agilyx Corporation; Rochester, NH
Ali Sekou; Manager of Community Engagement & Inclusion, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority; Concord, NH
Robert J. Warach; City Councilor, City of Dover, NH; Dover, NH

New Mexico

Megan DeLaRosa; Executive Director of Kirtland Partnership Committee, Director of Public Affairs for Governor Susan Martinez; Albuquerque, NM

North Carolina

Lauren Stikeleather; Associate Director of Education Abroad & Away, Davidson College; Davidson, NC
North Dakota

Zachary Ista; House Minority Leader, North Dakota House of Representatives; Grand Forks, ND

Oklahoma

Perrin Clore Duncan; Special Projects Manager, Arnall Family Foundation; Oklahoma City, OK
Austin Hayes; Scholar Program Coordinator, Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, OK
Aldwyn Sappleton; Deputy Director of Research & Economic Analysis, Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Norman, OK

Oregon

Jennifer Borrero; Founder of Youth Housing Coalition, United Nations Association; Salem, OR

Pennsylvania

Subhasree Basu; Team Leader of Oncology, Johnson & Johnson; Hatfield, PA
Stephanie Confer; Project Coordinator for the Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA
David Misner; External Affairs Manager, Pennsylvania American Water; Marysville, PA

South Carolina

Dr. Shaneen Dials-Corujo*; Honors Program Director & Associate Professor, Benedict College; Columbia, SC
Seema Shrivastava-Patel; Chairman of South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Carolina Convenience Corporation; Lexington, SC
Tyler Swain Mitchell; Educator for Richland School District 2, South Carolina State Guard; Columbia, SC

South Dakota
Stephen Howard*; Account Service Manager, Daktronics; Sioux Falls, SD
Erik Muckey; CEO, Lost&Found; Sioux Falls, SD

Tennessee

Maria Amalla; Grassroots Advocacy Manager, United Nations Foundation; Antioch, TN
Logan Matthews; Vice President, Cooley Public Strategies; Franklin, TN
Terry Vo; District 17 Councilmember of Metropolitan Government of Nashville-Davidson County, API Middle TN; Nashville, TN

Texas

Ann Marie Blackmon; Program Specialist, Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC); Austin, TX
Bethany Dunn; Director of Programs, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth; Dallas, TX
Ryan Garcia; Development Manager, JES Holdings, LLC; Dallas, TX
Scott Kim; Associate Faculty of Criminal Justice, The University of Arizona Global Campus; Plano, TX
Matthew Stazenski*; Director of Air Force Community Partnerships, United States Air Force; Abilene, TX
Albert Torres; Program Manager of Global Policy, George W. Bush Institute; Dallas, TX

Utah

Terrell Chandler*; Director of International Programs, Spirit of America; Salt Lake City, UT
Nicole Earnshaw; Manager of International Programs, World Trade Center Utah; Salt Lake City, UT

Virginia

Amir Abu-El-Hawa; Chief of Staff of the Mason District for Supervisor Andres Jimenez, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Herndon, VA
George Bogden; Associate, White & Case; Arlington, VA
Luis Fernandez; Relationship Partner, Bloomberg Government; Woodbridge, VA

Washington

Rachel E. Brooks; Project Manager, Microsoft Democracy Forward Initiative; Kirkland, WA
Jordan Kronen; Master of Public Policy Student, Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford; Anacortes, WA

Wisconsin

Riley Reed; Corporate Partnerships Manager and Global Impact Professional, GlobalGiving; Pewaukee, WI

*Indicates Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

NAI Columbia Announces January 2024 Transactions

Sales:
– Ben Kelly, CCIM & Patrick Chambers sold 662 St. Andrews Road near Irmo, South Carolina. The property is 0.35 acres of land located just off I-26.
– Nelson Weston, Tombo Milliken, and Tom Milliken sold ±19.82 acres of land in Hopkins, South Carolina. The property is located off Weston Road.
– Tombo Milliken, Tom Milliken, and Nelson Weston, sold ±5.84 acres of commercial land near Eastover, South Carolina. The property is the former home to the Any Day Inn and located at 2770 McCords Ferry Road. It sold for $350,000.
– John Gregory, PE, CCIM & Will DuPree sold 1063 Center Street in West Columbia, South Carolina. The property is a 2,800 SF office building and it sold for $220,000
Leases:
– Bobby Balboni, CCIM & Patrick Palmer, CCIM leased 3,500 SF of medical office space in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.
– Bobby Balboni, CCIM & Patrick Palmer, CCIM leased 2,070 SF of retail space located at 3000 Rosewood Drive.
– Will DuPree, Bobby Balboni, CCIM, & Patrick Palmer, CCIM leased 2,450 SF of office space located at 101 W Main Street in Lexington, South Carolina.
– John Gregory, PE, CCIM & Will DuPree leased a 1,200 SF office space located at 1116 Blanding Street in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.

About NAI Columbia
807 Gervais Street Suite 200 | Columbia, South Carolina USA 29201 | +1 803 744 9800 | naicolumbia.com

NAI Columbia is a full-service commercial real estate firm located in Columbia, South Carolina, providing customized brokerage, property management, project management, development, research, and consulting services throughout the Columbia, S.C., region and beyond. NAIC is broker-owned with over 200 years of combined local experience among its partners. Founded in 2019, the firm is a partnership between NAI Earle Furman in Greenville, S.C., along with eight local principals that served as senior brokers with NAI Avant, which derived from national real estate developer Edens and Avant, before its sunsetting and reformation as NAI Columbia under new leadership and a new company structure. NAIC is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions through 375+ offices worldwide. For more information visit www.naicolumbia.com.

Riverbanks’ New Conservation Efforts Are For the Birds

Columbia, SC — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has joined South Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) to prevent one of the largest threats to migratory birds, collisions with glass. AZA’s North American Songbird (NAS) SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction® program awarded Riverbanks a grant to install CollidEscape, an external window vinyl that turns glass into a visible barrier to birds and still allows the view from inside to remain unobstructed. “At Riverbanks, we’ve been tracking and mitigating bird collisions for ten years. Our program continues to grow with this installation, which is our biggest and best yet,” says Colleen Lynch, Curator of Birds at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Birds often do not recognize glass as a barrier. Instead, they see reflections, such as trees and sky, and accidentally collide with the glass. Creating a visual barrier prevents reflections and helps to significantly decrease a bird’s attraction to windows. Hunter Balog, Conservation Project Manager at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, states, “As a conservation organization, we have a responsibility to educate our guests and the community on how we are helping wildlife and wild places, and how they can do the same.”

Riverbanks has several bird safe glass installations on campus, from vinyl window clings at the Komodo dragon yard to bird safe glass on the doors at the new Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center. The latest CollidEscape installation is on the two-story window of Riverbanks’ Tuskers restaurant overlooking giraffes and zebras.

“Our hope is that other Columbia organizations will consider an installation of their own so we can collectively reduce songbird window collisions in the Midlands region,” added Jay Keck, Industry Habitat Manager at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Throughout the years, the CollidEscape material installed at this location should save hundreds, if not thousands, of our amazing birds. Birds have a unique way of connecting people to nature, so protecting them ensures that our relationship with our amazing planet will remain a healthy one.”

Three-quarters of the world’s coffee production destroys critical bird habitats and uses harsh chemicals. Bird-friendly coffee plantations are certified organic farms that work to lower carbon production, fight climate change and help birds and other wildlife thrive. The coffee is farmed sustainably, which fosters the growth of tree canopies to ensure a safe habitat for migratory and nesting birds. You can do your part to protect birds by purchasing Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certified coffee at Riverbanks and other retail locations.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for five decades has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.