CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Whether living in Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville -- for South Carolina High School Seniors with a passion for nature, the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund is looking to provide an avenue to study it.

“What we hope to do and accomplish is to get kids interested in the outdoors and the natural resources and the marine and inland, and hopefully some of them will go to school and graduate and come work with SCDNR," Jim Goller, the executive director of the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, said.

The fund was created in 1981 in honor of Harry R.E. Hampton to help the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Harry was a South Carolina conversationalist whose goal was to make the world a better place.

Thinking outside the box, Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund gives over $100k in scholarships (WCIV)

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“We fund programs for DNR that they cannot fund through regular South Carolina state taxes and state funds, and most of those programs are for the youth, the ladies, and sports in the school," Goller continued.

It also funds a student's love for wildlife, natural resources, and forestry. To be eligible, students have to be a senior in a South Carolina High School and have a passion to learn more about the nature that surrounds them.

“We want them to be cognizant of the state’s natural resources, we want them to hopefully get interested in the outer doors anywhere and take an interest in their environment and learn their studies to get back," Goller continued. "As population grows and we encroach on wildlife and natural resources in the wild part of the world we have to learn to be good stewards of our land and our waters."

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The overall goal of the fund is to find young adults who want to give back to the world like Harry.

“He [Harry] also lobbied the South Carolina legislation for the South Carolina commission, and that went on to become the SCDNR, and that’s how it came about and why we think so much of him," Goller said.

The Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund awarded scholarships to 19 students for the 2023/2024 school year.

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Meteorologist Ari Sarsalari explains why flooding from Idalia was so severe in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Tropical Storm Idalia moved into South Carolina on Wednesday night after making landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane earlier in the day. While the storm had weakened as it moved across Florida and through Georgia, entering South Carolina with maximum sustained wind speeds of around 60 mph, it was still bringing heavy flooding to the coast of the Palmetto State. It later moved on to North Carolina.

A storm surge warning was in effect for the Savannah River, on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, up north to the South Santee River in South Carolina, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday night.

Along South Carolina's coast, North Myrtle Beach, Garden City, and Edisto Island all reported ocean water flowing over sand dunes and spilling onto beachfront streets Wednesday evening. In Charleston, storm surge from Idalia topped the seawall that protects the downtown, sending ankle-deep ocean water into the streets and neighborhoods where horse-drawn carriages pass million-dollar homes and the famous open-air market.

Emily Johnson of CBS affiliate WCSC-TV posted video of water coming over the seawall along the Battery, an area at the southern tip of the portion of Charelston that extends into the harbor.

Video posted to social media by Kathleen Culler showed two men walking through knee-deep water in what appeared to be a parking lot along the Ashley River.

Police in Isle of Palms, a small town on a barrier island to the east of Charleston, posted a video on social media showing "deep standing water" on one of the island's major roadways.

Preliminary data showed the Wednesday evening high tide reached just over 9.2 feet, more than 3 feet above normal and the fifth-highest reading in Charleston Harbor since records were first kept in 1899.

Idalia also spawned a tornado that briefly touched down in the Charleston, South Carolina, suburb of Goose Creek, the National Weather Service said. The winds sent a car flying and flipped it over, according to authorities and eyewitness video. Two people received minor injuries.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - With the sea level expected to rise 14 inches by 2050, the City of Charleston is formulating a plan to prevent catastrophic flooding on the peninsula.

The City of Charleston’s Chief Resilience Officer Dale Morris said the flooding the city experienced during Idalia could happen several times a month in 20 to 25 years.

“If we anticipate those kinds of events occurring three, four, five times a month in the future, we better do something about it now or we’re going to lose a large portion of the peninsula,” Morris said.

Morris said the city is working with the Army Corps of Engineers to build an elevated edge around the peninsula, stretching from Wagener Terrace to just North of the Ravenel Bridge.

He said it would be around the same height as the current High Battery, with a deck at around 10 feet of land elevation.

The projected cost of the project is $1.3 billion, but Morris said the Federal Government would cover around 65% of that.

“So, should we try to move forward with this project and see if we can make it work or do we just accept this as occurring?” Morris said. “We know what’s going to happen, we have to prepare for it because it takes so long.”

Right now, the city is negotiating a design agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers that’s expected to take an additional one to three months. From there, Morris said the agreement will go to the City Council and up the chain of command for the Army Corps of Engineers.

If all goes as planned, the city could start the design phase next spring. Morris said the first phase of design for the West side of the peninsula could take up to two years before heading back to City Council for approval.

It’s not only city officials that are concerned about the impacts of rising sea levels.

The General Manager of The Establishment on Broad Street, Brian Jarusik, said the flooding from Wednesday’s storm is not sustainable for the long term because of how badly it impacted business.

“I can firmly say something needs to be done in the positive, what that is, we defer to the experts on that one,” Jarusik said. “If this is something we’re going to see moving forward, we will be financially hit with that.”

It’s not only economic impacts that have residents concerned.

“This great history living on the water won’t be there to be appreciated in the future,” Brian Starks, a peninsula resident said.

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Charleston, SC is a city that blends history, culture, and Southern hospitality. Nestled along the coast of the U.S, Charleston boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1670, making the city one of the oldest in the United States. From its historic background to its cobblestone streets, Charleston, SC offers a journey through time for travelers to experience any time of the year and gives a glimpse into a difficult time in our country’s history.

For those interested in embarking on an adventure through the town’s rich history, visiting historic homes and grand plantations offers an educational and reflective way to experience it. For those looking to experience Charleston’s culinary scene, whether it’s eating Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes, to name a few, there are a myriad of options for an enriching experience.

Not to mention, Charleston is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and live music venues to experience. With its warm climate, Charleston invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore beautiful parks, go boating on its rivers, or take a scenic drive along the historic plantations.

If you’ve been thinking about exploring Charleston, SC, look no further. Ahead we discuss all of the best places to stay the next time you make the trip.

Historic Downtown Charleston

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The heart of the historic district will immerse you in the city’s charm. From finding unique boutique hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, and luxury accommodations in this area. For the ultimate experience, consider The Battery Carriage House Inn for a historic experience or The Dewberry Charleston for a more upscale stay.

French Quarter

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A part of the historic district, the French Quarter is known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and waterfront views. The French Quarter Inn is a highly-rated boutique hotel that’s fairly popular in this neighborhood.

Charleston Waterfront

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For visitors who enjoy waterfront views, consider staying along the Charleston Harbor. The HarbourView Inn offers stunning views and easy access to Waterfront Park.

Mount Pleasant

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Located across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant offers a quiet experience with beautiful scenery. There are numerous hotels and vacation rentals here, and it’s a great option if you prefer a slightly more suburban feel while still being close to the city. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is a one-of-a-kind waterfront hotel that offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor and is a short drive from downtown Charleston.

West Ashley

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West Ashley is another option for more affordable accommodations. Known for its mix of suburban and urban living, this area offers trendy options for those wanting to stay in the know of Charleston life. Holiday Inn Express Charleston is conveniently located near the I-526 interchange and offers great amenities including a fitness center and outdoor pool.

Folly Beach

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For those who prefer a beachfront experience, Folly Beach is about a 20-25-minute drive from downtown Charleston and is a great option for a relaxed and laid-back stay. The Water’s Edge Inn is just a short walk from the beach and offers cozy rooms with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s known for its friendly staff and proximity to Center Street, where you’ll find a myriad of shops and restaurants.

North Charleston

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If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options or proximity to the airport, North Charleston has various hotels that are high quality and budget-friendly. Moreover, the area offers historic sites and amazing views of wildlife. As a potential place to stay, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston Convention Center is close to the North Charleston Coliseum and Charleston International Airport and features comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and an outdoor pool.