Orangeburg Facility

About the Program
SI Group, Inc. is a leading global developer and manufacturer of chemical intermediates, specialty resins and solutions. The Orangeburg Facility is on an industrial site in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and contains 107 acres of forested habitat. The team seeks to protect existing woodland habitat through targeted maintenance projects and invasive species removal and to maintain existing woodland habitat in a manner that supports pollinator and bird programs. The site promotes biodiversity by planting native species and is developing a forest stewardship management plan. In fostering conservation and diversity, the team hopes to increase the population of targeted bird species and increase the quantity and diversity of pollinators on-site.

Practices and Impacts

• The team implemented the removal of invasive species and plants and counteracts invasives by transplanting native species that support bird and pollinator projects. For instance, purple passionflowers were planted to attract pollinators.
• Bluebird houses and purple martin houses are installed in various locations and monitored weekly during the breeding season. The relocation of birdhouses and installation of new birdhouses are planned based on observations of usage.
• Monitoring indicates the possibility of noise and predator impacts, so the team installed new bird boxes with predator guards, and is considering relocating boxes.
• A partner conducted a full general bird survey in the area in 2023.
• In October 2019, the team installed five mason bee houses in a forest clearing. The location was chosen to provide southeastern sun exposure, proximity to wetter soils near the river and accessibility for maintenance and observation.
• Butterfly observations are logged, and data is submitted to the Carolina Butterfly Society and the South Carolina Association of Naturalists.