An active group of Fripp nature lovers has recently taken a giant step to establish beautiful Fripp Island as the premier Lowcountry wildlife vacation destination.

Fripp is already acknowledged as a South Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary. Fripp also is the anchor of the recently-designated Beaufort Barrier Islands Important Bird Area, due to its location on the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds. Fripp’s growing reputation as a great place for nature enthusiasts serves the island well, because so many who cross the Fripp Inlet are attracted by the expansive beaches, marshes, maritime forest and bounteous wildlife.

Last fall, Fripp took its “natural advantage” to a new level.

In November, volunteer Fripp wildlife enthusiasts registered with the National Wildlife Federation to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat. This is a prestigious nationally-recognized honor, presently achieved by just three other state communities.

Calling themselves the Naturally Fripp Community Habitat Team, the Fripp volunteers are backed by the Fripp Island Property Owners Association. For Fripp to achieve certification, it needs to meet wildlife conservation goals in education, community projects and administration. The team is coordinating closely with experts in South Carolina’s Wildlife Federation to document Fripp’s wildlife projects and programs and anticipates fulfilling all national certification requirements by September.