There's no day like today 🌎

Happy Earth Day! Today and every day, we know you care deeply about our planet and its remarkable natural resources. Here are 5 special ways you can join us in celebrating Planet Earth this weekend:

1. Join us for Spartanburg's fastest night TONIGHT!

Come say hello at the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium. Races start at 3:15 pm and we'll be watching the action from the Upstate Forever tent on Broad Street (Tent B25) all day long. Stop by for a chat with our team and some refreshments.

Take advantage of this weekend's clear and warm weather forecast with an outdoor trek. We’ve compiled a list of some of the Upstate’s less traveled trails where you can take in some of spring’s best sights. View the list here

Want to stay closer to home? Try setting a timer for 10 minutes and see what natural wonders you can spot in your backyard, local park, or just out the window. Click here to download a printable bingo card

Plants native to the Upstate are well-adapted to our local conditions. Once established, you can enjoy many benefits of native plant species: They’re low maintenance and help you save money by requiring little to no irrigation or fertilizer, they can help prevent stormwater runoff and erosion, and can provide important habitat and food for wildlife. Not sure what to plant? Download our Native Plants guide here

We can all make a big difference to help beautify the Upstate and keep litter out of our greenspaces and water sources. Snap a photo while out cleaning up and share it with us on social media or by email for your chance to win a weekly drawing of our brand new t-shirts, or the grand prize (pictured here) to be awarded at the end of April! View participation details

Your support enables our team to work towards protecting the Upstate's critical lands, abundant waters, and unique character. Because of your generosity in 2021, UF had one of its most productive years yet. Help us carry that momentum through 2022 and beyond by making a gift today.

We are blown away by the support of the staff and customers of Fairway Subaru through the Subaru Share the Love Event! Customers during the 2021 holiday season had the opportunity to select one of 4 nonprofits to support with their purchase of a new vehicle, and we are honored to have recently received the resulting gift of $23,000!

Register now for the SC Conservation Coalition Conservation Lobby Day and Oyster Roast in Columbia next Tuesday, April 26. This event offers a chance to meet fellow advocates and legislators who value conservation and help us make a positive impact at the Statehouse. Then, celebrate with a fabulous oyster roast! Register here

Many thanks to the volunteers that joined us earlier this month at the the Long Branch Mitigation Site in Greenville, a property protected by Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever. Participants worked to remove several invasive plant species and litter from the property — including 27 bags of trash, 16 tires, a mattress, toilet, sink, and more! View photos

Our friends at Liability Brewing Co. are donating a portion of all sales of their Monsieur le Maire golden ale to Upstate Forever through April 30. Plus, they're hosting a game night with our staff and local entertainer JDew next Friday, April 29 at 6:30 pm — we hope you'll join us to enjoy some brews, games, and great discussion with our team!

Upstate Forever’s ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon celebrates individuals and organizations for significant contributions in fields related to conservation and sustainable growth. We hope you'll join us on Monday, June 13 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Embassy Suites on Verdae Boulevard in Greenville to honor this year's award recipients, as well as the 2021 honorees.

Mable Owens Clarke, for her tireless and quiet dedication to secure the preservation of the historic Soapstone Church in Pickens County

Hoyt Grant, for his dedication to conservation and the protection of the iconic Grant Meadow and Table Rock viewshed

Interpretive Ranger Tim Lee, for his decades of service and wildlife education at the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

Tyger River Foundation, for their ongoing work to protect and provide access to water in Spartanburg County

Please join us in thanking and wishing a very happy anniversary to Communications Director Sally Boman, who is celebrating five years on the UF team this month!

We've also been introducing you to our team through a monthly round of rapid-fire questions. This month, get to know Clean Water Director Erika Hollis.

Eager to get your hands on a rain barrel before May's Barrels & Beer event? Anderson & Pickens Counties Stormwater Partners is hosting a rain barrel sale through Wednesday, April 27. Click here to learn more and reserve your discounted 50-gallon rain barrel

Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina.  Over the past two decades, we have worked to protect the natural assets that make the Upstate so special — our farmlands, forests, natural areas, rivers, and clean air. We are committed to ensuring that our communities are vibrant and retain their green spaces, outdoor heritage, and unique identities in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl. Our vision is an environmentally healthy, economically prosperous Upstate that offers a high quality of life now and for future generations.

For more information, visit our website at upstateforever.org or send us an email.