Protecting Land & Water | Advocacy | Balanced Growth
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The latest issue of the Upstate Advocate has arrived!
We are proud to share with you the latest issue of our twice-yearly print publication, the Upstate Advocate.
In this edition, six remarkable women leading the Upstate to a green, vibrant, and prosperous future share their stories. Clean Water & GIS Manager Katie Hottel recommends four paddle adventures along the Upstate's blueways you can enjoy no matter your skill — or thrill — level. Energy Advocate Michael Coleman gives advice for contacting your legislators. And, of course, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments your support has enabled our staff to make over the past year.
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Wear your Upstate pride
Make a gift of $35 or more and we’ll send you our brand new t-shirt! Available in sage or cream, these new tees feature a custom illustration by local artist Carissa Grace celebrating the Upstate’s natural resources and native species. They're going quickly, so claim yours today! Donate now
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ForeverGreen – Monday, June 13
Join us from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Embassy Suites on Verdae Blvd. in Greenville for our awards luncheon celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to conservation in Upstate SC. Seating will be limited at this year's event, so purchase your tickets today!
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Shop local, support conservation
Each June, Mast General Store hosts Land Trust Day in celebration of the work of land trusts like Upstate Forever. This year, Mast General is donating 20% of the Greenville store's sales on Saturday, June 4 to UF! You can also stop by our table in the store from 10 am - 5 pm to chat with our team.
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Litter sweep – Saturday, June 18
Looking for an upcoming volunteer opportunity? Come out on Saturday, June 18 from 9:00 - 11:00 am for a litter sweep at Cancer Survivors Park in downtown Greenville, a property protected through a conservation easement held by UF. Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. RSVP here
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Recent events recap
During a two-year pause during the height of the pandemic, endless in-person events were put on hold. While things are not yet completely back to normal, our event calendar has been packed as we emerge from the most socially distant days of Covid-19. Enjoy a recap of some recent happenings!
- Last month, nearly 40 Greenvillians joined us today for Advocacy Training 101: GVL Smart Growth! Thank you to Meredith McNeely and GP McLeer of Pecan PR, as well as Elizabeth Swails and Sherry Barrett from the UF team, for an engaging and educational workshop on land use planning advocacy in Greenville!
- We celebrated Earth Day at "Spartanburg’s Fastest Night!" Our team had a blast tailgating at the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium hosted by our friends at PAL: Play Advocate Live Well.
- UF's Glenn Hilliard Director of Land Conservation Scott Park traveled to Washington, D.C. earlier this month for the Land Trust Alliance's Advocacy Days. The four-day visit included advocacy training, presentations from federal agencies like the USDA's National Resources Conservation Service, and meetings with Upstate representatives.
- As we near the end of our five-year strategic plan, our staff, board, advisors, and community stakeholders are charting the course for Upstate Forever's next five years. Last week, UF staff were joined by Addy Matney from TM Public Relations & Governmental Affairs to discuss strategic plans for 2023-2027. Our Board of Directors conducted a similar planning session following our quarterly board meeting.
But that's not all! Follow us on your social media network of choice — you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok — to stay in-the-know on the latest events, news, and more.
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Legislative Session wrap up
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Thank you, Liability Brewing!
Liability Brewing Co. donated a portion of all sales of their Monsieur le Maire ale to Upstate Forever during the month of April — resulting in a generous gift of $500! We are so grateful for their support of UF's mission and their generosity toward Greenville's nonprofit community through their rotating bi-monthly donations.
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Bitcoin mining could impact you
Energy Advocate Michael Coleman spoke to Fox Carolina News about the possible effects of Bitcoin mining on the Upstate's energy and natural resources. Our team is keeping an eye on this budding industry and urging elected officials to put regulations in place to ensure local residents are protected from potential threats of cryptocurrency mining. Watch the Fox Carolina segment here
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Expert bike commuting advice
In celebration of National Bike to Work Day, Mary McGowan — local carfree commuting expert and influencer — answered your burning questions about biking in inclement weather, with children, how to advocate for alternative transportation in your community, and more. Find Mary's answers here
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One last thing before you go: SC Primaries are June 14th!
Mark your calendar for June 14th, when registered voters will be able to cast ballots in South Carolina's primary for federal, state, county, and municipal elections.
Voting is one of the most important ways you can take action to impact your local community. There are a lot of candidates in the primary this year, and in many cases, a victory in the primary determines the election. Take the time to learn about candidates running for office. Do they support conservation, smart growth, and other priorities you hold dear? With upcoming elections around the corner, head to scvotes.gov to check your voter registration status, view sample ballots, and find polling places. Most importantly, get out to vote on June 14th!
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Your tax-deductible gift to Upstate Forever will go directly toward protecting critical lands and saving special places in the Upstate. |
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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.
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