Morrow Creek Timbers is a nearly 430-acre property comprising hardwood forests, 30 acres of wetlands, and a 6-acre pond. MROS Preserve is approximately 239 acres of pine and hardwood forest and frontage on Gill Creek, a tributary of the Savannah River.

Grants from the South Carolina Conservation Bank helped make these conservation projects possible. Read more about these recently protected properties on our blog

Because of your support, Upstate Forever’s nationally accredited land trust has permanently protected nearly 28,000 acres across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina region!

On Tuesday, Greenville Co. Council will hold the 3rd & final reading of an ordinance to replace the contentious land development regulation Article 3.1. It is critical that Council members hear that YOU want to see staff's recommended ordinance adopted AS IS, with no harmful amendments at 3rd reading. Click here to read more & contact Council.

Spartanburg's fastest night is right around the corner! Hosted by PAL this Friday, August 20, this exhilarating bike race turns the heart of the city into a one-of-a-kind block party. Stop by the Upstate Forever tent on Broad Street to chat with our team and enjoy a front-row view of the action. We'll see you there!

Do you want to know more about the processes that determine what is allowed to be built — and where — in the City of Greenville? Apply now for the Fall 2021 Citizens Planning Academy, a free course designed to help Greenvillians become more effective and engaged in the processes that drive local planning and land use policy decisions. Apply now

Your calls, emails, and attendance at the July 20 Greenville County Council meeting made a huge difference! Following community pressure, Council voted with overwhelming support to fund the Greenville County Historic & Natural Resources Trust at $2 million over the next two years. Read more here

Each summer, Mast General Stores host Land Trust Day, an unofficial holiday that celebrates the work of land trusts like Upstate Forever. This year, we were honored to receive 20% of Mast General Greenville's sales on Land Trust Day, which resulted in a donation of more than $9,300 to Upstate Forever!

We are blown away by the generosity of Mast General Greenville and shoppers. This gift will enable our land trust team to continue to permanently protect the Upstate's farmlands, forests, and natural areas for future generations to enjoy.

Are you a septic owner in the North, Middle, or South Tyger watershed? We have received grant funding that provides cost-share assistance to landowners in proximity to the North, Middle & South Tyger Rivers for septic repairs and/or to install agricultural practices to improve water quality in your area. Please email [email protected] for more info and to see if you qualify.

Upstate Advocate coming soon

The upcoming issue of our twice-yearly print publication will celebrate the native plant and animal species that make this region such a unique and biodiverse place worth protecting, in addition to featuring the latest news about our work. If you're not on our mailing list & would like to be added, please visit upstateforever.org/newslettersignup to receive this and future issues.

Join us in congratulating Clean Water Director Erika Hollis and Receptionist/Finance Assistant Virginia Kolb! Erika is celebrating 13 years on the Upstate Forever team this month, and Virginia is wrapping up her first year with us.

Are you interested in owning a property that has a conservation easement with Upstate Forever? Visit our website at upstateforever.org/listings to view properties that are currently for sale. For more information about a particular property, please contact the listing agent directly.

By including Upstate Forever in your will, trust, or estate plans, you can help protect our region's high quality of life for future generations. If you would like to learn more about planned giving or to request a copy of our free estate planning guide, contact Aldon Knight, Director of Development and Community Relations.

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.