A look back at 2022

Protecting Land & Water | Advocacy | Balanced Growth

www.upstateforever.org

2022 in review

In case you missed it, 2022 was a momentous year for conservation in the Upstate. Here are a few of the highlights...

Our Land Conservation team finalized permanent protections on important properties like the Tyger River Confluence at Nesbitt Shoals in Spartanburg County and Soapstone Baptist Church and grounds in Pickens County (Psst! Stay tuned for upcoming news on more recently protected properties)

Alongside partners, we are continuing work on an effort to purchase and transform the inactive Saluda Grade railroad corridor into a nearly 31-mile rail trail connecting the Western Carolinas

Our Clean Water team worked with 40 landowners to implement water quality improvement projects in the Tyger River (Greenville and Spartanburg Counties) and Three & Twenty Creek Watersheds (Anderson and Pickens Counties)

We equipped residents to participate in local planning processes through the inaugural Advocacy Training 101 workshop, latest Citizens Planning Academy series, and postcard-writing happy hour

Our Energy and State Policy team members worked alongside partners at the Statehouse to lobby for and help pass eight bills that will strengthen protections against hazardous waste and unnecessary pipelines, bolster solar and wind industries, and give counties more tools for local land conservation

But that's not all! Click here to find more conservation successes from 2022 and, as always, stay tuned for more news and updates from our team.

Seeking Stewardship Coordinator

Would you like to play an important role in the ongoing protection of our region's farms, forests, habitats, and waterways? We're looking for a Land Stewardship Coordinator to fill a critical role in UF's Land Conservation program. This full-time, hybrid-remote position can be based out of our Greenville or Spartanburg offices with travel throughout the 10-county Upstate region.

Learn more & apply by Feb. 3

Updates from the Statehouse

The South Carolina General Assembly is officially in session. Do you want to stay in the know on conservation-related bills and critical action alerts from the Statehouse? Catch up on the first Legislative Updates of the year, then click here to sign up to receive weekly updates from State Policy Director Megan Chase-Muller in your inbox during session (now through mid-May). Join the email list

Grants awarded for water quality

Last week, the Anderson County Watershed Protection Council (of which Upstate Forever is a member) announced its first grants to fund projects that will improve water quality and education. Anderson County Soil and Water Conservation District & Rocky River Conservancy will use grant funds to equip local students to monitor conditions in Anderson County waterways and lead restoration efforts. Learn more

RSVP: Keowee Watershed Meeting

You're invited to the Keowee Watershed Protection Meeting on Thursday, February 9 from 5-7 pm. You'll get to know the Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team, learn about Keowee as a source for drinking water, the SCDHEC 319 grant and septic program, and more. Light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP to sferguson@lkswpt.org by January 26!

Last minute notice! Learn more and provide feedback on the City of Greenville Development Code

The City of Greenville is set to unveil the new Greenville Development Code by Wednesday, January 25. Mark your calendars for upcoming opportunities to review and engage with these new zoning and land development regulations for the City of Greenville...

Early birds can stop by Unity Park's Prisma Health Welcome Center (111 Welborn Street) between 8:00 - 11:00 am on Wednesday or Thursday, January 25-26 for "Coffee with the Code."

The after-work crowd can drop in on the project team during their "Evening Office Hours" on Wednesday or Thursday between 5:00 - 7:00 pm at The Greenville Convention Center (1 Exposition Drive).

Unable to make it to these events? According to the City, additional opportunities will be scheduled throughout the month of February for residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft Code.

If you're wondering what the new Code will mean for the City of Greenville and what UF would like to see included in these regulations, click here to read more on our blog.

To receive the latest land planning & policy updates for Greenville (City and County) directly in your inbox, or sign up for UF's various other email communications, visit upstateforever.org/email.

More news, information & updates

Staff updates

There's so much for our team to celebrate in the new year:

Communications Coordinator Elizabeth Swails is celebrating her first anniversary with Upstate Forever.
Land Conservation Specialist Richard Carr marks two years on the UF team this month.
State Policy Director Megan Chase-Muller, Land Conservation Manager Caitlyn Gendusa, and Communications Manager Megan Burton are all celebrating three years with UF.
Lastly, Director of Development and Community Relations Aldon Knight and Financial Director Joy Dickerson have been on the UF team for seven years this January!

Plus, each month we highlight a member of the UF staff through our Meet the Team blog series. This month, get to know Clean Water & GIS Manager Katie Hottel! You can catch up on other staff spotlights here.

We are grateful for local partners

Our work to protect the Upstate's special places would not be possible without the support of generous local partners. Please join us in thanking the staff and patrons of:

We are honored to have again been selected as the local beneficiary of the Fairway Subaru Share the Love campaign during the holiday season! Stay tuned as the results of that campaign are revealed this spring.
Garner's Natural Life stores in Greenville hosted a roundup campaign benefitting in UF in December. Shoppers had the opportunity to round their total up to the nearest dollar with the money donated to support our work — resulting in a donation of more than $500!
Fireforge Crafted Beer has selected UF for a roundup campaign for the first quarter of 2023. Guests at this Greenville brewery will be able to round up their tab through March 31 to support our work. Thank you!

Partner job opportunities

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP) is seeking to fill two positions integral to their work to protect land, water, and communities across SC. You can learn more about SCELP's Environmental Equity & Justice Specialist and Staff Attorney openings at scelp.org/open-positions.

Your tax-deductible gift to Upstate Forever will go directly toward protecting critical lands and saving special places in the Upstate.

Support our work

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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.

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