Creepy conservation this Halloween

Spooky season is here and even conservation can be creepy! Throughout the month of October we've been celebrating the creepy critters who play an essential role in our Upstate ecosystem. As a nationally accredited land trust, UF works hard to protect the Upstate's critical habitat, lands, and waters where these spooky creatures thrive.

Follow us on social media or check out our blog post to learn more about these awesome animals and where you might spot them this Halloween!

New Saluda Grade survey

Along with our partners, we continue to seek public input for the Saluda Grade Trail, and we have a new survey ready for you. The Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy is conducting a Feasibility Study to assess converting the rail corridor into a greenway trail. Click here to give us your feedback by 11/16!

Identifying invasive plant species

UF's Director of Conservation Scott Park recently joined Sam Parrott, Executive Director of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE), on FOX Carolina News. Scott and Sam shared tips for identifying common invasive plant species and the SC Land Trust Network's Land Trust Days events.Click here to watch

Thank you, Mast General Store!

We were honored to receive more than $9,100 from Mast General Greenville as a result of this year's Land Trust Day. This gift will allow us to continue permanently protecting the Upstate's farmlands, forests, & special places for generations. Thank you for celebrating our work on this unofficial holiday!

2023 Annual Meeting recap

We had a blast at our Annual Meeting on Sunday. UF supporters, staff, and board members gathered at Conestee Nature Preserve to report our progress and thank our supporters. We topped it all off with a 25th Anniversary Picnic catered by Henry's Smokehouse. Thank you to all who joined us! View photos here

More news, information & updates

Mark your calendar

Fall is in full swing - save the date for these upcoming autumn events:

• Native Planting Workday – Wednesday, November 15 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Rocky River Nature Park | We'll be planting native wildflowers and grasses to improve water quality and enhance foraging and nesting areas for native wildlife and migratory species. RSVP here.
• Shortleaf Conference hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission - November 16 at the Piedmont Forestry Center in Tamasee, SC | Register for this full-day meeting with an afternoon field trip. $25 registration fee, lunch provided. Contact Tim Adams at [email protected] or 803-896-8802 for the registration form.

Staff anniversaries

Please join us in congratulating both our Deputy Director Lisa Hallo and our Executive Director Andrea Cooper who are celebrating their UF anniversaries this month! Lisa joined the team in October 2007 and Andrea joined in October 2015.

Meet Treasurer Tom Kester

Tom Kester has played a critical role on Upstate Forever's Board of Directors for more than 20 years, and he currently serves as Board Treasurer. In this month's "Meet the Team" feature, get to know Tom through a few rapid-fire questions. 

Fresh off the press

Our Fall/Winter 2023-2024 edition of the Upstate Advocate is here! Check out "Next-door Nature" to learn more about how you can foster the nature in your yard or neighborhood and hear about the latest news and updates from our team.