Celebrating 25 Years

Our organization has spent the past 25 years forging relationships with business leaders, municipalities, elected officials, community advocates, and fellow conservation organizations. We are proud of our accomplishments, and are honored to continue to serve the Upstate by working to protect its land, water, and special character.

Some of our greatest achievements include working to spearhead the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, protecting over 30,000 acres of land, stopping an unnecessary transmission pipeline through the Blue Ridge Mountains, engaging over 250 citizens in advocacy training and events, and managing the Saving Lake Greenwood Study.

However, we could not do any of this important work without you — our generous supporters, funders, and advocates. Check out our blog for a complete list of 25 highlights from 25 years.

Plan Spartanburg adopted

On August 14th, Spartanburg City Council unanimously adopted Plan Spartanburg (the city's new comprehensive plan). Congratulations to every resident who helped shape Plan Spartanburg! Stay in the know about the Plan and land policy updates by joining our Spartanburg email list at upstateforever.org/email.

Limited edition UF T-Shirts

Want to wear your Upstate pride while supporting our work? We're celebrating our 25th anniversary with a limited edition t-shirt featuring a tree ring design to commemorate 25 years of hard work, growth, and success — yours with a gift of $25 or more. Snag one today at upstateforever.org/donate! (Available in adult sizes S - 2XL while supplies last.)

Join our team!

UF is seeking a Land Conservation Operations Coordinator to join our nationally-accredited land trust staff. This full-time position will play an integral role in facilitating the conservation easement process and can be based out of Upstate Forever's Greenville or Spartanburg office with a hybrid remote schedule available.

Plant a seed with planned giving 

Did you know August is National Make-a-Will Month? By including Upstate Forever in your will, trust, or estate plans, you can help safeguard the Upstate's natural resources and protect our region's high quality of life for future generations. To learn more about planned gift options, please contact Aldon Knight at [email protected].

More news, information & updates

Mark your calendar

As summer comes to an end, check out some of these upcoming events:

• EV Workforce Lunch and Learn - Tuesday, August 29 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center | Spartanburg residents reserve a spot to learn about electric vehicles, opportunities in the region, and how to get involved.
• In Conversation event with author Sally Sierer Bethea - Thursday, September 7 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at M. Judson Booksellers | Hear Sally discuss her inspiration for her book Keeping the Chattahoochee: Reviving and Defending a Great Southern River and stay for a conversation with Sally and UF's Clean Water Specialist Rebecca Wade.
• 2023 Fall River Cleanup - Saturday, September 16 from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Multiple locations available) | Join Friends of the Reedy River for the Fall River Cleanup. Be prepared to get wet and dirty and stay for the Fall Afterparty Celebration at Southernside Brewing to celebrate FORR's 30th Anniversary!
• Upstate Forever's Annual Meeting - Save the date for Sunday, October 22 at Conestee Nature Preserve | More details to come.

Staff anniversaries

Please join us in congratulating Clean Water Director Erika Hollis for celebrating fifteen years with Upstate Forever this month!

Did you know about our other email lists?

Thanks for signing up to receive the Upstate Update, UF’s general monthly email newsletter. If you haven’t already, we invite you to join one or more of our specialized email lists dedicated to specific program work and interests:

• Anderson Land Planning & Policy Updates
• Greenville Land Planning & Policy Updates
• Land Protection News and Updates
• South Carolina Legislative Updates
• Spartanburg Land Planning & Policy Updates
• The Water Log