Join us for Upstate Forever's Annual Meeting

We invite you to join UF's staff, Board of Directors, and fellow supporters in celebration of the past year's conservation successes at our Annual Meeting.

Sunday, October 27

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Chattooga Belle Farm

454 Damascus Church Rd

Long Creek, SC 29658

This is a fun, family-friendly event open to all Upstate Forever members*. Barbecue (with vegetarian option available) will be provided by Chattooga Belle Farm Catering, as well as beer, wine, and other refreshments after the meeting portion has concluded. This event is complimentary for Upstate Forever members, but your RSVP is appreciated. Please RSVP by Friday, October 11.

*If your membership has lapsed or you've never officially given, you can click here to make an online donation. An annual gift of $35 qualifies for an individual membership, $50 for a family membership.

Hawk watch a "soaring" success

Humans and hawks alike had a great fall day at Caesars Head last Friday for the Wyche Society Hawk Watch and luncheon. The Wyche Society is open to all donors who support UF annually at a level of $2,500 or above. Membership includes special events, field trips, and more. Email Aldon Knight at aknight@upstateforever.org to learn more.

Are you registered to vote?

The general election is Tuesday, November 5. Are you registered to vote? In addition to the United States presidential election, there are many important local and state races on the line. You can click here to check your voter registration status and click here to register today. Heads up: Sunday, October 6 is the deadline to register online!

Finding workable energy solutions

State Policy Director Megan Chase-Muller testified at a Senate Special Committee tasked with taking up a the failed omnibus energy bill (H.5118) and finding solutions. She emphasized the need to set a baseline of public engagement in pipeline permitting and to align community and utility planning processes. To watch, click here and select the video for Sept. 12 (Megan starts at ~3:01:41).

Read more about H.5118 in our session recap

Your support impacts generations

Make a gift today to the Generations Campaign, Upstate Forever's ambitious $7 million fundraising initiative, to help ensure the Upstate is a wonderful place to live, work, and play ten, twenty, even fifty years from now. Your support will mean your children and grandchildren continue to benefit from the unique quality of life made possible by our beautiful lands and waters.

Make a pledge to the Generations Campaign.

Attention Greenville County residents and stakeholders!

Two important efforts are underway in Greenville County and we need your help! Here are several timely, concrete ways you can influence upcoming policy decisions that will impact how the county grows for years to come.

Attend Monday's public session on the County's draft UDO

Greenville County Council is hosting a public input session on the long-awaited draft Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on Mon., Sept. 23 at 5:30 pm at County Square (301 University Ridge). If you can, please attend this public input session and support adoption of the UDO — a much improved framework for land use and development in Greenville County's unincorporated areas — without further delay.

Join UF in opposing MetroConnects' expansion plan

We're speaking out early and often against sewer sub-district MetroConnects' proposed expansion into rural and unzoned areas of Greenville County. You can help ensure a strong turnout by joining us in opposition to the boundary enlargement at the public hearing Tues. Oct. 1, 6 pm, at County Square. To read why UF opposes this boundary expansion, click here.

Tell your Council Rep where you stand on these issues

Both of these measures have far-reaching impacts on the future of Greenville County, and officials need to hear that their constituents care about balancing growth and development with the protection of our natural resources. Not sure who to contact? Enter your address here to find out who represents you on Greenville County Council and find each member's contact information at greenvillecounty.org/council.

If you live, work, or play in Greenville County and don't receive our team's action alerts and email updates dedicated to growth in Greenville, visit upstateforever.org/email and join the Greenville Land Planning & Policy Updates list.

Other news, upcoming events & updates

26 years strong!

During the past year, we've celebrated Upstate Forever's 25th anniversary and all that our team has accomplished over the past quarter-century. Without the passion, foresight, and tenacity of founder and lifelong Upstate resident Brad Wyche, the Upstate may have been a very different place today. Visit our blog to read more from Brad about the early days of UF.

Save the date: Everything Outdoor Fest November 2-3

Everything Outdoor Fest, a 2-day celebration of outdoor recreation and enjoyment of natural resources, is returning this year to Historic Hopkins Farm (3717 Fork Shoals Rd,

Simpsonville, 29680) on Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3. Festival goers can take part in kayak and paddleboard clinics, yoga classes, running and cycling, as well as new additions this year including disc golf, adaptive sports, and an educational conservation village. Head to everythingoutdoorfest.com to learn more and reserve your tickets today!