We are pleased to announce that an agreement with Norfolk Southern has been reached to sell the 31-mile rail line for use as a recreational rail trail.

The Saluda Grade line connects Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, traveling through Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Tryon, Saluda, and Zirconia. Along its route, the trail will feature rural scenery, vibrant small towns, historic landmarks, and gorgeous nature preserves, lakes, and waterfalls. It is expected to be a multi-use trail that will be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

What's next? Our coalition of nonprofits — comprised of Conserving Carolina, PAL: Play Advocate Live Well, and Upstate Forever — has a signed agreement with Norfolk Southern establishing the price and other terms of a future purchase. We expect to close on the rail corridor within two years and are pursuing state and federal funding opportunities.

We have also begun the process of an economic impact and feasibility study that will shed light on how the trail will shape local economies and how to move forward with the project. This summer, the coalition will be reaching out to landowners and stakeholders along the trail to seek their input on the opportunities and challenges presented by the trail and approaches that will best meet the needs of the community.

We're seeking a Land Policy Grassroots Specialist to join our team. This role will be responsible for community engagement and outreach efforts to mobilize citizens to advocate for land policies that balance economic development with other community priorities, including access to safe green spaces and clean water, expanded housing and mobility options, and/or more equitable outcomes for all Upstate residents. Please apply by 5:00 pm on March 31

This year's legislative session is at its halfway point. With proposals that advance land conservation, farmland protections, and clean energy initiatives, we are very optimistic about the outcome of this year’s legislative work. If you're not already, be sure to sign up for our Legislative Updates to receive a weekly email with what you need to know from Columbia. Catch up on the latest news

UF's Clean Water team hosted a workshop with Clemson Extension at Boscobel Golf Club earlier this month. Participants learned about the impacts of stream bank erosion on water quality while repairing two sites using grading techniques, installing erosion control matting, and planting native vegetation. This project is part of an SCDHEC 319 grant in the 3&20 Creek watershed to reduce pollutants to nearby waterways and ultimately protect drinking water sources.

In case you missed it, we announced last month the protection of 735 acres in Anderson, Greenville, and Pickens Counties. These lands have been permanently protected through conservation easements, voluntary legal agreements between landowners and UF's nationally accredited land trust. Click here to read more about each of these properties

Please join us in congratulating Land Trust Associate Dorothy Signal for four years on our team! Dorothy previously served as a volunteer for our Land Conservation team's stewardship program before joining us in her current role.

And last, but certainly not least, we invite you to get to know the newest member of our team through a rapid-fire Q&A! Click here to meet Land Policy Manager Allie Martinsen

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.