Protecting Land & Water | Advocacy | Balanced Growth
Support the Crossroads Campaign and receive a limited edition Be the Upstate tee
Last month, we launched  Crossroads, Upstate Forever’s $7.5 million campaign to ensure our region grows responsibly while protecting the critical lands, abundant waters, and unique character of the Upstate. Thanks to commitments by our generous lead donors, we were just $150,000 short of our goal at the time of launch.

Today, as we celebrate Earth Day, we are thrilled to share that we have already raised $81,000 since the launch! That means  we are just $69,000 short of our goal! Our goal is to raise the remaining funds by April 30.

Help us protect the Upstate for generations to come. Pledge at least $25 per year for three years or make a one-time gift of $50 or more by April 30 to support the Crossroads Campaign and receive our limited edition Be the Upstate tee created in collaboration with local outfitter Dapper Ink.
Our spring newsletter has arrived
The  Upstate Advocate , Upstate Forever’s twice-yearly print publication sponsored by Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, will be hitting mailboxes this week! If you'd like to be added to the mailing list, email Ava Thacker at athacker@upstateforever.org.
Your guide to Upstate adventures
To raise awareness of our goal to protect 15,000 additional acres of critical lands by 2022, we've compiled a list of 15 amazing outdoor activities across the Upstate. There's something for everyone! Read more
Upcoming Greenville Housing & Transit Forum
Join a nationally recognized expert on transit, land use, and planning for an enlightening discussion about what makes transit effective and how it can be used to benefit a growing Greenville County. Space is limited and registration is required for this free event on Tuesday, April 30. R egister here
Smart, balanced growth in Greenville
Greenville County has started the process to update their comprehensive plan, a "blueprint" that should represent a shared vision for the community’s future. Visit Upstate Forever's blog to read the six key priorities we'd like to see in Greenville County's revamped plan. Read more
Energy and state policy updates
We are nearing the finish line, with just under a month remaining in the 2019 state legislative session. Here's where we stand with some of this year's key bills...

• The Energy Freedom Act (aka the Solar Bill) is on the Senate floor

• Bill H. 3483 strengthening protections against coal ash contamination is awaiting the Governor's signature

• The Plastics "Ban Ban" was voted out of full Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry last week but cannot become law this year

While the Legislature is in session from January through May of each year, we post a detailed Legislative Update each week on the Upstate Forever blog. Catch up here

You can also sign up to receive these updates delivered directly to your email inbox each Sunday. Sign up for the mailing list
Rally in the Valley
Join us Saturday, May 19 for Rally in the Valley at Lake Jemiki! Featuring barbecue, music, and beer, this bicycle ride (30 or 60 miles) winds through scenic rural roads in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Proceeds benefit Oconee Forever.  Read more
Follow @UpstateForever
Join us on Instagram as we showcase the beautiful places and wonderful people that make the Upstate such a magnificent place to call home. Tag your photos with #MyUpstateForever for a chance to have your photos featured. Find us at @UpstateForever
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Create a lasting legacy
When you make a planned gift to Upstate Forever, you help us achieve our goals for current and future generations while enjoying a wide variety of tax benefits. Visit our planned giving site to learn about bequests, IRA rollovers, charitable lead trusts, and other ways to give. Read more

Mark your calendars:



  • Upstate Forever's Annual Meeting: Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Lake Conestee Nature Park — Stay tuned for more information
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Your tax-deductible gift to Upstate Forever will go directly toward protecting critical lands and saving special places in the Upstate.
Click the icons below to learn more about our work
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 .