Protecting Land & Water | Advocacy | Balanced Growth
Our Earth Month Virtual Cleanup Challenge is underway!

While we can't celebrate together in person this year, we can all still make a big difference to help beautify the Upstate and keep debris out of our waterways this Earth Month (and beyond).
To participate:
  • Head out and clean up. You can pick up waste in your neighborhood, local park, trails, or other greenspace or waterway you visit this month. 
  • Snap and share a photo. Take a picture of yourself or your bounty. Share it with us by April 30 by tagging @upstateforever and using the hashtag #CleanUpstateForever on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you’d prefer email, you can send photos to mburton@upstateforever.org.
  • Win great prizes. We’ll send you a link to claim your free “Be the Upstate” sticker. Each participant will be entered to win a weekly drawing to win an Upstate Forever t-shirt and 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle. Everyone who participates will be entered to win this grand prize package on April 30, which includes an SC State Parks All Park Passport, a fantastic collection of books from Hub City Bookshop, and a Table Rock State Park print from The Landmark Project.
Thank you to everyone who has joined our Virtual Cleanup Challenge so far! Check out the great photos above and below shared by your neighbors while out cleaning up.
Save this date: Tune in on May 13
Richard Rothstein, the award-winning author of The Color of Law, will join Impact Greenville on May 13 from 10:00-11:30 am to discuss how intentional government policies have led to residential segregation and inequity across the country. Rev. Stacey Mills will also facilitate a Q&A. Register and submit questions here
The HNRT board gets to work
Earlier this year, we told you about the newly established Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust (HNRT). At a council meeting this month, the HNRT board appointees were unanimously confirmed. A recent article from the Greenville News highlights the board members and their plans for the years to come. Read it here
Why do you support Upstate Forever?

"The natural resources we have here in the Upstate are unparalleled. A major draw of living and working in this area is having such close access to places that still feel like true, untouched wilderness, while only being minutes from the amenities that a city provides. It is so important to protect these areas as the Upstate grows, so that everyone who lives here can continue to enjoy all of the beautiful lakes, mountains, farmland, and forests." – Brooke Van-Derpoel

"This land, with its grand blue mountains, cascading streams, and manifold ecosystems, is the nexus upon which almost all else hinges. The water — our life. The fields — our sustenance. The beauty — our reminder of what truly matters. Protecting this land is paramount, and Upstate Forever is one of its greatest advocates." – Andrea Berry

Each day, our team is working to protect the Upstate's greenspaces and water resources, advocate for responsible growth and renewable energy, and much more. We couldn't do this work without your support. Thank you!

Want to share your "why?" Email us at info@upstateforever.org.
Spartanburg comp plan updates
Wondering what's happening with Plan Spartanburg, the City of Spartanburg's comprehensive plan update process? We spoke with Spartanburg City Manager Chris Story about Plan Spartanburg, its equity focus, what the comp plan team has learned so far, and what’s next in the process. Click here to read the interview here on our blog
Learn more about estate planning
Unsure where to start with your estate plan? Attorney Lesley Moore is offering UF supporters a virtual introduction and overview on Thursday, May 6 at 4:00 pm via Zoom. To RSVP, please send an email to ggoldsmith@upstateforever.org by Monday, May 3.
Plant something native!
Now is a great time to start your summer garden or make some improvements to your home's landscaping. Native plants require less water and fertilizer, help reduce stormwater runoff, and are often more pest-resistant than non-native species. Click here to download our native plant guide or visit the SC Native Plant Society's website.
5 great spring hikes in the Upstate
It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and explore our region’s natural splendor! To help you do just that, we put together a list of some of the Upstate’s less traveled trails where you can take in some of spring’s best sights of wildflowers and waterfalls. Find the list on our blog
More news & updates

UF staff anniversaries
Communications Director Sally Boman is celebrating four years on the Upstate Forever team this month. Congratulations, Sally!

Protected properties for sale
Are you interested in owning a property that has a conservation easement with Upstate Forever? Visit our website at upstateforever.org/listings to view properties that are currently for sale. For more information about a particular property, please contact the listing agent directly.
Do you know about our other mailing lists?

Thanks for signing up for the Upstate Update, Upstate Forever's general email newsletter. We also offer email lists dedicated to specific topics like clean water and land protection. To sign up for one or all of the lists below, please click here and select the list(s) you'd like to join.

Greenville County Land Planning & Policy Issues
Greenville County is growing rapidly, and our team is working to ensure that land use policies are in place that support smart, balanced growth. Sign up to receive these periodic updates and action alerts about land planning and policy issues in Greenville.

Planning & Growth Updates for Spartanburg County
Rapid change is already underway in Spartanburg, as are planning processes to better manage anticipated growth. Whether you live or work in Spartanburg County or just care deeply about its future, our Land Planning & Policy team will keep you informed and actively engaged in shaping Spartanburg's future growth.

Protect More Land
Land protection is the key to protecting what we love about the Upstate, but more funding is needed to protect our region's special places while we still have the opportunity. Get the latest updates on initiatives that support increased funding for conservation in the Upstate.

SC Legislative Updates
While the State Legislature is in session from January through May of each year, we dispatch a weekly Legislative Update recapping each week's important energy and conservation news. We also issue Action Alerts on critical, time-sensitive issues and provide the tools you need to contact your elected officials.

The Water Log
Water is our planet's most precious natural resource, and Upstate Forever is working to safeguard both the quantity and quality of water in our region. Our Clean Water team sends out a periodic newsletter dedicated to clean water issues and advocacy.
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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.