Celebrating conservation partnerships in South Carolina

This week, Upstate Forever was honored to host members of the South Carolina Conservation Bank board and staff, conservation partners, landowners, and supporters in Greenville as part of the Board's quarterly meeting.

The South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB) plays a critical role in the protection of lands, waterways, and natural resources that make our state special. Its work — and the work of fellow conservation organizations, landowners, agencies, and supporters across South Carolina — is helping ensure that farms, forests, wildlife habitat, and scenic landscapes remain part of our state's future.

This gathering was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable momentum for conservation in SC and recognize the partnerships that make this work possible — as well as the impact of outgoing Director Raleigh West!

We are grateful to the SCCB and our many partners for their leadership and collaboration in conserving the natural places that make South Carolina special. View photos from the reception

Join us! Advocacy mixer on June 25

UF's Land Planning & Policy and State Policy programs will host Inside the Process on Thursday, June 25 at the Judson Mill Social Innovation Center in Greenville. Come connect directly with staff working on local land use planning and state-level advocacy, and hear more about how these efforts work together to protect the unique character of the Upstate. We ask that you register by June 21 for this free event! Register here

Take the City of GVL's tree survey

The City of Greenville wants to hear from you about trees! Earlier this year, the City launched its first-ever Urban Forest Comprehensive Plan. The plan will guide how the City manages, grows, and cares for the trees that make Greenville healthier, cooler, and more resilient. Part of the process is hearing from the public. This is your chance to share your vision for the city's trees. Take the survey!

Attend data center public hearing

Make your voice heard in Spartanburg at the Valara/NorthMark data center public hearing on Thursday, June 25 at 6:45 PM at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Valara has requested a significant expansion of its capacity by 400 megawatts, requiring modifications to its air permit. This is a critical opportunity to provide public comments before a final permitting decision is made. Sign up to speak and learn more here.

Give native spring 'weeds' a chance

Our Upstate region is in full bloom — can you spot these native wildflowers in your garden? Take a look at our list of six wildflowers that have gotten a bad rap as weeds. You may be surprised to learn about their ecological benefit, their subtle beauty, and how you can cultivate them for free! Explore our list and see what you might allow to stay in your cottage, woodland, meadow, or kitchen garden.

The Community Foundation of Greenville grants UF new views!

Thanks to a $6,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Community Foundation of Greenville, UF now has two new drones and a camera to capture stunning images of the lands and waters we work to protect. 

The new technology allows UF's Communications team to better tell visual stories from angles we couldn't capture before — including striking photos of our unique area and its inhabitants.

The Land Conservation team also purchased a new drone, which helps the Stewardship and Land Management team visit 40,000 acres annually for site visits. The drone saves the team of three a lot of time! UF is enormously grateful for the Community Foundation of Greenville's generosity in expanding our team's capacity.

Staff updates & upcoming events

Staff anniversaries

This month Land Conservation Manager Chris Starker is celebrating 18 years with UF! Chris joined the Clean Water program in 2008 and has since transitioned to the Land Conservation team where he serves as an expert conservation strategist and landowner outreach specialist. He is also an active member of the DEI Book Club and DEI Committee where he shares a valuable perspective about bridging land management and community outreach. Thank you for all you do for UF and the Upstate, Chris! 

Please also join us in congratulating Director of Stewardship & Land Management Lauren Ulich on five years at UF! She joined the team in 2021 as the Land Stewardship Coordinator and quickly demonstrated her skills in restoring landscapes to their native and most beneficial state. She has since built the Land Management program that ensures best management practices on protected properties. Follow along on social media and UF's events page for opportunities to join Lauren on volunteer workdays for habitat restoration.

Last but certainly not least, we are celebrating Development Associate Kaylee Judd's second anniversary with UF. In just two years, Kaylee has helped the Development team put on great events for our staff, board, supporters, and new guests learning about UF. She has a special touch for elevating any venue and is an expert in donor communications. She is also currently guiding UF's summer intern through a robust introduction to our work.

Tribal Forest Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Saturday, June 27 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm | 3988 Warrior Creek Church Road, Gray Court, SC 29645

The Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 27 to celebrate the newly acquired Tribal Forest in Laurens County. The purchase of the property will contribute to the protection of the land's forests and biodiversity while empowering the Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation through land ownership and conservation. Upstate Forever is honored to have been asked to hold the conservation easement for this property and we look forward to working with these partners as the project enters next steps. For the event itinerary and additional information, view the event flyer.

Your tax-deductible gift to Upstate Forever will go directly toward protecting critical lands and saving special places in the Upstate.