Snow much fun!

A six-inch blanket of snow is a winter treat not often seen here in the Upstate. From snowman building to sledding, hot cocoa sipping to cross-country skiing, our team had a blast enjoying last week's wintry weather with our families.

Did you get out there, too? Share your photos with us on social media by tagging @upstateforever and #myupstateforever!

Join us on Saturday, February 5 from 9:00-11:00 am for a volunteer work day at Cancer Survivors Park in downtown Greenville, a property protected through a conservation easement held by UF. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants and beautify the park. A few spots remain, so click here to RSVP today.

Would you like to learn where your water comes from? UF members are invited for a tour of Anderson Regional Joint Water System's water treatment facility on Saturday, February 19 from 10 am-12:00 pm. Participants are asked to mask and maintain social distancing. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

Due to the ongoing surge of Covid-19 cases in our community, we have made the decision to postpone the ForeverGreen Awards Luncheon from Monday, February 14 to June 13, 2022.

Upstate Forever is seeking a Program and Event Coordinator. This position handles administrative tasks associated with development operations, including being the point person on programs and events. This role is based out of our Greenville office, with the option to work remotely part of the week. Apply here

South Carolina's new Office of Resilience wants to hear from you. Your response to a brief survey will assist the Office of Resilience in gathering accurate data about how, when, and where people in SC experience flooding to help guide the development of the Statewide Resilience Plan. Click here to weigh in

We're starting the New Year with much to celebrate!

Thanks for all that you all do!

The City of Greenville is hosting a monthly series of virtual meetings designed to inform and engage the community in crafting a new development code — a new set of rules to guide growth and shape development to align with GVL2040, Greenville's recently adopted comprehensive plan. Click here to view a recording of the city's first "Code Connection" virtual session on January 19, and to mark your calendars to participate in future sessions set for February 9 and March 9 at 5:00 pm. Need to catch up? Click here to learn what Upstate Forever wants to see in Greenville's new development code.

Here's another great opportunity to become involved in the future of the City of Greenville: Apply now for upcoming vacancies on various city boards and commissions — including Design Review Boards, Zoning Appeals, and Housing and Transit Authority. But hurry! Applications must be submitted by February 1. Click here to apply today

The South Carolina General Assembly convened in Columbia earlier this month. It's the second year of a two-year session, and our State Policy Director Megan Chase is tracking the still-viable bills we support that didn't pass last year, new conservation legislation heading to the Statehouse, and how an unprecedented amount in federal and state dollars could impact conservation and clean energy. Catch up on the first Legislative Updates of 2022 here, and sign up to receive weekly updates in your inbox at upstateforever.org/email.

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.