Protecting Land & Water | Advocacy | Balanced Growth
Cyclists ride near the Greenville Watershed
Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Zen Greenville | 924 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601

Join Upstate Forever at Zen Greenville from 5:30 - 7:30 pm Tuesday, March 19 as we celebrate the launch of Crossroads, our campaign to protect and maintain our region’s special character and high quality of life for future generations. We will enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres and live bluegrass with brief remarks at 6:00 pm.

This complimentary event is open to all passionate about shaping the future of the Upstate. As space is limited, your RSVP is appreciated.
Recap: ForeverGreen Awards
This year's ForeverGreen luncheon was bigger and better than ever! Thanks to all who contributed to this successful event.
Get wild at this film festival
Upstate Forever and Fujifilm Present the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on April 11 at the Sundance Gallery in Greenwood. The event will feature an exclusive screening of a collection of illuminating films, along with commentary from some of the region's environmental leaders. Tickets are just $5 and include drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
Landmark solar bill passes the house
The Energy Freedom Act H. 3659 with compromise language intensely negotiated by the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee (chaired by Bill Sandifer and co-chaired by Mike Forrester, both of the Upstate) passed the House unanimously on February 21 and now heads to the Senate. The bill continues the current net metering program for two more years, adds consumer protections and voluntary community solar, and increases competition. Read a summary here

We are now counting on the Senate to pass this language quickly before Upstate solar jobs are lost. You can help.
Show up for Greenville's future
Hate sitting in traffic? Wish schools were built in more walkable locations? Lisa Hallo tells you how to show up and be part of the conversation to determine how Greenville will grow at upcoming County Comp Plan meetings. Read more
Upcoming volunteer work day
UF has a great volunteer opportunity coming up on April 6 at the beautiful Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area with Trout Unlimited. We will be removing Japanese honeysuckle and Chinese privet, and will also do some light trash pickup. Read more
Duke Energy's Shared Solar program has launched!
Is your roof all wrong for solar panels? Or do you live in an apartment or have an HOA that doesn't allow panels? We are excited to spread the word about Duke Energy Carolina's new Shared Solar Program in the Upstate. Duke customers, including non-profits, can invest in off-site solar facilities and then see the benefits on their bill each month.

The website for the program is live and we found it to be very easy to navigate. You can estimate what level of subscription is right for your home and see the costs and benefits clearly. Read more
Photo courtesy of Duke Energy
More News & Events
Get funding to control invasive species
The South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council is seeking grant proposals from organizations and individuals who are looking to restore sites degraded by non-native invasive plants on public or private plans. Proposals are due by March 12, so apply soon! Read more

Mark your calendars:


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

Lake Conestee Nature Park is hiring!
Lake Conestee Nature Park is hiring a Park Conservationist. This person would be responsible for oversight, direction, coordination, and execution of the maintenance, management, service, support, and upkeep of the habitats and recreational and educational assets of LCNP. Please share the job description with anyone who might be a good candidate.
Do you know about our other mailing lists?
Greenville Comp Plan Updates
Greenville City and County have started to kick-off their comprehensive plan updates – which only happens every 10 years. Upstate Forever wants to help demystify and empower citizens to influence the Comprehensive Plan update process. Join this dedicated mailing list to receive updates and alerts for all Greenville-based comp plans.

SC Legislative Updates
While the Legislature is in session from January through May of each year, we post a weekly Legislative Update. If you would like these updates delivered to your inbox, you can sign up for this mailing list. We also issue Action Alerts on critical, time sensitive issues and provide the tools you need to contact your elected officials.



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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.
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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 .