Volunteers needed!

On Saturday, October 8 from 9-11 am, we're hosting a workday to remove kudzu and other invasive plant species from the Chau Ram Expansion, a protected property adjacent to the Chau Ram County Park in Oconee County. Due to limited parking available, the number of volunteers will be capped at 20 — click here to RSVP today!

Join Upstate Forever and others at the Fairway Subaru Share the Love Kick-off Party at Greenville's Double Stamp Brewery, also on Saturday, October 8 from 1-4 pm. Click here to learn about the celebration!

UF staff, board, and supporters will gather on Sunday, October 16 from 2-5 pm in Sunset. This year, we invite you to join us at a special property that is in the process of being protected through a conservation easement. Group excursions to Twin Falls and tours of Eastatoee Community Farm will be available. This is a family-friendly event open to all UF members, and food and libations will be available after the meeting portion has concluded. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 5!

We're in great company in this recent article from the Greenville Journal about the work to protect the Upstate's natural resources — while we still can. Click here to read from leaders of Naturaland Trust, Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, Upstate Forever, and more about the importance of now. Read the article

Rallying in New Orleans

Last week, our Land Stewardship Associate Lauren Muller traveled to NOLA for the Land Trust Alliance Rally, a national land conservation conference. The gathering included a full slate of seminars and presentations on land protection, stewardship, community engagement, and much more!

Members of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce & Saluda Grade corridor communities met this month to discuss the impact the proposed rail trail could have on surrounding communities. Click here to see what leaders had to say to WYFF News 4. Do you support the trail? Click here and scroll down to vote in the Tryon Daily Bulletin's poll

Thank you to everyone who joined us for “Advocacy & Ales” at Liability Brewing Co. last month! Together, we wrote more than 100 postcards to elected officials and local agencies about important Clean Water, Land Planning & Policy, and Energy & State Policy issues. Stay tuned for more advocacy events like this one!

As Diversity Outreach Manager for SCDNR, Alix Pedraza works to expand access, use, and enjoyment of our region's natural areas and greenspaces for Hispanic, Latinx, and other underrepresented audiences.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, we invite you to read more from Alix about her love for the environment — inspired by excursions in her home country of Colombia — and her journey toward a career in sharing natural places with others. Read more

By including Upstate Forever in your will, trust, or estate plans, you can help safeguard the Upstate's natural resources and protect our region's high quality of life for future generations. If you are interested in learning more about planned gift options, please contact Aldon Knight, Director of Development and Community Relations, aknight@upstateforever.org or (706) 410-5896.

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.