Plump berries, juicy peaches, sun-warmed tomatoes, luscious corn, and so much more — is there anything as delicious as the abundance of summer? To help you savor the tastes of the season, we’ve compiled a list of farmers markets across Upstate South Carolina where you can buy farm-fresh produce and support local agriculture. Click here to view the list

Upstate Forever is proud to support our local food community through our land conservation work. In addition to forests, fields and other greenspaces, our nationally accredited land trust collaborates with landowners to preserve farmland which helps prevent urban sprawl, boost community health, and contribute to a thriving regional food community. Learn more about land conservation

After a disappointing 7-5 vote, Greenville County Council this week advanced an alarmingly watered-down replacement of Article 3.1 — a much-debated land development regulation that sets out basic criteria for subdivision approval in unzoned, often rural, parts of the county. Read what happened & what's next

Our partners Friends of the Reedy River need your help monitoring water quality and ecological habitat in the Reedy watershed from Travelers Rest to Greenwood. No experience? No problem! A free one-day SC Adopt A Stream workshop will equip you to become a certified FORR volunteer and monitor along the Reedy and its tributaries. Join the monitoring team

We're seeking an Energy Advocate to manage Upstate Forever’s involvement in energy-related issues, as well as our environmental equity and justice work. Click here to view the complete job description and application details. Applications are requested by 5:00 p.m. on June 24. Apply now

Lauren Muller joined the team this month as our Land Stewardship Program Associate. She comes to UF from the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. We also welcomed Libby Dixon as a summer fellow through Furman University's David E. Shi Center for Sustainability. She'll be working with our Land Conservation team to determine critical soils in focus areas throughout the Upstate.

"Upstate Forever says it all. Being born and living here my entire life, I've come to know and appreciate the diversity our region has to offer. That's why I chose to include Upstate Forever in my estate plan. I can't think of a better legacy to leave than one of a more beautiful world." - J. Tony Rackley

Your planned gift to Upstate Forever is an investment in protecting and enhancing our region's high quality of life for future generations of Upstate residents. With your support, we can ensure Upstate South Carolina is green, vibrant, and prosperous — forever. Visit our planned giving website to learn about bequests, estate planning, and planned gift options.

Did you know that more than 30% of the waste Americans throw away could actually be composted instead? If you want to start composting but aren't sure where to begin, Danielle Parks, Sustainability Coordinator at Sustaining Way, breaks down what you need to know on the UF blog. Learn more here

Construction has begun on an overlook at the iconic pasture nestled under Table Rock in Pickens County. Once complete (in about 3 months), Grant Overlook will give travelers along Highway 11 a safe place to enjoy one of the most remarkable natural areas in South Carolina. Read more from The Greenville News

Thank you to everyone who shopped or stopped by on Saturday, June 5 at Mast General Store in celebration of Land Trust Day! Our team loved making some new friends and chatting about conservation and land protection in the Upstate. And of course, thank you to Mast General for donating 20% of the day's sales to UF!

Join us in congratulating Land Conservation Manager Chris Starker for 13 years on the Upstate Forever team!

The Oconee County Conservation Bank recently approved grants to UF to protect two important Oconee Co. properties with tremendous conservation qualities including prime agricultural soils, water quality protections, and important habitat. We'll share more information when these conservation projects are completed! 

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.

Mark your calendars for "Spartanburg's fastest night" hosted by Partners for Active Living on Friday, August 20! Races start at 3:15 pm and you can join us in the Upstate Forever tailgating tent for a front-row view of the cycling action. More details to come!

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.