Do you love spending time outdoors? We're seeking a Land Stewardship Program Associate to join our nationally accredited land trust! Click here to view the complete job description. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to jobs@upstateforever.org by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 12.

Upstate Advocate coming soon

The upcoming issue of our twice-yearly print publication will feature a special tribute to this year's ForeverGreen honorees in place of the annual awards luncheon. If you're not on our mailing list & would like to receive a copy of this and future issues, please visit upstateforever.org/newslettersignup.

Earth Month Virtual Clean Up Challenge – More info below!

History of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail

Upstate Clean Water Overview and Discussion

An Overview of Planning and the Greenville Co. Unified Development Ordinance

Washing your car on your lawn may draw some strange looks from your neighbors, but you'll be doing our water resources a favor. When you wash on concrete, runoff travels through storm drains and directly into rivers untreated. To prevent damaging your grass, stay away from harsh cleaners and use biodegradable soap.

While we're sad to miss another Earth Month celebrating together, we hope you'll join us for a virtual cleanup challenge. Whether you pick up trash while walking the dog or hitting the trail, we can all make a big difference through small acts — and we'll have some fun prizes to share along the way. Stay tuned!

Thank you to the Greenville County Council Members who expressed an interest and willingness to improve Article 3.1 — a controversial land development regulation setting out basic criteria for subdivision approval — rather than simply strike it down. Article 3.1 is far from perfect. However, striking it down with no replacement would lead to unfettered sprawl and even bigger challenges for the county. Greenville County needs regulations in rural, unzoned areas that more effectively and predictably guide residential land development — in line with the county's comprehensive plan. Read more in this article from the Post & Courier Greenville and click here to sign up to receive our email newsletter dedicated to Greenville County Land Planning & Policy Issues.

Join us in congratulating Land Stewardship Associate Dorothy Signal for two years on the Upstate Forever team!

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.

By including Upstate Forever in your will, trust, or estate plans, you can help protect our region's high quality of life for future generations. If you would like to learn more about planned giving or to request a copy of our free estate planning guide, contact Aldon Knight, Director of Development and Community Relations.

Do you know about our other mailing lists?

Thanks for signing up for the Upstate Update, Upstate Forever's general email newsletter. We also offer email lists dedicated to specific topics like clean water and land protection. To sign up for one or all of the lists below, please click here and select the list(s) you'd like to join.

Greenville County is growing rapidly, and our team is working to ensure that land use policies are in place that support smart, balanced growth. Sign up to receive these periodic updates and action alerts about land planning and policy issues in Greenville.

Rapid change is already underway in Spartanburg, as are planning processes to better manage anticipated growth. Whether you live or work in Spartanburg County or just care deeply about its future, our Land Planning & Policy team will keep you informed and actively engaged in shaping Spartanburg's future growth.

Land protection is the key to protecting what we love about the Upstate, but more funding is needed to protect our region's special places while we still have the opportunity. Get the latest updates on initiatives that support increased funding for conservation in the Upstate.

While the State Legislature is in session from January through May of each year, we dispatch a weekly Legislative Update recapping each week's important energy and conservation news. We also issue Action Alerts on critical, time-sensitive issues and provide the tools you need to contact your elected officials.

Water is our planet's most precious natural resource, and Upstate Forever is working to safeguard both the quantity and quality of water in our region. Our Clean Water team sends out a periodic newsletter dedicated to clean water issues and advocacy.

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.