Click here to view past issues of the Upstate Update.

Despite the ongoing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-transforming social climate, Upstate Forever had one of its most productive years yet. And our team could not have accomplished this indispensable work without your support.

We thank you not only for your generosity but for understanding the importance of proactively, thoughtfully, and equitably addressing the growth happening in our region. We hope you'll take a few moments to read some of the success stories you made possible last year in our 2021 Donor Impact Report.

Have you wondered how to help advocate for smart growth in the City of Greenville? Join UF staff & advocacy experts from Pecan PR for a free workshop on Friday, April 8 from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. Participants will learn how to identify key issues, determine your target audience, and effectively frame and deliver your message. Register here

Mark your calendar for the SC Conservation Coalition Conservation Lobby Day and Oyster Roast in Columbia on Tuesday, 4/26. This event offers a chance to meet fellow advocates and legislators who value conservation and help us make a positive impact at the Statehouse. Then, celebrate with a fabulous oyster roast! Register here

Join us Saturday, April 9 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Long Branch Mitigation Site on Woodside Avenue in downtown Greenville. Participants will help remove invasive plant species and litter from this property protected by Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever. Due to limited parking, the number of volunteers will be capped at 20. RSVP now

New Upstate Advocate coming soon

The upcoming issue of our twice-yearly print publication will celebrate the conservation, advocacy, and community contributions of several remarkable Upstate women, in addition to featuring the latest news about our work. If you're not on our mailing list & would like to be added to receive this and future issues, email athacker@upstateforever.org.

The City of Greenville rolled out its draft Sustainable GVL plan earlier this month and is inviting public feedback by March 31 to finalize the plan. At 24 pages, the draft plan is succinctly laid out in just three sections with graphics and images that make for an easy read. Click here to download a copy of the draft plan and click here to submit comments by the end of the month. A final plan is expected to be advanced for adoption by city council later this spring. 

Greenville County is drafting a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to replace existing zoning and land development regulations. The UDO will determine how and where growth occurs to accommodate the 220,000+ new residents projected for the county by 2040. Recently, the county unveiled their draft new zoning ordinance, which will be a major component of the future UDO, as well as other drafts associated with the proposed new zoning ordinance. Click here to visit Greenville County's UDO website.

We are honored that Fireforge Crafted Beer selected UF as the recipient of donations for each pour of "Allies In Ales," a Belgian-Style Quad Ale brewed in collaboration with several other Upstate breweries. For each purchased 10- or 16-ounce pour of this ale, Fireforge will donate $1 to support our work! Visit their taproom at 311 E. Washington Street, Greenville to purchase your pint.

It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and explore our region’s natural splendor. We've put together a list of 5 great, less-traveled trails where you can enjoy this season's sights. Read the list here

Watershed-based planning and implementation is a large part of what our Clean Water does to protect water resources across the Upstate. But, because this work often takes years to complete and can get rather technical in nature, it can go unnoticed. Visit our blog for a deep dive into watershed-based planning and implementation, and learn how you can get involved. Read it here

Are you on TikTok? So are we! Find us at @upstateforever for exclusive video content you won't find on some of our other social media channels. Follow UF on TikTok

Happy anniversary to Land Trust Associate Dorothy Signal, who is celebrating three years on our staff this month!

We've also been introducing you to our team through a monthly round of rapid-fire questions. This month, get to know Land Conservation Operations Associate Alison Miller, who joined UF earlier this year.

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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.