Spring is here and our team is excitedly preparing for several upcoming public water-related events in the Upstate! If you are interested in meeting like-minded folks interested in water, or just want to participate in fun community activities, read more below.  

Additionally, now that we are in the full swing of springtime, it’s helpful for all of us to remember some best practices regarding lawn care. We are all celebrating being outside more, but please remember there are several key steps you can take listed below to safeguard water quality. Thank you for tuning in again to engage with Upstate Forever’s water quality work! 

Best regards,  

Clean Water Director

Upstate Forever

This family-friendly event will take place from 10 am – 3 pm on May 14 on the shores of Lake Cooley in Inman and is an excellent way to learn more about the Tyger River Watershed — while having loads of fun! Come meet with local water and recreation-related organizations (including yours truly) while trying out kayaks and paddle boards, as well as enjoying a free BBQ lunch. For more information about the event and to register to reserve your free lunch, click here.  

Anderson Barrels and Beer: Saturday, May 21  

The 4th annual Barrels and Beer event will take place at Magnetic South Brewery from 11 am – 2 pm on May 21. Hosted by Anderson County Soil and Water Conservation District and sponsored by Anderson Regional Joint Water System, you can channel your inner artist and paint your own rain barrel while learning how water quality relates to tasty local beer. There will be presentations from educators and organizations in the Upstate regarding conservation, natural resource protection, and surface water pollution. The cost is $45 and supplies are limited, so click here to register. 

Upstate Forever’s annual ForeverGreen luncheon has been rescheduled for June 13 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Embassy Suites on Verdae Boulevard in Greenville. This gathering is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to conservation in the Upstate. The 2022 Clean Water Champion Award recognizes The Tyger River Foundation for their ongoing work to increase public access to the Tyger River system while protecting water quality in Spartanburg County. To purchase your luncheon ticket ($50), click here. 

Lawn Care Best Practices 

Spring has sprung! It is officially that time of the year when we roll up our sleeves and get to work outside. While gardening and landscaping, it’s important to pay attention to how our practices can affect local water quality.  

Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Herbicides 

While sometimes we may need to resort to the use of chemicals to keep our gardens and lawns in check, it is critical to be an informed user. Overuse can be toxic to your health, local ecosystems, and our waterways. These chemicals can kill beneficial insects and healthy soil organisms, on top of weakening plant root systems and reducing the presence of important nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in soil.  

Here are a few tips to ensure the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides will not endanger you, others, and the environment:  

Native Plants 

Native species are the trees, plants, and shrubs that naturally occur in a region and therefore are adapted to local climate and soil conditions. Because they are acclimated to their local environment, they require far less water than non-native alternatives and play a crucial role in the health of local ecosystems. 

On top of being beautiful, here are some of the many benefits native plants provide compared to non-native or invasive plant species: 

To learn more about native plants and their role in maintaining the natural character of the Upstate, visit the South Carolina Native Plant Society’s Website. 

If you have any questions about this topic, or would like to learn about another Clean Water issue in a future edition, please contact me at ehollis@upstateforever.org. 

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.