Check out the latest Upstate Advocate

How do drones, mapping software, and other technology help us protect the Upstate’s land and water? The latest issue of Upstate Advocate, Upstate Forever’s twice-yearly print publication, explores the tech tools our team uses to make our conservation work more effective and strategic.

Read the Fall/Winter 2026–2027 issue to learn more about the technology behind our work, catch up on the latest news from our team, and see how your support helps protect the Upstate for generations to come.

A celebration to remember

Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Meeting at the gorgeous Elf Leaf Farm in Landrum earlier this month! It is always a joy to gather with UF staff, board members, supporters, landowners, and friends to celebrate the year's conservation and advocacy successes — and enjoy some excellent BBQ!

Thank you, volunteers!

We had a very successful invasive species removal workday at Rocky River Nature Park in Anderson this week! Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to remove loads of Chinese privet, an invasive shrub that can crowd out native plants. We’re grateful to everyone who pitched in to help care for this special natural space. View photos

Clean water win in Greenville Co.

Thanks to a recent vote by Greenville County Council, strengthened riparian buffer requirements in the county’s land development regulations no longer have a sunset provision. These vegetated areas alongside rivers and streams are among the most cost-effective ways to protect water quality. Pictured: Melanie Ruhlman (Save Our Saluda), Emily Poole (SCELP), and Erika Hollis (UF) provided public comments on the sunset provisions at a recent council meeting.

Growing appreciation for nature

Land Policy Grassroots Specialist Tre’Dessa Smalls recently visited AJ Whittenburg Elementary School in Greenville to discuss the importance of open space and trees with members of the school's Garden Club. Students explored how open spaces benefit their community through a scavenger hunt. By helping young people connect with nature, we’re nurturing the next generation of conservationists who will care for the Upstate for years to come.

Saving seeds for the future

Director of Stewardship & Land Management Lauren Ulich (far right) joined partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and SC Department of Natural Resources in Oconee County to collect seeds from the federally threatened Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata). These seeds will be propagated for future restoration projects, helping support the recovery of this rare native wildflower.

Shape future public transit

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is seeking input from residents to help shape its Statewide Transit Plan. Share your experiences and priorities through a short survey to help guide future transit policies and improve access to jobs, health care, schools, and other important destinations. SCDOT will also host a virtual public info meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 5:30 PM with a Q&A session. Take the survey & learn more

Vote YES: A "penny tax" is on the ballot for Greenville County voters

Citizens across Greenville County have an important choice to make this November — to vote whether to approve a countywide "penny tax" to fund three critical community priorities: fixing the roads, protecting land and water, and improving transit. 

Note: City residents in Greenville, Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Travelers Rest will also see a separate municipal tax relief question on their ballots. If you live within one of these municipalities, click that municipality to learn more.

What YES could mean for Greenville County

Adoption of a countywide penny sales tax in November would be an absolute game changer — nearly $1 billion to fix the roads, up to $77 million for land and water protection, and up to $33 million to improve transit service.

Of these revenues — roughly just 35% will come from county residents, with the rest collected from visitors, out-of-county shoppers, businesses, and institutions. Not only that, unprepared food, prescription medication, and motor fuel will be exempt. You can learn more about the penny sales tax at VoteYesGVL.

Vote early before Oct. 31 or on Election Day, Nov. 3

Early voting kicked off statewide on October 19 and will run through October 31. Click here for early voting locations.

The county's penny tax issue will appear as two questions on the ballot. See HERE for anticipated ballot language. The first question asks about imposing a sales tax for not more than eight years and outlines projects to be funded. The second relates to issuing general obligation bonds to complete projects described in question one.

Your vote is critical on this important issue, so make sure you've scheduled time to head to the polls and vote YES to both!

Staff updates & upcoming events

Celebrating our team

This month, we’re celebrating three staff anniversaries at Upstate Forever.

• Celebrating three years with UF, Land Conservation Operations Coordinator Laura Smith helps keep our Land Conservation team’s operations and conservation easement work running smoothly.
• Celebrating five years with UF, State Policy Director Michael Coleman leads our policy work at the State House and builds relationships that advance conservation priorities across South Carolina.
• Celebrating 19 years with UF, Deputy Director Lisa Hallo utilizes decades of conservation experience and leadership to help guide our advocacy, conservation, and daily operations.

Please join us in thanking Laura, Michael, and Lisa for their dedication to protecting the critical lands, waters, and unique character of Upstate SC!

Make conservation part of your legacy

As National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 19–25) comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on how your plans for the future can reflect the values you hold today. A planned gift to Upstate Forever can help protect the lands, waters and natural resources that make the Upstate special for generations to come. Learn more about planned giving and explore ways to include conservation in your legacy.

Native American Celebration at Hagood Mill Historic Site

Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Hagood Mill Historic Site will host its celebration next month featuring Indigenous music, traditional dancing, drumming, artisan vendors, food, demonstrations, and opportunities to explore the historic water-powered gristmill and Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site. Learn more

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.