For mental health awareness month, spend some time in nature

Studies have shown that time in nature can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, relax the nervous system, enhance the immune system, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Get out in nature for Mental Health Awareness Month and experience the many mental, physical, and social benefits natural spaces provide.

Upstate Forever works hard to protect natural places like parks, green spaces, and trails, so Upstate residents can continue to experience nature's mental health benefits. If you feel the need for nature's restorative properties this month, then check out our list of great hikes in the area, places to paddle, and outdoor volunteer opportunities.

Pickens County voted for water

Pickens County Council recently voted to approve a 50’ minimum riparian setback for new development along all Waters-of-the-State in unincorporated areas of Pickens County. Thank you County Council for voting for water! To learn how these vegetated areas are crucial defense for our waterways, click here. 

Attend Land Trust Day on June 1st

Each June, Mast General Store hosts Land Trust Day to celebrate the important work done by land trusts like Upstate Forever. This year, Mast General is donating 20% of the Greenville store's sales on Saturday, June 1 to UF! Stop by our table from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm to chat with our team about land trusts and stewardship.

Join us for an Advocacy Happy Hour

Drop in and join our Energy and State Policy and Land Planning and Policy teams for a discussion of energy and land use issues in the Upstate on June 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Liability Brewing Company. Enjoy light refreshments and your first drink on us! RSVP to Michael Coleman by June 25th. See you there!

May is American Wetlands Month

Celebrate one of nature's most productive ecosystems this month by learning more about how these vital habitats are changing and how we can better conserve them for their benefits. Wetland loss increased by 50% in the last decade, but we can help protect them together. Read the recent report and wetland stories.

Our Generations Campaign kickoff event was a success!

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Tuesday for our Generations Campaign launch at The Annex at Judson Mill! We had a great turnout of advocates, landowners, conservationists, and newcomers. Check out our photo album to see highlights from the evening.

Support and learn more about the Generations Campaign's ambitious $7 million goal to help fund Upstate Forever's conservation and advocacy for years to come. We hope you'll help us keep the Upstate healthy, vibrant, and resilient for future generations.

More news, information & updates

Staff updates

• Welcome Trevor Freeman who joined the UF team as part of the Land Conservation program. He serves as Land Stewardship Specialist and helps monitor and conserve lands and natural resources while maintaining relationships with the landowners of over 70 properties. 
• We've moved! Our new Spartanburg office is located at 900 S Pine St, Spartanburg, SC 29302, right off the Mary Black Rail Trail.

Energy updates

• After weeks of public hearings and testimony, the Public Service Commission (PSC) will consider whether to grant Duke Energy Carolina's rate increase of 12.9% effective August 1, 2024, and an additional 6.5% on August 1, 2026. The PSC will issue an official order by July 3, 2024. 

Support your community

• Don't forget to vote! The Voting Matters Campaign wants to remind you that voting kicks off May 28 and runs through June 7. Click here for more information on locations and times the polls will be open.
• How do you get around town? Greenville Connects, a coalition who believes a strong transit system is essential to a strong community, wants your opinion on transit. Take the quick Greenville Connects survey by May 31 to help them make a plan for transportation initiatives that benefit Greenville. 
• Support Wild Things of the Upstate, the A to Z illustrated children’s book that guides young readers through 26 plants and animals that call our Upstate region of South Carolina home. Learn how you can help the local team behind this project bring native flora and fauna to children's imaginations.