Join us to celebrate the Generations Campaign kickoff!

Earth Day has become a month-long celebration, but why stop in April? We have a great way for you to continue making a positive impact on the Earth's precious lands and waters: join us in celebrating our recent Generations Campaign launch at our kickoff event on May 21st!

This complimentary event is open to all passionate about shaping the future of the Upstate. Come have hors d'oeuvres and drinks and enjoy the live bluegrass band, the Reedy River String Band. UF staff, Board of Directors, supporters, community members, and fellow conservationists will all be in attendance. See you there!

If you can't make the celebration but are still interested in supporting our work and strategic goals through 2027, then please click here to learn more about amplifying UF's impact and accelerating protections for the region's lands and waters in the years ahead. What better way to celebrate Earth Month?

Hiring Development Associate

We're seeking a Development Associate to play an important role in Upstate Forever's community relations and fundraising initiatives by coordinating special fundraising events and member field trips, supporting development administration needs, engaging in base-broadening research, and more. Apply today!

Clean Water site visits rain or shine

Our Clean Water team hosted DHEC grant administrators in the 3&20 Creek and Tyger River watersheds. They surveyed in-progress and completed projects for septic and agricultural best management practices as well as a protected property. All projects were made possible through 319 grant funding.

Are you registered to vote?

Did you know less than 14% of Upstate residents voted in the June 2022 primary elections? In Greenville County, a candidate won by only 3 votes. The Voting Matters Campaign hopes to change those numbers. Make sure you're registered to vote in the primaries by May 12

Capturing the wild south

South Carolina-based conservation photographer and Naturaland Trust Executive Director Mac Stone was recently featured in Garden & Gun. Read about his mission to capture the south's special places and creatures and how he works to protect the Upstate.

More news, information & updates

Staff updates

• The Land Management Program led by Stewardship & Land Restoration Manager Lauren Ulich recently received a $2,500 grant from Southern Conservation Partners to help fund our habitat restoration work at Conestee Nature Preserve. The grant allows us to partner with the Palmetto Conservation Corps and Conestee staff to continue managing invasive plant species in the preserve's priority grassland and forest habitats. 
• We invite you to learn more about one of our newer team members through a rapid-fire Q&A. Click here to meet Land Conservation Operations Coordinator Laura Smith (and her sweet dog Ellie)!
• Please join us in congratulating Communications Director Sally Boman for celebrating seven years with Upstate Forever this month!

Upcoming events

• Energy rate hikes public hearings this week | Public Service Commission: The final two public hearings about Duke Energy Carolinas' planned rate increases take place this week in Anderson and Spartanburg. Click here to learn more about the rate hike, how to submit comments, and hearing locations.
• The Spartanburg Criterium | April 26th: Don't miss the "fastest night in the Upstate!" If you haven't attended this exhilarating event before, the Criterium is a thrilling bike race that turns the heart of the city into a one-of-a-kind block party. Races start at 3:15, and we'll be watching the action from the Upstate Forever tent on Broad Street (Tent B27) all day long. All event proceeds will benefit Spartanburg nonprofit PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well.
• Pickens County Native Plant Jubilee | May 4th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Celebrate native plants, pollinators, and sustainable gardening at this free event. Check out the arts, craft vendors, demonstrations, and speakers while you're there.