Upstate Forever

Thank you to everyone who joined UF's Land Planning & Policy team and Chandra Brown of Influence Advocacy, LLC for an insightful and instructive advocacy training session in Greer last night!

Dozens of Upstate residents had the opportunity to listen to a panel discussion featuring local elected officials and policy influencers, in addition to exploring how to find and communicate with local decision makers and advocate effectively for conservation priorities related to land use.

Together with members of the Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team (LKSWPT ), Upstate Forever received an Honor Roll award from the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) last month. UF's Clean Water Director Erika Hollis, who also serves as chair of the LKSWPT, accepted the award from Rick Sommer, Seneca resident and IWLA Awards Chairman.

We are honored by this recognition of our work to safeguard the Upstate's water resources!

Reminder: Join us on Tuesday to hear findings from a year-long engineering and economic impact study on the proposed Saluda Grade Trail!

We're thrilled to share some long-awaited news...

The Saluda Grade Trail corridor is officially under contract! Find more details here: https://www.saludagradetrail.org/saluda-grade-news/saluda-grade-trail-corridor-under-contract

Now taking applications for the Citizens Planning Academy, returning Wednesdays from 5:30 - 8 pm in September and October!

If you live in Greenville and are motivated to better understand local land planning processes, this is a great place to start. Our Academy is a unique program that provides a great foundational education and demystifies the planning process — graduates leave empowered to speak up for their communities.

Learn more and apply for the upcoming series at upstateforever.org/citizens-planning-academy.

Citizens Planning Academy Upstate Forever’s Citizens Planning Academy is an interactive course designed to help Greenville residents, business owners, and neighborhood leaders become more effective and influential participan

Would you like to learn hands-on skills to become a more effective local advocate? Register now for our upcoming advocacy training: Building Bridges Across the Political Divide.

During this free session on Thursday, August 15, you'll learn how to communicate with local decision makers, build relationships with influencers, and advocate effectively for conservation priorities related to land use. Learn more and register now at upstate-forever-advocacy-training.eventbrite.com — spaces are limited!

"One beautiful fall day, almost three decades ago, our family hiked to the top of Table Rock Mountain. While enjoying the panoramic views, we snapped a picture of our children, not realizing that a portion of the background captured in the picture would become our responsibility to preserve for generations to come."

Read more from Tom and Kathy Baer, owners of a recently protected property off Highway 11 in Pickens County, as they share their motivation for placing their land under a conservation easement:

Preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us Tom and Kathy Baer, owners of a recently protected property off Highway 11 in Pickens County, share their motivation for placing Reeds Run under a conservation easement.

In 2008, Upstate Forever became the first land trust organization in South Carolina to receive national accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance. Today, we're glad to share we're completing the process of renewing accreditation, a process completed every five years.

Visit our blog to learn more about this process, why accreditation matters, and how landowners, community partners, and other stakeholders can submit public comments to support UF's application: bit.ly/ufaccred

Come learn about the Saluda Grade Trail!

On Tuesday, August 13 at 6:00 pm at Gramling United Methodist Church (14941 Asheville Hwy, Inman, 29322), you're invited to join the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy as engineering firm TPD, Inc. shares findings from an in-depth, year-long study. You'll hear results of the public input process, existing condition of the trail corridor, projected regional economic impacts, and more.

A separate meeting for NC residents will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

"When a small business succeeds, when a community member is in need, when a wonderful local event takes place, we’re on the same team. We get to be one another’s cheerleaders. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed."

In an essay for the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate, Travelers Rest Here founder Lacey Keigley reflects on the journey that led her to TR and how she has played a role in the thriving community that has blossomed there in recent years:

Building communities we love Travelers Rest Here founder Lacey Keigley reflects on the importance of fostering a love of community.

Don't miss our free advocacy training on Thursday, August 15 in Greer!

Led by activist and advocate Chandra Brown, this 3-hour session will equip you to engage with individuals from all political backgrounds on local land use issues. Plus, attendees will hear from a panel of elected officials and influencers in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties.

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. Click here to register now, as space is limited: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/upstate-forever-advocacy-training-building-bridges-across-the-political-divide-tickets-932454986967

"When changes started to ramp up in Greenville in the early 2000s, I said to myself, 'I want to be part of this change — in the right way.'”

In this essay for the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate, City of Greenville Planning Commissioner Pamela Adams recounts the fight to save the Dr. E.E. McClaren Medical Shelter in the West End of Greenville:

Empowering more voices in place-making City of Greenville Planning Commissioner Pamela Adams recounts the fight to save the Dr. E.E. McClaren Medical Shelter in the West End of Greenville.

Thank you to everyone who joined UF's Energy & State Policy and Land Planning & Policy staff for an Advocacy Happy Hour at Liability Brewing Co. last night!

We chatted about opportunities to support more fiscally and environmentally responsible growth in the Greenville County Unified Development Ordinance, as well as how Upstate residents can help shape Duke Energy's Integrated Resource Plan.

Did you know that land protection doesn't end when the conservation easement is signed? Each year, Upstate Forever's stewardship staff visit each and every one of the 160+ properties protected by our nationally accredited land trust. Enjoy some early summer sightings from recent site visits!

For the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate, we asked several local residents to share how and why they work to forge a brighter future through conservation, advocacy, placemaking, and sustainable farming.

In this piece, Rabbit Crest Farms co-owner Elijah Ackerman chronicles the journey that led he and his wife to start a farm that provides Upstate residents with fresh produce and beautiful flowers:

Honoring the land and its resources Rabbit Crest Farms co-owner Elijah Ackerman chronicles the journey that led he and his wife to start a farm that provides Upstate residents with fresh produce and beautiful flowers.

Join us for a drink on UF next week! 🍻 Drop by Greenville's Liability Brewing Co. on June 27 for an Advocacy Happy Hour.

You can chat with our Energy & State Policy and Land Planning & Policy staff about energy and land use issues in the Upstate. Our experts will explore Greenville County’s anticipated Unified Development Ordinance, Duke Energy Carolinas’ Integrated Resource Plan, and more.

📆 Important! To RSVP, please email Michael Coleman at [email protected]

We're seeking a Director of Development who will oversee all components of major and planned giving, membership and annual giving, cultivation events, and member activities. This leadership position works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors while overseeing the Development team. To read the full job description and apply online, please visit upstateforever.org/jobs.

Conservation and land stewardship continues long after a property is permanently protected! Upstate Forever's Stewardship and Restoration Manager worked alongside a dedicated conservation easement landowner to facilitate a 200-acre prescribed burn. 🔥 Fire was applied across a matrix of pine, hardwoods and native grasses to improve habitat quality for deer, turkey, quail and many non-game wildlife species. Nature's resiliency is evident as native understory vegetation has already begun to flourish after the burn. 🌱

Prescribed fire can be an excellent component of a well-rounded land management plan to prevent wildfires, maintain grassland or other fire-dependant ecosystems, benefit wildlife habitat and improve forest aesthetics. Learn more about prescribed fire on private lands at: scfc.gov/protection/fire-burning

In the latest issue of our twice yearly publication, the Upstate Advocate, we asked local residents to share how and why they work to forge a brighter future through conservation, advocacy, placemaking, and sustainable farming. We also interviewed several "next generation conservationists" (a.k.a. kids of UF staff members aged 3-5) about their favorite outdoor activities. Read these stories and more updates from our team at upstateforever.org/newsletter.

For decades, dangerous coal tar ash has been seeping into the soil, sediment and groundwater of the Bramlett Road site located in Greenville’s vibrant, historic, and historically Black Southernside community. Not only does this pollution affect the surrounding community, it’s also leaking into the Reedy River.

TOMORROW, Thursday, June 6, SCDHEC will host a public meeting to present its proposed plan and preferred alternatives for cleanup of coal tar ash pollutants and illegal landfill debris. This is a monumental step forward in the decades-long process to clean up the Bramlett Road site.

Here are 2 ways you can help:

1️⃣ Attend the public meeting on June 6 at 6:00 pm at Mountain View Baptist Church (111 Cagle Street, Greenville, 20601). WEAR BLUE 🔵 in solidarity to show DHEC how important cleaning up the site is to the public.

2️⃣ Whether you're able to attend the public meeting or not, please SHARE this post to help spread the word!

We hosted another successful volunteer workday at the Long Branch Mitigation property in West Greenville earlier this month. With the help of more than a dozen diligent volunteers, we removed litter from an 11-acre protected property nestled in the Village of West Greenville. This small but mighty property provides nesting and foraging habitat for wetland birds and other wildlife while also absorbing stormwater during heavy rain events. Big thanks to our volunteers and to Keep Greenville County Beautiful for providing tools and collecting the gathered trash!

Early voting for South Carolina's June 11 primary election began today!

Why are the June primaries so important? Races for local, state, and even national seats can be decided in June, not November, as many races have only democratic or only republican candidates running. Whoever wins from those parties in the primaries will take the seat.

You can make your vote count by voting early today through June 7, or by voting in the statewide primaries on June 11! To view a sample ballot, find your polling place, and view more voter resources, visit scvotes.gov.

Join us at Liability Brewing Co. on Thursday, June 27 from 6-8 pm for an advocacy happy hour! Drop by to chat with our Energy and State Policy and Land Planning and Policy staff about energy and land use issues in the Upstate. Our experts will explore Greenville County’s anticipated Unified Development Ordinance, Duke Energy Carolinas’ Integrated Resource Plan, and more.

Enjoy light refreshments, and your first drink on us! 🍻 RSVP to Michael Coleman ([email protected]) by June 25th.

We were blown away by your enthusiasm and support as we celebrated the launch of the Generations Campaign at The Annex at Judson Mill on Tuesday evening.

To learn more and support the Generations Campaign, please visit upstateforever.org/generations

Please join us on Tuesday, May 21 as we celebrate the launch of Generations, an ambitious $7 million campaign that will fund Upstate Forever's conservation and advocacy for the years to come. You'll have the opportunity to learn more about the strategic goals Upstate Forever is working to accomplish through this campaign, as well as connect with like-minded conservationists. We'll enjoy live bluegrass from the Reedy River String Band, with brief remarks from Executive Director Aldon Knight at 6:30 p.m.

This complimentary event is open to all passionate about shaping the future of the Upstate. As space is limited, your RSVP is appreciated! RSVP now at upstateforevergenerations.eventbrite.com.

Generations Campaign Launch Join us for drinks, hors d'oeuvres & live bluegrass at the launch of Upstate Forever's Generations Campaign on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Congratulations to Pickens County Council for their decision to better protect waterways in Pickens County! On April 1st, Council voted to approve at least a 50’ wide riparian setback for new development along all Waters-of-the-State in unincorporated areas of Pickens County.

Riparian setbacks are considered the last line of defense for water quality. They are vegetated areas next to streams and rivers that provide protection from the impacts of adjacent land uses. The benefits associated with increased riparian areas are multiple and include water quality, flood protection, recreation, wildlife habitat, and increased tax revenue.

Thank you, Pickens County Council, for helping protect water quality in the Upstate!

This Sunday - May 12 - is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming primary election on June 11! There are 37 seats up for election in Greenville County and 17 out of the 37 races will be chosen on June 11 (not in November). In June 2022, only 14% of Upstate residents voted in the primary elections. Let's help change that number!

Check your registration status, find out how to update your information, and register to vote here: https://scvotes.gov/

Upstate Forever is proud to partner with Greater Good Greenville and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce on the Campaign – an effort to encourage more Upstate citizens to exercise their right to vote.