Upstate Forever Staff

Laura Smith joined Upstate Forever in the fall of 2023 as the Land Conservation Operations Coordinator. Originally from West Virginia, Laura moved to the Upstate in 2012 to obtain her Masters in Professional Communication from Clemson University. After several years in software development as a production manager, Laura is excited to shift her work towards her love of nature. She now works with the Land Conservation Team to protect key lands and waterways in the Upstate through conservation easements.
 
In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time outdoors — hiking, camping, walking her dogs, playing disc golf, and gardening.