Connecting People to Nature

Upstate Forever to Seek Reaccreditation from the Land Trust Alliance — Public Comment Period Now Open - July 10th, 2019

The Land Trust Alliance’s land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. In 2008, Upstate Forever became the first land trust organization in South Carolina to receive national accreditation. Upstate Forever is pleased to announce it is now applying for renewal of accreditation. read more

By Scott Park

The Upstate Update: June 2019 - June 25th, 2019

In this month's Upstate Update, learn about a nearly 1,000-acre expansion to Jones Gap State Park, plus find fun summer activities across the Upstate and mark your calendars for several upcoming events. read more

Nearly 1,000 acres protected, donated to Jones Gap State Park - June 24th, 2019

Jones Gap State Park has become approximately 25 percent larger following a donation of 955 acres to the SC Department of Parks, Recreations & Tourism from The Nature Conservancy. The property, known as Gap Creek, is protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement held by Upstate Forever. read more

How to Preserve Nature While Hiking and Camping - June 13th, 2019

8 tips to keep in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors to help protect our natural surroundings for wildlife and future visitors. read more

The Upstate Update: April 2019 - April 22nd, 2019

In this month's Upstate Update, celebrate Earth Day by supporting Upstate Forever and receive a limited edition tee, peruse the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate, read the latest updates from the State House, and more. read more

Phil Gaines: 'I have failed at retirement miserably' - April 18th, 2019

An interview with South Carolina’s long-serving State Parks Director and recipient of the Public Servant of the Year Award at the 2019 ForeverGreen Awards read more

Crossroads Campaign Update: We Are Close, But We Still Need Your Help - April 1st, 2019

As we celebrate the start of Earth Month, we are delighted to share that we are just $88,000 short of our Crossroads Campaign goal! Help us reach our goal by April 30 and receive a limited edition Be the Upstate tee created in collaboration with Dapper Ink. read more

By Aldon Knight

Every last acre on earth - February 18th, 2019

For those of us who cherish the charming rural landscape, and the woods and wild places, our world has once again shrunk before our very eyes. Are we just going to develop every last acre on earth? read more

By Dennis Chastain

We're hiring: Land Stewardship Specialist