Connecting People to Nature

2022 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon - June 14th, 2022

After forgoing our in-person celebration in 2021, it was a joy to gather again to celebrate the Upstate's leaders in conservation and sustainable growth! read more

Mable Owens Clarke to receive the Marjorie E. Schmidt Stewardship Award at ForeverGreen 2022 - June 9th, 2022

For her tireless and quiet dedication to secure the preservation of the historic Soapstone Church in Pickens County, Mable Owens Clarke will receive the Marjorie E. Schmidt Stewardship Award at Upstate Forever's ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon on Monday, June 13. read more

Ranger Tim Lee to receive the Public Servant of the Year Award at ForeverGreen 2022 - June 8th, 2022

For his decades of service and wildlife education at the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, Interpretive Ranger Tim Lee will receive the Public Servant of the Year Award at Upstate Forever's ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon on Monday, June 13. read more

Hoyt Grant to receive the Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion Award at ForeverGreen 2022 - June 6th, 2022

For his dedication to conservation and the protection of the iconic Grant Meadow and Table Rock viewshed, Hoyt Grant will receive the Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion Award at Upstate Forever's ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon on Monday, June 13. read more

Carfree commuting advice from a local expert - May 20th, 2022

In celebration of National Bike to Work Day, Mary McGowan — aka "rebelwithoutacar" — answers your burning questions about carfree commuting. read more

Driven to Connect: Alix Pedraza - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, SCDNR Diversity Outreach Manager Alix Pedraza reflects on her journey towards a career involved in protecting natural places and why she is driven to expand access to outdoor recreation areas to underrepresented audiences. read more

Driven to Advocate: Sandy Hanebrink - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Touch the Future Executive Director Sandy Hanebrink discusses her journey as a person with disabilities and advocates for expanded access to our region's treasured natural areas. read more

Driven to Comfort: Diane Gluck - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Cancer Survivors Park Alliance Founder Diane Gluck reflects on how this impactful greenspace in Greenville came to be. read more