Hoyt Grant to receive the Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion Award at ForeverGreen 2022

Hoyt Grant is a lifelong resident of Pickens County, retired business owner, U.S. Army veteran, and cancer survivor. He is being honored at the 2022 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon for his dedication to conservation and the protection of his property — the iconic Grant Meadow and Table Rock viewshed on Highway 11 in Pickens County.

Growing up during the Great Depression era, Hoyt’s family struggled to run a business, and he learned the value of hard work at a very young age. They ran a small sawmill that his grandfather started in 1910. In those days, the mill and their family home were broken down and moved to the work site, then rebuilt all in one day’s time. After working for his father, he took over the family sawmill business, and worked there until he retired at the age of 73. Hoyt had a passion for the land, loved the smell of fresh cut pine, and spent many hours walking tracts of timber.

His father had purchased Grant Meadow — several acres adjoining Table Rock State Park — around 1950. Hoyt gained a special appreciation for the land while growing up and helping his father take care of the property. It made perfect sense for him to protect this view for future generations.

Faith, determination and love of family are evident in his quiet demeanor. If you happen to cross his path you may hear one of his interesting stories or life lessons that he is more than happy to share.

Named after visionary conservationist Tommy Wyche, this award recognizes a business, organization, or individual who has made a significant contribution to the protection of farmlands, forest lands, natural areas, and other special places in the Upstate.

Tickets are now available for ForeverGreen, Upstate Forever's annual awards luncheon celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to conservation and sustainable growth in Upstate SC.

The 2022 luncheon will include a celebration of this year's awardees, below, in addition to a special recognition of the 2021 award recipients. PAWS Animal Wildlife Sanctuary will also offer a meet and greet with several rescued birds of prey preceding the luncheon. A recording of the event will be available afterward for those unable to attend in-person.