Today and Tomorrow: Explore the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate

We are proud to share with you the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate, our twice-yearly print publication. Below, read the letter from Executive Director Aldon Knight introducing this issue, which features stories from Upstate conservationists working to protect and improve our region for future generations, in addition to sharing information about the Generations Campaign and more news from our staff.

Click here to read a digital copy of the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of the Upstate Advocate

Looking forward to it

As I write this, I've been the Executive Director of Upstate Forever for exactly one month. And let me tell you, I've hit the ground running. I've spent time at muddy site visits, in meetings with elected officials, and on countless calls with conservation partners — sometimes all within the same day! 

I want to thank Andrea, the board, and our great staff for entrusting me with this new role. Andrea is truly a tough act to follow, and I'm glad she's sticking around to support UF via donor relations and strategic guidance. 

Our mission at UF has always been to protect the Upstate’s remarkable natural assets and strong communities for future generations. That's important to me — as an Upstate native, a father, and a strong believer in the principle "leave it better than you found it." 

That's why we're launching Generations, a bold $7 million campaign to safeguard the Upstate’s natural resources as the region experiences significant growth and development. Learn more at upstateforever.org/generations

This campaign will fund UF's work to ensure future generations can experience the places that make this corner of the world so special — our mountains, meadows, forests, rivers, small towns, and farms. 

Each individual has a role to play in making this vision a reality. For this issue of the Upstate Advocate, we asked local residents to share how they're working today to "leave it better than they found it" for tomorrow. I hope you'll enjoy their stories of the special places and communities they love in the Upstate. 

Thank you for supporting our work. Because of you, the Upstate will be a wonderful place to live, work, and play — now, and for generations to come. 

Aldon Knight
Executive Director
Upstate Forever

Click here to read a digital copy of the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of the Upstate Advocate