More than 1,000 acres protected this summer

Upstate Forever's nationally accredited land trust protected more than 1,000 acres across the 10-county Upstate South Carolina region this summer!

More than 600 acres permanently protected in Abbeville County

Morrow Creek Timbers is a nearly 430-acre property comprising hardwood forests, 30 acres of wetlands, and a 6-acre pond. MROS Preserve is approximately 239 acres of pine and hardwood forest and frontage on Gill Creek, a tributary of the Savannah River.

Together, these protected lands have a tremendous potential to influence the water quality of the Savannah River, the sole source of drinking water for the county, as well as critical natural resources and wildlife habitat.

Grants from the South Carolina Conservation Bank helped make these conservation projects possible. Read more

300 acres protected in northern Greenville County

The property, which is owned by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) and known as the White Tract, significantly expands protected acreage in the Blue Ridge Escarpment area near Jones Gap State Park, Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, and other protected lands. A conservation easement held by Upstate Forever ensures this 300-acre property, originally purchased by The Nature Conservancy for SCPRT, remains protected in perpetuity.

Although not currently open to the public for outdoor recreation, future public access is planned to help meet growing demand for natural areas and expanded park access. The protection of the White Tract will also contribute to the conservation of water resources and habitat for plants and wildlife.

Funding from The Daniel-Mickel Foundation helped make this conservation success possible. Read more

42 acres protected in Oconee County

Taychoedah, derived from a Native American word meaning "camp by the water," is a 42-acre property near Lake Keowee in Oconee County.

The location and unique properties of this land provide suitable habitat for the propagation and enhancement of the rare Oconee bell. Protecting properties such as Taychoedah, located within the known geographical range of its historical distribution and appropriate moist and wooded conditions, are imperative to the future of this rare, endemic plant species. The protection of this property also helps safeguard water quality on Cornhouse Creek, a tributary of Lake Keowee.

You can help us keep these projects coming!

Join our team

We are looking to fill two integral roles on our Land Conservation team: Land Stewardship Manager and Land Conservation Operations Associate.

If you'd like to learn more or apply for either of these positions, please visit upstateforever.org/jobs.

Do you own land you'd like to protect forever?

Our land trust helps landowners preserve their legacy through voluntary conservation easements. You continue to own the land, and you may realize significant tax benefits. Funding may also be available.

For more information, email Scott Park, Glenn Hilliard Director of Land Conservation, at spark@upstateforever.org.