New conservation easements

As more and more folks discover our region’s natural beauty and move to the Upstate, it becomes even more pressing to protect the working lands, forests, and greenspaces that make this area so special, as well as the blueways that are critical to local drinking water. We are pleased to announce our four most recent conservation easements, totaling 317.8 acres protected forever. Many thanks to the forward-thinking landowners, funders, and partners who helped make these projects happen for the benefit of future generations of Upstate residents.

Bishop Branch Pastures | ANDERSON COUNTY | 64 ACRES

Bishop Branch Pastures is roughly 64 acres of agricultural land and wildlife habitat in northwestern Anderson County. Located a few miles from Clemson University and just outside Pendleton, this conservation project permanently protects acres of pastureland, wildlife habitat, and water resources in a rapidly developing region.

Project funders include the South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB), Upstate Land Conservation Fund (ULCF), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under a Section 319 Grant through S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Saluda Dam Acres | GREENVILLE COUNTY | 69 ACRES

Comprised of 69.6 acres, Saluda Dam Acres is nestled between one of Greenville County’s busiest thoroughfares and the Saluda River. A pond, wetlands, and creeks flow to the Saluda, paired with lush upland forest supporting wildlife like bear, turkey, beaver, and deer. The landowner has identified more than 700 species of flora and fauna on the property and is working to restore the property with native grasslands while removing invasive exotic plant species.

Project funders include the SCCB and Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust.

Twin Ponds Hunt Club | CHEROKEE COUNTY | 91 ACRES

Twin Ponds Hunt Club consists of 91.7 acres in Cherokee County that landowners enjoy for outdoor recreation. Two 3-acre ponds are managed as fisheries for bream, crappie, and bass, while surrounding riparian habitat and upland forest serve as habitat for doves, deer, and turkey. This privately owned property will continue to be managed as a natural retreat for families and wildlife alike.

Project funders include the SCCB and ULCF.

Triple Oak Farm | SPARTANBURG COUNTY | 91 ACRES

Triple Oak Farm, located on 91.8 acres in Spartanburg County, is a registered South Carolina Century Farm that has remained in the same family for 6 generations. While much of the farm’s original land now lies under Lake Bowen, the original homesite from 1866 is still located on the land. The protection of Triple Oak Farm, approximately one mile from the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, helps ensure this region experiencing intense development pressure retains working lands and rural vistas in perpetuity.

Project funders include the SCCB and ULCF.