Our year in review: 2019 by the numbers

2019 was a momentous year for Upstate Forever. Thanks to your support, our team built upon the work we’ve been committed to for more than 20 years — protecting our region’s critical lands, safeguarding our waters, and advocating for responsible growth to protect the Upstate’s unique character. We hope you’ll celebrate 2019’s successes with us and join us as we lay the foundation for another successful year and decade to come.

2019 By the Numbers

7 properties protected through voluntary conservation easements, representing
1,625 total acres protected
This brings Upstate Forever’s total protected acreage to over 23,000

125 stewardship visits completed on Upstate Forever conservation easements
Why stewardship matters

22 septic repairs, and
2 agricultural projects completed to improve water quality in the Tyger River Basin
Learn more about Upstate Forever’s Clean Water work in the Tyger River Basin

2 policies passed in local jurisdictions that will help reduce sprawl
8 jurisdictions actively engaged in land planning and policy advocacy
Upstate Forever’s Land Policy & Planning advocates for smart growth across the Upstate

30 graduates of the inaugural Citizens Planning Academy
Application period now open for those interested in March 2020 series

389 Upstate citizens engaged with issues in Columbia through our Action Alerts
3 UF-backed bills passed, including the Energy Freedom Act
3 UF-opposed bills halted
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7 new team members welcomed
Meet the Upstate Forever team

90 volunteers contributed
270 hours to cleaning up Greenville’s Cancer Survivors Park, Wildcat Wayside in Cleveland, and Lake Conestee Nature Park
993 gifts made to Upstate Forever by citizens passionate about protecting our region’s natural resources and unique character
Find out how you can get involved or support our work