The Upstate Update: April 2022

The Upstate Update is a digital newsletter curated and shared each month that offers insights into Upstate Forever's recent work, highlights upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, and shares other conservation and advocacy news.

We post the Upstate Update here on the Upstate Forever blog each month. If you would like to receive the Upstate Update directly in your email inbox, please sign up for the mailing list.

There's no day like today 🌎

Happy Earth Day! Today and every day, we know you care deeply about our planet and its remarkable natural resources. Here are 5 special ways you can join us in celebrating Planet Earth this weekend:

1. Join us for Spartanburg's fastest night TONIGHT!
Come say hello at the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium. Races start at 3:15 pm and we'll be watching the action from the Upstate Forever tent on Broad Street (Tent B25) all day long. Stop by for a chat with our team and some refreshments.

2. Take a hike
Take advantage of this weekend's clear and warm weather forecast with an outdoor trek. We’ve compiled a list of some of the Upstate’s less traveled trails where you can take in some of spring’s best sights. View the list here

3. Play a round of backyard bingo
Want to stay closer to home? Try setting a timer for 10 minutes and see what natural wonders you can spot in your backyard, local park, or just out the window. Click here to download a printable bingo card

4. Plant some native species
Plants native to the Upstate are well-adapted to our local conditions. Once established, you can enjoy many benefits of native plant species: They’re low maintenance and help you save money by requiring little to no irrigation or fertilizer, they can help prevent stormwater runoff and erosion, and can provide important habitat and food for wildlife. Not sure what to plant? Download our Native Plants guide here

5. Join our Earth Month challenge
We can all make a big difference to help beautify the Upstate and keep litter out of our greenspaces and water sources. Snap a photo while out cleaning up and share it with us on social media or by email for your chance to win a weekly drawing of our brand new t-shirts, or the grand prize (pictured here) to be awarded at the end of April! View participation details

Bonus: Support our work
Your support enables our team to work towards protecting the Upstate's critical lands, abundant waters, and unique character. Because of your generosity in 2021, UF had one of its most productive years yet. Help us carry that momentum through 2022 and beyond by making a gift today.

View this month's Upstate Update

Also in this month's newsletter:

• Volunteer workday photos
  Many thanks to the volunteers that joined us earlier this month at the the Long Branch Mitigation Site in Greenville, a property protected by Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever. Participants worked to remove several invasive plant species and litter from the property — including 27 bags of trash, 16 tires, a mattress, toilet, sink, and more! View photos

• RSVP for Lobby Day: April 26
  Register now for the SC Conservation Coalition Conservation Lobby Day and Oyster Roast in Columbia next Tuesday, April 26. This event offers a chance to meet fellow advocates and legislators who value conservation and help us make a positive impact at the Statehouse. Then, celebrate with a fabulous oyster roast! Register here

• Join us for game night April 29
  Our friends at Liability Brewing Co. are donating a portion of all sales of their Monsieur le Maire golden ale to Upstate Forever through April 30. Plus, they're hosting a game night with our staff and local entertainer JDew next Friday, April 29 at 6:30 pm — we hope you'll join us to enjoy some brews, games, and great discussion with our team!

And more!

View this month's Upstate Update