The Upstate Update: January 2020

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.

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 across the Upstate.

Below is a glimpse at some of 2019's successes that you helped make possible:

• 7 properties protected through voluntary conservation easements
• 1,625 total acres protected
• 30 graduates of the inaugural Citizens Planning Academy
• 3 UF-backed bills passed in the SC Statehouse, including the Energy Freedom Act
• 270 hours volunteered at Greenville’s Cancer Survivors Park, Wildcat Wayside in Cleveland, and Lake Conestee Nature Park

Visit the Upstate Forever blog to read the full list

View the January edition of the Upstate Update

Also in this month's Upstate Update:

• UF's 2020 advocacy priorities
  Our mission is to protect the critical lands, waters, and unique character of Upstate South Carolina. To accomplish that mission, we advocate for specific outcomes at the local and state level that are likely to have a measurable impact to the ten-county Upstate region. Read our 2020 advocacy priorities

• ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon
  Join us Monday, February 24 for the 2020 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon where each year we celebrate individuals and organizations for significant contributions in fields related to conservation and sustainable growth. In addition to the awards program, this year’s ForeverGreen Luncheon will feature a special celebration to honor Upstate Forever’s founder and conservation hero Brad Wyche. Get event details and ticket information

• Citizens Planning Academy
  Applications are now being accepted to join our Spring 2020 Citizens Planning Academy, a 4-week course for Greenville residents, business owners and neighborhood leaders interested in becoming more informed and involved in City of Greenville planning and land use policy efforts. Learn more and apply

• Upstate Comprehensive Plan updates
  Two of the region's fastest growing areas — Greenville and Spartanburg — are making plans on how best to accommodate unprecedented growth projected for the decades to come. Greenville has recently completed the process of updating its County Comprehensive Plan and now looks to turn the plan into policy , while the City Comprehensive Plan continues to develop. Meanwhile, the City of Spartanburg has just launched its planning process. Find detailed updates in this month's newsletter

View the January edition of the Upstate Update

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