The Upstate Update: October 2023

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.

Creepy conservation this Halloween

Spooky season is here and even conservation can be creepy! Throughout the month of October we've been celebrating the creepy critters who play an essential role in our Upstate ecosystem. As a nationally accredited land trust, UF works hard to protect the Upstate's critical habitat, lands, and waters where these spooky creatures thrive.

Follow us on social media or check out our blog post to learn more about these awesome animals and where you might spot them this Halloween!

Also in this month's newsletter:

• New Saluda Grade survey: Along with our partners, we continue to seek public input for the Saluda Grade Trail, and we have a new survey ready for you. The Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy is conducting a Feasibility Study to assess converting the rail corridor into a greenway trail. Click here to give us your feedback by 11/16!
   

• Thank you, Mast General Store! We were honored to receive more than $9,100 from Mast General Greenville as a result of this year's Land Trust Day. This gift will allow us to continue permanently protecting the Upstate's farmlands, forests, & special places for generations. Thank you for celebrating our work on this unofficial holiday!

• Identifying invasive plant species: UF's Director of Conservation Scott Park recently joined Sam Parrott, Executive Director of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE), on FOX Carolina News. Scott and Sam shared tips for identifying common invasive plant species and the SC Land Trust Network's Land Trust Days events.Click here to watch

• 2023 Annual Meeting recap: We had a blast at our Annual Meeting on Sunday. UF supporters, staff, and board members gathered at Conestee Nature Preserve to report our progress and thank our supporters. We topped it all off with a 25th Anniversary Picnic catered by Henry's Smokehouse. Thank you to all who joined us! View photos here.

• Meet Treasurer Tom Kester: Tom Kester has played a critical role on Upstate Forever's Board of Directors for more than 20 years, and he currently serves as Board Treasurer. In this month's "Meet the Team" feature, get to know Tom through a few rapid-fire questions. 

• Fresh off the press: Our Fall/Winter 2023-2024 edition of the Upstate Advocate is here! Check out "Next-door Nature" to learn more about how you can foster the nature in your yard or neighborhood and hear about the latest news and updates from our team.

Read more in the October Upstate Update

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