The Upstate Update: September 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.

Three great ways to connect next month

Autumn is always a busy time for our team, and this year is holding true to tradition! Mark your calendars and join us for these exciting opportunities coming in October...

Volunteers needed
On Saturday, October 8 from 9-11 am, we're hosting a workday to remove kudzu and other invasive plant species from the Chau Ram Expansion, a protected property adjacent to the Chau Ram County Park in Oconee County. Due to limited parking available, the number of volunteers will be capped at 20 — click here to RSVP today!

Hang out with fellow conservationists
Join Upstate Forever and others at the Fairway Subaru Share the Love Kick-off Party at Greenville's Double Stamp Brewery, also on Saturday, October 8 from 1-4 pm. Click here to learn about the celebration!

Attend our Annual Meeting
UF staff, board, and supporters will gather on Sunday, October 16 from 2-5 pm in Sunset. This year, we invite you to join us at a special property that is in the process of being protected through a conservation easement. Group excursions to Twin Falls and tours of Eastatoee Community Farm will be available. This is a family-friendly event open to all UF members, and food and libations will be available after the meeting portion has concluded. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 5!

Read this month's Upstate Update

Also in this month's newsletter:

• Conservation in the news
  We're in great company in this recent article from the Greenville Journal about the work to protect the Upstate's natural resources — while we still can. Click here to read from leaders of Naturaland Trust, Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, Upstate Forever, and more about the importance of now. Read the article

• Advocacy Happy Hour a hit
  Thank you to everyone who joined us for “Advocacy & Ales” at Liability Brewing Co. last month! Together, we wrote more than 100 postcards to elected officials and local agencies about important Clean Water, Land Planning & Policy, and Energy & State Policy issues. Stay tuned for more advocacy events like this one!

• Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month
  As Diversity Outreach Manager for SCDNR, Alix Pedraza works to expand access, use, and enjoyment of our region's natural areas and greenspaces for Hispanic, Latinx, and other underrepresented audiences.

  In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, we invite you to read more from Alix about her love for the environment — inspired by excursions in her home country of Colombia — and her journey toward a career in sharing natural places with others. Read more

And more!

Click here to read this month's Upstate Update, and visit upstateforever.org/email to sign up and receive our monthly newsletter directly in your inbox.