Upstate Forever announces recipients of the 2021 ForeverGreen Awards - February 18th 2021

---

Upstate Forever is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 ForeverGreen Awards. Since 2002, the ForeverGreen Awards have honored individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in fields related to conservation and sustainable growth in Upstate South Carolina.

The 2021 ForeverGreen Award recipients are:

Brad Wyche Extraordinary Achievement Award
Dr. David L. Hargett, for his visionary 10-year tenure as Executive Director of Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.

Clean Water Champion Award
The Southern Environmental Law Center, for their work to defend the Clean Water Act, mitigate the effects of toxic coal ash pollution, and hold Kinder Morgan accountable for a massive gasoline spill in Anderson County.

Environmental Equity and Justice Award
Sustaining Way, for their work to cultivate a thriving, sustainable, and equitable environment in Greenville’s Nicholtown and surrounding communities.

Land Planning and Policy Champion Award
Ms. Ginny Stroud, former Community Development Administrator with the City of Greenville, for her tireless dedication to neighborhood revitalization, improvement, and affordable housing development in Greenville.

Marjorie E. Schmidt Stewardship Award
Ms. Judy I. Cromwell, for her quiet, lifelong dedication to the protection of the Upstate’s greenspaces.

Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion Award
Dr. Drew Lanham, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology at Clemson University, for his decades of teaching, research, and writing that have made the field of conservation more accessible and inclusive.

“We are proud to recognize the commitment of each of these individuals and organizations to celebrating and protecting our region’s rich natural resources, and ensuring future generations have the opportunity to enjoy a more environmentally healthy, equitable Upstate,” said Andrea Cooper, Executive Director of Upstate Forever.

In lieu of the annual awards luncheon, ForeverGreen honorees will be recognized in a special edition of the Upstate Advocate, Upstate Forever’s twice-yearly printed publication. To receive this special edition and future issues of the Upstate Advocate, please visit upstateforever.org/newslettersignup.

This year’s award winners will also be recognized at the 2022 ForeverGreen Awards luncheon.