Upstate Forever’s land trust renews national accreditation - March 27th 2020

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Less than one-third of land trusts nationwide earn this distinction

Upstate Forever, a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of the Upstate of South Carolina, announced it has renewed its accreditation through the national Land Trust Alliance.

“Accreditation verifies that we are doing our part with the best interests of our stakeholders like our donors, members, and partners in mind,” said Scott Park, Upstate Forever’s Glenn Hilliard Director of Land Conservation. “But first and foremost, national accreditation gives landowners confidence they can trust us with one of their most precious assets — their land, now and forever.”

The rigorous accreditation renewal process includes a comprehensive review to ensure a land trust organization upholds strong standards and demonstrates sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.

“Our land trust is stronger than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process once again,” Park continued. “Our strength means our region’s natural assets — from iconic lands like Stumphouse Mountain, Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, Chauga Heights and Nine Times Forest to working farms and special places across the Upstate — will be protected in perpetuity.”

In 2008, Upstate Forever became the first land trust in South Carolina to achieve this esteemed distinction that recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Of more than 1,300 land trusts in the United States, Upstate Forever is proud to be one of just 400 that have earned accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance.