News & Media

A 110-acre tract formerly used to pasture cattle for the historic Hester Dairy in Pickens County is now permanently protected through a partnership between Upstate Forever and a conservation-minded landowner. Located just outside of Easley, the historic Hester Dairy Farm was purchased in the late 1800’s from Robert Elliot Holcombe, the first “citizen” of Easley. The Hester family embraces a long history of farming in the area that stretches from Easley through Dacusville and all the way to Pumpkintown, including the historic Hester Dairy Store. read more

With the generous support of Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, Upstate Forever recently completed a mapping project to identify the region’s most environmentally sensitive lands in regards to water quality and high-quality habitat. Developed in partnership with Furman University and using advanced ecological modeling software, the map will be a key tool in determining the most effective ways to protect our region’s natural heritage – the most critically important farmlands, forests, natural areas, and public lands. read more

Greenville B-cycle installed its tenth publicly-accessible bike station this week in front of the new Link Apartments West End. The new station brings Greenville’s bike-share network to a total of 10 stations – the target number identified by partners Upstate Forever and Greenville Health System (GHS) when the program first launched less than five years ago. read more

[Via the Greenville Journal] — Despite its unhealthy amounts of pollution over the years, the Reedy River has become one of downtown Greenville’s most treasured spots for recreation. “The Reedy River is the central focus of downtown Greenville,” said Heather Nix, director of the clean water program for environmental advocacy group Upstate Forever. “It’s one of the many reasons why Greenville has become such a success story.” read more

Upstate Forever filed an appeal and a request for pre-litigation mediation in Pickens County circuit court in response to a decision by the Pickens County Planning Commission to approve a development at the base of the Glassy Mountain Heritage Trust Preserve in Pickens County. As of December 2017, the property in question has been permanently protected by a conservation easement thanks to the strong collaborative effort by many community stakeholders. read more

Cragmoor Farms, a historic farm in Spartanburg County adjacent to the Walnut Grove Plantation, added more land to nearly triple its protected acreage. The initially protected site is already being prepared to grow food to benefit Spartanburg County School District Six schools. The 72-acre addition to Cragmoor Farms completes the 120-acre project and surrounds Walnut Grove, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public as a living history farm. read more

Upstate Forever has officially launched the new Paddle SC website, which features an interactive map of blueways in South Carolina. The site allows users to easily search for a water adventure based on criteria such as skill level, location, and duration of trip. The online map includes listings of trips ideas and waterways across South Carolina as well as resources that will help paddlers navigate such as coastal tides and river flow gauges. The website will be updated with additional content on a regular basis and currently includes descriptions of 63 waterways, 108 trip listings, 390 points of interest, and 612 river accesses. read more

The installation of Whistle Stop #1 is the first in a series of landscaped parklets that will establish Byrnes Mile Linear Park. Byrnes Mile Linear Park is an outgrowth of partnership efforts led by Upstate Forever with funding from the Mary Black Foundation to help Spartanburg County communities become more walkable. Three additional Whistle Stop installations are anticipated by August, and ultimately, 20 parklets enhanced with train-themed art are planned to complete Byrnes Mile Linear Park. Each Whistle Stop will provide a place for rest and/or engagement along a mile-long fitness trail that connects key destinations in Duncan. read more