News & Media

PICKENS, SC — A tract of land near Glassy Mountain Heritage Trust Preserve in Pickens County that was once slated for a controversial real estate development has been permanently protected by a conservation easement. Upstate Forever was instrumental in working with the community and the owners of the proposed development site to realize a conservation outcome for this important tract of land at the base of Glassy Mountain, a Pickens County icon. The tract in question is critical to preserving the natural heritage of the area. read more

During the summer months of 2017, Furman University biology professor John Quinn and Emma Cook, a biology and sustainability science major, conducted research on selected Upstate Forever conservation lands to understand how bird species are responding to land use change across the Upstate region. read more

Greenville, SC – The Jolley Foundation awarded Upstate Forever a grant for $90,000 over two years to engage Greenville County community members and quality-of-life stakeholders in critical land use discussions and to help build local capacity for addressing community challenges through land use solutions. With the generous support of the Jolley Foundation, we plan to engage many more citizens and non-traditional stakeholders in discussions about land use and its impacts. read more

Upstate Forever is hosting their annual ForeverGreen Awards Luncheon on February 27th, 2018 at the Embassy Suites on Verdae Boulevard. The luncheon celebrates individuals and organizations for significant contributions in fields related to conservation and sustainable growth. This year’s keynote speaker will be Cheri Chastain, Sustainability Manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. read more

Boasting a new venue and its first-ever mountain bike ride, the 6th annual Preservation Ride on September 23 was a great event. All in all, we had 165 total road cyclists, mountain bikers, and hikers show up to enjoy a beautiful day at Pleasant Ridge State Park in Greenville County. We're so grateful to our generous sponsors — we couldn't do this without you! read more

Upstate Forever is thrilled to announce two new additions to our Board of Directors: Charles Mickel and Pamela Vaughn. Charles brings so much to the table as a Greenville business leader with a truly impressive history of service to the Greenville community. Pamela has worked to support environmental protection through her role with Fujifilm in Greenwood. They will be tremendous assets to Upstate Forever as we work to protect natural resources and promote responsible growth in our region. read more

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