Land & Water | Advocacy | Balanced Growth

Our Work

Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of the Upstate of South Carolina. We focus our work on the ten counties of Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union. 

Over the past two decades, we have worked to protect some of our region’s most important environmentally sensitive lands and assets in regards to water and habitat quality – our farmlands, forests, natural areas, healthy rivers, and clean air. We are committed to ensuring that our Upstate communities are vibrant and retain their natural areas, outdoor heritage, and unique identities in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl.

What’s Happening

2024

2024 Highlights

As the New Year begins, we hope you'll join us in celebrating the many conservation and advocacy wins of 2024 from our Land Conservation, Clean Water, Land Planning & Policy, and Energy & State Policy programs.

ForeverGreen

ForeverGreen Awards 2025

Mark your calendar for our upcoming annual awards luncheon — in a new location for 2025! The 2025 luncheon on Tuesday, April 22 will include an Earth Day celebration in addition to recognition of this year’s honorees.

The

The Upstate Advocate

The latest edition of our print newsletter introduces you to several of the people behind our work, in addition to sharing the latest news and information about our conservation and advocacy initiatives.

Saluda

Saluda Grade contract

The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy has officially entered into a contract to purchase the Saluda Grade rail line and corridor for a proposed rail trail running from Upstate South Carolina to Western North Carolina.

For

For future generations

We are working to secure $7 million to safeguard Upstate SC's natural resources as the region experiences significant growth and development. With your support, we can leave future generations a healthy and vibrant Upstate legacy.

Diversity,

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

To realize our vision of a future that is healthy, vibrant, and prosperous for the Upstate, we know it is vitally important and essential to our core values that we engage the diverse community we serve.

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