Upstate Forever

05/27/2026

Early voting for South Carolina’s June primaries is underway, and Primary Day is just around the corner on Tuesday, June 9! 🗳️

These elections matter. In many races, the winner of the primary will ultimately determine who holds office — making this one of the most important opportunities to shape the future of your community. From land use and transportation to conservation and growth, elected officials make decisions that affect the places we call home every day.

Take time to learn about the candidates on your ballot and make a plan to vote. Visit scVOTES.gov to check your registration status, view sample ballots, and find polling locations.

05/23/2026

🗓️ Land Trust Day is almost here!

On the first Saturday in June, Mast General Store generously hosts Land Trust Day — a celebration of the important work of land trusts and conservation organizations across the Southeast.

On Saturday, June 6, Greenville's Mast General Store will donate 20% of the day's sales to support our Land Conservation work! Plus, you can chat with members of our team in-store from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm to learn about conservation easements, natural resources protection, and more.

Whether you’re stocking up on outdoor essentials, browsing for gifts, or enjoying a visit to downtown Greenville, your purchase will help conserve the Upstate’s natural beauty for future generations. More info here ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/events/1625935448711271/

05/21/2026

From protecting family farms to advocating for conservation at the Statehouse, our work is rooted in a deep love for the Upstate. 💚

In the newest Upstate Advocate, our team shares some of the places that remind us why this work matters, as well as the latest updates about Upstate Forever's conservation and advocacy work. Read a digital copy of our twice-yearly print publication on our website at upstateforever.org/newsletter.

05/15/2026

Want to learn how advocacy impacts decisions in your community?

Join us for Inside the Process: Local Planning & State Advocacy Mixer
on Thursday, June 25 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Judson Mill Social Innovation Center!

This free event, hosted by Upstate Forever's State Policy and Land Planning & Policy teams, will feature networking, light refreshments, a presentation on local and state advocacy issues, and an interactive advocacy activity led by our policy experts.

Whether you’re new to advocacy, already engaged in local issues, or just curious about how decisions are made, this event is for you!

📅 Thursday, June 25
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Judson Mill Social Innovation Center, Woven Room
701 Easley Bridge Road, Suite 6070, Greenville, SC 29611

This event is free, but registration is required by June 21.
➡️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inside-the-process-local-planning-state-advocacy-mixer-tickets-1989223832030

05/08/2026

“We have 10 grandchildren," Margaret Harrison said in this interview with The Greenville News. "We want them to grow up to know what a true farm really looks like. That they can bring out our their families and smell the fresh air.”

Thanks to the generosity of forward-thinking landowners like the Harrisons, Upstate Forever and partner organizations are working to permanently protect thousands of acres of farmland, forests, fields, and green space across the Upstate and beyond — while we still can.

With development threatening Greenville County farmland, councilmembers and advocates are pushing for solutions to protect natural resources

05/01/2026

Last week Upstate Forever staff, conservation easement landowners, and partners were proud to join our fellow members of the South Carolina Land Trust Network for a Lobby Day to show our lawmakers the critical need and robust support for increased funding for conservation. Governor McMaster was also recognized for his conservation leadership and support for increasing land protection statewide over the course of his tenure.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and continues to champion land protection across our state!

04/29/2026

🚧 Help shape the future of transportation in Spartanburg County!

Next week, the SPATS Metropolitan Planning Organization will host two public information meetings on an update to the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan.

This is a key opportunity to learn more about our region’s transportation system—and help guide future priorities for how people move through Spartanburg County, whether by car, transit, bike, or foot.

Can’t make it to a meeting? You can still share your input—take the survey and make your voice heard: bit.ly/4umvORp

Your feedback helps shape what comes next. 🚌

04/24/2026

Thank you to all who joined us for the 2026 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon! We would once again like to recognize this year's honorees for all they have done and continue to do to support conservation in our region:

• MARJORIE E. SCHMIDT STEWARDSHIP AWARD: Tim Taylor, for decades of inspiring environmental education through leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong passion for connecting people with the natural world

• LAND PLANNING AND POLICY CHAMPION: Martial Robichaud, for his dedicated advocacy for balanced growth, rural representation, and environmental stewardship in Spartanburg County

• CLEAN WATER CHAMPION: Brian Stoddard, for his decades of service and steadfast commitment to clean water and land protection in the Savannah River Basin

• TOMMY WYCHE LAND CONSERVATION CHAMPION: Margaret and Bryant Harrison, for their leadership in farmland conservation, community service, and advancing equity for farmers in Greenville County and beyond

Lastly, we are so grateful to the sponsors, vendors, staff, board members, speakers, and guests who helped make this one of our best awards luncheons yet!

04/10/2026

Greenville County just announced a joint public workshop focused on how our community grows 🌱

This is a great opportunity to learn alongside County Council members and Planning Commissioners about the decisions shaping Greenville’s future.

🗓 Thursday, April 16, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM
📍 County Council Chambers, 301 University Ridge (or join via livestream)

Attend in person or tune in online to stay informed and engaged in how Greenville grows.

➡️ Visit the county’s calendar to access the livestream link ahead of the meeting: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/calendargc/

04/08/2026

Volunteers needed for an Earth Day workday! 🌎 Join us on Wednesday, April 22 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm to help remove invasive species and improve wildlife habitat at the Upper Shoals at Glendale protected property in Spartanburg County.

➡️ Please register at https://www.upstateforever.org/events/76/earth-day-volunteer-workday