Upstate Forever

06/10/2026

🌳 The City of Greenville, South Carolina Government is developing its first-ever Urban Forest Comprehensive Plan to guide how the City manages, grows, and cares for the trees that make Greenville healthier, cooler, and more resilient.

The City wants to hear from you about your vision for Greenville's trees!

Two ways to get involved:

📅 Attend the City's public workshop
Tuesday, June 16 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Prisma Health Welcome Center, Unity Park
111 Welborn St, Greenville

The presentation begins promptly at 5:30 PM — come ready to learn about Greenville's tree canopy and join the discussion!

🌿 Learn more, and take the tree survey to share your ideas about Greenville's trees here: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/2735/Urban-Forest-Comprehensive-Plan

06/09/2026

📣 Action Alert! Community members will soon have an opportunity to weigh in on proposed air permit modifications for the Valara data center currently under construction in Spartanburg County.

SCDES will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 25, where you can learn more about the permit request and provide public comments before a final decision is made.

Learn more ➡️

SCDES will hold a public hearing on a proposed air permit for a Spartanburg County data center, giving residents an opportunity to provide public comments before a final permitting decision is made.

06/05/2026

Looking for a weekend adventure? Pack a picnic and head to Pickens County, where mountain views, scenic drives, family-friendly hikes, local farms, and rich history are all within easy reach.

This day trip itinerary highlights some favorite stops along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway — including places that have been protected through conservation for generations to enjoy.

Read more ➡️ https://www.upstateforever.org/blog/special-places/take-in-mountain-views-in-pickens-county

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