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

Limited

Limited Edition Tees

Wear your Upstate pride while supporting our work. When you make a gift of $25 or more, we'll send you our limited edition 25th anniversary t-shirt. Available in adult sizes S - 2XL while supplies last.

25

25 Highlights from 25 Years

Upstate Forever celebrates 25 years of conservation and advocacy in 2023, but we could not do this important work without you. Join us as we reflect on just a few of the successes your support has made possible.

The

The Upstate Advocate

The latest edition of our twice-yearly publication celebrates Upstate Forever's 25 years of hard work, in addition to sharing the latest news and conservation successes from our team.

Saluda

Saluda Grade Rail Trail

The transformation of this inactive rail line into a 31-mile trail is one step closer to reality. We are pleased to announce that an agreement with Norfolk Southern has been reached to sell the Saluda Grade line.

Conservation

Conservation success

Six properties totaling 735 acres in Anderson, Greenville, and Pickens Counties were recently protected. These lands will be protected in perpetuity through conservation easements.

Giving

Giving Back

Your planned gift can help us achieve our goals for current and future generations, while you enjoy a wide variety of tax benefits.

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