Message From the Executive Director:

• Did you hear the Governor?!

Articles:

• Sprawl Report
• Dan Burden Rocks the Upstate!
• The ReGenesis Project
• The Saluda-Reedy wWatershed Project Receives 1.5 Million!

Upstate Conservation:

• First Easement in Union County
• Chauga Watershed Project
• "The Cotton Patch"
• Green Space Donated to Greenville

Upstate Forever News:

• Staff News
• News from the Board

Staff News

Meet Doreen Wermuth, Our New Office Manager

     Please welcome Doreen Wermuth as our new Office Manager. Doreen brings with her eleven years of experience in human resources and database management and a great passion for Upstate Forever’s mission.

     Doreen and her husband, Bill, are Upstate residents by choice. They moved to Greenville from Chicago in 1999 after falling in love with the mountains, trees, and natural beauty of the Upstate. They have been loyal supporters and members of Upstate Forever for the past two years, and chances are you’ve already met them at one of our membership events.

     Doreen manages our day-to-day office activities, keeps our financial records, and coordinates the work of our wonderful volunteers.

     Please join us in welcoming her to the Upstate Forever team! Lisa Blackwood, Doreen’s predecessor, did a great job for us, and we wish her the best.

We Love Our Interns!

     Ben Klein is a graduate student in Clemson University’s City and Regional Planning program. He started working with Upstate Forever in January and will stay with us through the summer. Ben has already done an excellent job conducting extensive research on transfer of development rights and affordable housing programs, and he will play a key role in planning our affordable housing conference on September 16. We are thrilled to have Ben with us!

     We were also fortunate to have Furman University senior Ashleigh Ward with us during the winter term. During her five weeks with us, Ashleigh did an outstanding job helping with preparations for the presentations by Dan Burden in March as well as compiling and analyzing data about affordable housing in the Upstate region. Ashleigh was a pleasure to have with us, and we wish her the best after graduation.

Cindy Young Special Events Coordinator

     Cindy Young has joined the Upstate Forever staff as our Special Events Coordinator. She plans all of our field trips and helps with arrangements for conferences, fundraisers, and other Upstate Forever activities.

     A native of Spartanburg, Cindy graduated with a B.A. from Columbia College before moving to Greenville 25 years ago. When she’s not busy with her husband Kenny, or daughters Mary, 23, and Anne, 20, Cindy can probably be spotted hiking, cycling, or running along the roads and paths of the Upstate.

     Blending her experience in sales, business development, and long time community volunteer work with her love for the outdoors, Cindy has found the perfect niche here at Upstate Forever. Keep your eyes on our events calendar – you’re in for a treat!

Several Upstate Forever members participated in our April 26 kayaking trip at Lake Jocassee–what a great group!