Who
We Are
Our Mission
Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina.
Our Vision
An environmentally healthy, economically prosperous Upstate that offers a high quality of life now and for future generations.
Service area
We focus our work on the ten counties of Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union.
Rooted in success
Founded in 1998 by Greenville attorney Brad Wyche, Upstate Forever has built a solid foundation and reputation as a thoughtful and deliberate organization seeking to balance growth with the protection of the region’s natural resources. We have succeeded in protecting some of our region’s most important assets – our wild landscapes, working farmlands, clean and abundant waterways, and rural character – while ensuring that Upstate communities retain their unique identities by advocating for responsible growth in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl.
The work continues
We have a proven track record of working tirelessly to conserve land, protect drinking water, and advocate for policies and plans that support smart growth and a clean energy future. Every five years, we conduct a strategic planning process to identify the primary goals and objectives that will best position Upstate Forever to achieve its mission. Our 2023-2027 Strategic Goals reaffirm our commitment to the Upstate region and are the driving force behind our work through 2027.
Our Commitment To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Upstate Forever’s mission is to protect critical lands, waters, and the unique character of the Upstate region. We envision a future that is healthy, vibrant, and prosperous. To realize that vision, we know it is vitally important and essential to our core values that we engage the diverse community we serve.
To develop and advance long-lasting, equitable solutions for balanced growth and natural resource protection, our leadership is committed to working intentionally to engage a broader base of Upstate residents in the coming years.
We will build staff knowledge and capacity related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will frequently ask ourselves — who is impacted by this work, and how is their voice represented in the conservation and advocacy solutions we seek? We will amplify the stories of underrepresented stakeholders in the conservation movement — especially people of color.
Finally, we will take deliberate steps to build authentic community partnerships and cultivate new leaders at all levels of our organization — from our membership to our staff to our board — to ensure that we better represent the community we serve.
READ OUR UPDATES ON DEI PROGRESS: 2024 | 2023 | 2022
This work is ongoing and we want to listen and learn from members of the Upstate community. Please contact lhallo@upstateforever.org with questions and comments.
We need your support
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Upstate Forever relies on generous contributions from people like you in order to continue this important work.
Greenville, SC
507 Pettigru Street
Greenville, SC 29601
Spartanburg, SC
900 S. Pine St, Ste 1B
Spartanburg, SC 29302
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