The Upstate's farms are under threat - July 7th, 2020

We need strong local food systems more than ever, but our region’s farmland is vanishing. read more

By Caitlyn Smith

Balancing growth with character - July 2nd, 2020

Travelers Rest has seized the opportunity to rejuvenate a quiet town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Escarpment with the vision of the vibrant, active community it is today. Patrea St. John, Planning Director for the City of Travelers Rest, shares how and why "TR" has embraced its small-town charm and unique character. read more

By Patrea St. John, Planning Director, Travelers Rest

How a walkable neighborhood changed my life - June 30th, 2020

Land Policy Manager Sherry Barrett reflects on how moving to a walkable Greenville neighborhood has improved her quality of life. read more

By Sherry Barrett

Hear from a city planner why GVL2040 matters - June 15th, 2020

Courtney Powell, Senior Development Planner with the City of Greenville, talks with Upstate Forever about the GVL2040 plan, why it’s important for citizens to get involved, and what happens next. read more

Dr. John Quinn: We should see waterways & forests as economic assets - June 10th, 2020

The environmental aesthetic of the Upstate is something most, if not all, of us value. But how does that relative value translate to dollar value? Dr. John Quinn, an associate professor of Biology at Furman, explores the economic value of our region's natural resources. read more

Our commitment to racial justice - June 3rd, 2020

Upstate Forever envisions a future that is healthy, vibrant, and prosperous, that offers a high quality of life now and for future generations. That vision cannot become a reality for all who call the Upstate home while racial violence and systemic injustices exist in our communities and across the country. read more

What is clean water 'worth?' - May 28th, 2020

The average cost per gallon of tap water in the Upstate is less than 1 cent. Let us help put the value of clean water in perspective. read more

Mary Duckett: Clean water is a basic human right - May 26th, 2020

A lifelong resident of the Southernside community in Greenville, Mary Duckett has joined community leaders and environmental justice advocates to call for the cleanup of toxic coal tar along the Reedy River, the left-behind results of a long-shuttered manufactured gas plant. read more

Error Message