Blog

Flora & Fauna

The Upstate is home to an incredible diversity of native plants and wildlife. Celebrate the species that make our region unique — and worth protecting.

Meet the Upstate's wild residents below.

Creepy Conservation: Halloween 2024

Creepy Conservation: Halloween 2024
October 1, 2024

Happy Halloween! This spooky season we are celebrating some of the local critters who keep our environment in healthy ecological balance. Some may consider these animals creepy, but they play an essential role in the Upstate region. You should recognize them all from spooky stories and your neighborhood alike - which one is your favorite?

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The City of Clemson puts sustainability at the forefront of conservation efforts

The City of Clemson puts sustainability at the forefront of conservation efforts
December 4, 2023

Check out our recent Q&A with Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre and City Urban and Park Land Management Director Tony Tidwell. They explain some new sustainability projects and other initiatives already underway in Clemson, including Berkeley Orchard, the "Grow a Greener Clemson" campaign, the Monarch USA accreditation, and establishing Clemson as a Certified National Wildlife Habitat.

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Nature and wildlife photography tips

Nature and wildlife photography tips
November 1, 2023

You don’t need expensive gear to shoot stunning nature images. Talented local photographer Cathy Bester shares three key tips to better capture the wildlife around you.

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5 ways to cultivate a living landscape

5 ways to cultivate a living landscape
Megan Burton  |  October 31, 2023

Whether your space is a large and luxurious lawn, a compact apartment balcony, or a plot in a community garden, you don’t need to take on daunting projects to make your property a welcoming habitat for local wildlife. Try one or more of these simple projects to make your property more nature friendly and full of life.

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Healing urban ecosystems — the natural way

Healing urban ecosystems — the natural way
Allie Martinsen  |  October 26, 2023

Land Policy Manager Allie Martinsen explores ways that many communities are successfully addressing negative development impacts through effective, low-cost nature-based solutions.

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Bicycle Botany at Stumphouse Park

Bicycle Botany at Stumphouse Park
Lauren Ulich  |  November 27, 2021

Stumphouse Park is a true gem of the Upstate that provides cyclists of all ages and skill-levels an excellent workout and a chance to experience the wildness of the Blue Ridge Escarpment region.  

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Where are the best birding spots in the Upstate?

Where are the best birding spots in the Upstate?
November 26, 2021

Expert birder and photographer Dr. Anthony Martin shares some of his favorite spots to get up close and personal with local featherfolk.

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Creating a more equitable tree canopy

Creating a more equitable tree canopy
November 25, 2021

Joelle Teachey of TreesUpstate offers a perspective on the many benefits of trees, and why it's important to address the tree deficits of less affluent communities.

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