Land Conservation

Vanishing landscapes - June 4th, 2025

Heirlooms of prehistoric wilderness, three rare types of habitat in the Upstate are quickly disappearing — but efforts are underway to preserve them. read more

Our remarkable region - June 3rd, 2025

Award-winning writer, naturalist, and Pickens native Dennis Chastain shares why we should explore, celebrate, and preserve the Upstate's natural splendor and deep cultural history. read more

By Dennis Chastain

Rare + Wonderful: Explore Upstate gems in the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate - June 2nd, 2025

Executive Director Aldon Knight introduces the latest edition of our print newsletter, in which we celebrate the rare and wonderful flora and fauna that call this region home. read more

By Aldon Knight

Call to action: Protect Paris Mountain - April 10th, 2025

Despite a massive outpouring of community opposition, developers have submitted an official request to the City of Travelers Rest to annex two parcels (approximately 40 acres) on Paris Mountain to build the Inn at Altamont — a 150-room hotel and event venue. read more

Protected: More than 1,100 acres in 2024 - February 26th, 2025

Our Land Conservation team worked with public and private landowners to permanently protect more than 1,100 acres in 2024. Plus, projects in collaboration with conservation partners comprised nearly 1,900 additional acres protected. read more

Meet the ForeverGreen 2025 award recipients - February 17th, 2025

We hope you'll join us on Tuesday, April 22 as we celebrate three passionate individuals making an indelible impact on the region's natural resources. read more

3 key priorities for the New Year - December 30th, 2024

As our region faces unprecedented development pressure and demands on our natural resources, our work is more important and time-sensitive than ever before. read more

By Aldon Knight

Meet the Team: Land Conservation Manager Chris Starker - December 18th, 2024

In a feature from the Fall/Winter 2024-2025 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Land Conservation Manager Chris Starker reflects on the reasons he's been a member of the Upstate Forever team since 2008. read more