Spotlight on: Upstate Land Conservation Fund

The first of its kind in South Carolina, the Upstate Land Conservation Fund (ULCF) unites the missions and expertise of local conservation groups to accelerate the protection of our most special natural places. Each dollar is leveraged with other gifts to create tremendous and immediate impact.

The ULCF was established in 2021 through the efforts of Upstate Forever, which provides administrative support. It is governed by a committee of volunteers who are dedicated to conservation and live in the Upstate. Current committee members are listed at UpstateLandConservationFund.org.

An important tool for leveraging public funding

“Every acre saved begins with a willing landowner — but success depends on funding. Funders like the Upstate Land Conservation Fund often provide flexible funds necessary to fill gaps that cannot be addressed from public sources like the Greenville County Historic & Natural Resources Trust and the SC Conservation Bank. When all come together, they turn opportunity into permanent conservation.”

– Carlton Owen
Former Chair, Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust

The ULCF has contributed more than a million dollars to protect some of Upstate South Carolina’s most important and iconic properties — and many more projects are in the works.

The ULCF may be used by nonprofit organizations or government agencies to:

• Buy more fee simple land for public access and outdoor recreation. The ULCF may be used as a source of funding to acquire the title of certain properties.
• Fund easements to protect iconic lands and historic farms for generations to come. ULCF funds can be used to pay the landowner for the diminished value that the restrictions of the easement place on the property and/or associated closing costs.
• Match federal, state, and private grants for conservation.

Featured funded projects

Bishop Branch Pastures | Anderson

Beautiful farmland in rapidly developing Clemson area

Saluda Grade | Spartanburg, Greenville

Historic rail corridor to be converted to a recreational trail

Fall Creek Headwaters | Oconee

Peaceful forested cove protects a tributary of the Chattooga

Cinder Branch | Spartanburg

Mature hardwood forest protects a Pacolet River tributary

Woodcock Woods | Greenville

Prime habitat for the ultra-rare bunched arrowhead plant

Reeds Run | Pickens

Stunning Table Rock views & prime wildlife habitat off Hwy 11

Learn more at UpstateLandConservationFund.org