Blog

Land Conservation

As more people are drawn to the Upstate’s natural beauty, the urgency grows to protect the working lands, forests, and green spaces that define our region.

Every acre matters, and each has a story. Discover a few below.

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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Improving grassland bird habitat: A guide

Improving grassland bird habitat: A guide
October 28, 2021

Upstate Forever, Clemson University, and Conestee Nature Preserve received a grant from the Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative to study, determine and share best management practices to restore and improve grassland bird habitats. After thorough research by wildlife biology students at Clemson, we're thrilled to share a guide featuring key recommendations.

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Waterfalls and Wildflowers: 5 great Upstate hikes to take in the sights and sounds of spring

Waterfalls and Wildflowers: 5 great Upstate hikes to take in the sights and sounds of spring
March 23, 2021

Spring is the perfect time of year to get outside and explore our region’s natural splendor. To help you do just that, we’ve compiled a list of some of the Upstate’s less traveled trails where you can take in some of spring’s best sights and sounds.

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The reality of Black land loss

The reality of Black land loss
Megan Burton  |  February 20, 2021

By the early 1900s, African Americans had acquired millions of acres of land across the United States. A century later, 90% of that land had been lost.

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Dr. John Quinn: We should see waterways & forests as economic assets

Dr. John Quinn: We should see waterways & forests as economic assets
June 10, 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, Director of Environmental Studies at Furman, explores the economic value of our region's natural resources.

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Our commitment to racial justice

Our commitment to racial justice
June 3, 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.

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We should all have access to clean and safe outdoor spaces

We should all have access to clean and safe outdoor spaces
Lisa Hallo  |  May 20, 2020

Upstate Forever's Lisa Hallo reflects on what easy access to nature has meant for her during difficult times.

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Why should I care about conservation?

Why should I care about conservation?
February 25, 2020

At the 2020 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon, Raleigh West, Executive Director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, explained why everyone is a conservationist — they just might not realize it yet.

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