Land Planning & Policy

Empowering more voices in place-making - May 31st, 2024

City of Greenville Planning Commissioner Pamela Adams recounts the fight to save the Dr. E.E. McClaren Medical Shelter in the West End of Greenville. read more

By Guest Contributors

Big win for water! 50' riparian buffers in Greenville County - January 5th, 2024

Upstate Forever and local partners that comprise the Reedy River Water Quality Group (RRWQG) and other clean water advocates have aggressively championed adoption of stronger riparian buffer requirements in Greenville County for well-over a decade. We are thrilled to see 50' wide riparian buffers now required for new development along all Waters-of-the-State in unincorporated parts of the county. read more

By Sherry Barrett

Action Alert: Support 50' riparian buffers for new development - December 20th, 2023

It is the final push for the 50' riparian buffer ordinance county-wide on all waters of the state. Join us wearing blue at 6:00 on January 2nd at County Council. Show support for this critical ordinance at the public hearing and third reading. Make this your first act of advocacy in the new year! read more

Action Alert: Urge Greenville Co. Council to vote YES on riparian buffer requirements - November 2nd, 2023

There's still time to help ensure Greenville County Council votes to support 50' riparian buffers for new development on all Waters of the State county-wide. read more

How developed land impacts urban waters - October 27th, 2023

Clean Water Specialist Rebecca Wade explains how stormwater from development and human activity can cause problems for urban waters — and ways you can help protect local waterways. read more

By Rebecca Wade

Healing urban ecosystems — the natural way - October 26th, 2023

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

By Allie Martinsen

Next-Door Nature: Explore the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate - October 25th, 2023

The newest edition of our biannual print publication explores the ecosystems persisting within the urbanized landscape — our backyards, neighborhood greenspaces, and downtown parks — in addition to sharing the latest news and updates from our team. read more

By Andrea Cooper

Action Alert: Support stronger riparian buffer requirements - October 11th, 2023

Greenville County Council is currently considering strengthening riparian buffer requirements for new development county-wide to better protect water quality. We need your help urging Council to support a 50' riparian buffer requirement as impaired water bodies have become an increasingly urgent issue. read more