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Our Community

Conservation is about people as much as place. Meet the landowners, advocates, volunteers, and partners working to protect what makes the Upstate special.

Discover the people behind the progress below.

Meet this year's ForeverGreen award recipients

Meet this year's ForeverGreen award recipients
March 5, 2026

This year, we're excited to celebrate several passionate individuals whose passion and determination have made an indelible impact on the region's natural resources. We hope you'll join us to celebrate them on Tuesday, April 21 at The Annex at Judson Mill in Greenville from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.

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Love is in the Air: Share our conservation-themed Valentines with your special someone

Love is in the Air: Share our conservation-themed Valentines with your special someone
February 13, 2026

From forest trails and mountain views to rare wildflowers and healthy habitats, the landscapes we protect together are worth every bit of devotion.

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A Year of Impact: Celebrating Upstate Forever’s 2025 successes

A Year of Impact: Celebrating Upstate Forever’s 2025 successes
December 16, 2025

From protecting treasured landscapes to strengthening water quality safeguards, empowering communities, and advocating for sustainable growth, it’s been a year full of meaningful wins for the Upstate.

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Remembering Dennis Chastain

Remembering Dennis Chastain
November 24, 2025

A naturalist, historian, storyteller, and so much more, Dennis dedicated his life to discovering, documenting, and sharing the unique majesty of South Carolina’s mountains and foothills.

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Meet the Team: Board member Maurie Lawrence

Meet the Team: Board member Maurie Lawrence
November 12, 2025

Get to know one of Upstate Forever's newest Board members, Maurie Lawrence, through a few rapid-fire questions.

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Ask an Advocate: Grassroots advocacy in Greenville County

Ask an Advocate: Grassroots advocacy in Greenville County
November 10, 2025

In this advice column, Land Policy Grassroots Specialist Tre’Dessa Smalls illustrates some of Upstate Forever’s recent grassroots initiatives — and shares how you can get involved.

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Bryson Children's Nature Walk is a gift to the community

Bryson Children's Nature Walk is a gift to the community
November 6, 2025

Mayor James Atkinson of Six Mile, SC, shares how his town's planned park is a model of child-first conservation and an example of how local officials can help protect greenspace for their constituents.

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Inside South Carolina's one-of-a-kind farm school

Inside South Carolina's one-of-a-kind farm school
November 5, 2025

Upstate Forever staff toured the SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, where educators are preparing the next generation of leaders in farming, forestry, and conservation.

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