Celebrating Conservation Champions: Highlights from the 2026 ForeverGreen Luncheon

Each spring, we gather to celebrate the individuals and organizations that make conservation in the Upstate possible.

At this year's ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon, we were proud to have the opportunity to recognize several individuals who have dedicated decades of their lives to land and water protection, balanced growth, and environmental education in Upstate South Carolina.

Below, you’ll find highlights from the event, including an overview of each honoree, their award videos, and links to the full photo album and event program. We’re also proud to recognize the generous sponsors who made this celebration possible and continue to support this work year-round. 

Meet this year's honorees

Marjorie E. Schmidt Stewardship Award

Named in honor of Marjorie E. Schmidt, a longtime Upstate resident with a heart for nature and a humble, giving spirit, this award recognizes an individual who has supported Upstate Forever, or has supported local conservation efforts, consistently and quietly for ten years or longer without expectation of recognition or reward.

For decades of inspiring environmental education through leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong passion for connecting people with the natural world, Tim Taylor received Upstate Forever's Marjorie E. Schmidt Stewardship award at the 2026 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon.

Land Planning & Policy Champion

The Land Planning and Policy Champion award recognizes a business, organization, governmental entity or individual who has taken bold action to promote more responsible growth, reduce sprawl, promote vibrant communities, and balance economic development with other community priorities.

For his dedicated advocacy for balanced growth, rural representation, and environmental stewardship in Spartanburg County, Martial Robichaud was recognized as Land Planning & Policy Champion at this year's celebration.

Clean Water Champion

The Clean Water Champion award recognizes a business, organization, governmental entity, or individual who has made a significant contribution to water quality improvement or water resources management in the Upstate.

For his decades of service and steadfast commitment to clean water and land protection in the Savannah River Basin, Brian Stoddard was recognized as Clean Water Champion at this year's celebration.

Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion

Named after visionary conservationist Tommy Wyche, this award recognizes a business, organization or individual who has made a significant contribution to the protection of farmlands, forest lands, natural areas and other special places in the Upstate.

For their leadership in farmland conservation, community service, and advancing equity for farmers in Greenville County and beyond, Margaret and Bryant Harrison received the Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion award at this year's celebration.

View luncheon photos

Re-live the celebration by flipping through our 2026 ForeverGreen photo album. View the photos on Flickr

Read digital event program

In lieu of printed programs and in an effort to conserve natural resources, the event program containing the agenda, award recipient information, and more is now available in a digital format. Download the PDF

Thank you, sponsors

This annual celebration of conservation leaders is made possible by the generosity of these sponsors.

– Emerald Sponsors –

– Forest Sponsor – 

– Spruce Sponsors – 

– Cedar Sponsors –