Remembering Dennis Chastain

Our community has lost a remarkable voice for South Carolina’s natural and cultural heritage with the passing of Dennis Chastain.

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. Through his work, he helped reveal the extraordinary character of this region — from rare wildflowers and ancient Native American trails to prehistoric rock carvings long hidden from view.

The legacy of Dennis Chastain endures in the landscapes he interpreted, the stories he brought forward, and the countless people he inspired to explore and care for this place. May his example continue to encourage curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper appreciation for the places we call home.

Remembering Dennis Chastain

Upstate Forever was honored to recognize Dennis’s lifetime of contributions with the Extraordinary Achievement Award at the 2019 ForeverGreen Awards. Those who wish to revisit that moment, or learn more about his impact, can watch his award video here: 

Dennis was also a prolific writer, contributing to publications including the South Carolina Wildlife Magazine and Greenville Journal. We were honored to publish several of his essays in our print newsletter, the Upstate Advocate:

Our remarkable region

In this essay from the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Dennis Chastain shared why we should explore, celebrate, and preserve the Upstate's natural splendor and deep cultural history. Read more

Every last acre on earth

For those of us who cherish the charming rural landscape, and the woods and wild places, our world has once again shrunk before our very eyes. In this essay from the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Dennis asked, "Are we just going to develop every last acre on earth?" Read more