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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.

Progress Toward Our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Goals in 2023

Progress Toward Our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Goals in 2023
February 4, 2024

Our 2023 progress report towards our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals set forth in 2020.

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The City of Clemson puts sustainability at the forefront of conservation efforts

The City of Clemson puts sustainability at the forefront of conservation efforts
December 4, 2023

Check out our recent Q&A with Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre and City Urban and Park Land Management Director Tony Tidwell. They explain some new sustainability projects and other initiatives already underway in Clemson, including Berkeley Orchard, the "Grow a Greener Clemson" campaign, the Monarch USA accreditation, and establishing Clemson as a Certified National Wildlife Habitat.

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2023 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon

2023 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon
Aldon Knight  |  April 25, 2023

We are grateful to the sponsors, vendors, staff, board members, speakers, and guests who helped make this one of our best awards luncheons yet.

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Progress Report

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Progress Report
March 6, 2023

A progress report for Upstate Forever's diversity, equity, and inclusion goals set forth in 2020.

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Local leaders share perspectives on conservation and economic development

Local leaders share perspectives on conservation and economic development
November 15, 2022

Community and business leaders from across the Upstate share their thoughts on the relationship between natural resource conservation and growth in the latest issue of the Upstate Advocate.

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2022 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon

2022 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon
June 14, 2022

After forgoing our in-person celebration in 2021, it was a joy to gather again to celebrate the Upstate's leaders in conservation and sustainable growth!

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Carfree commuting advice from a local expert

Carfree commuting advice from a local expert
May 20, 2022

In celebration of National Bike to Work Day, Mary McGowan — aka "rebelwithoutacar" — answers your burning questions about carfree commuting.

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Driven to Connect: Alix Pedraza

Driven to Connect: Alix Pedraza
May 11, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, SCDNR Diversity Outreach Manager Alix Pedraza reflects on her journey towards a career involved in protecting natural places and why she is driven to expand access to outdoor recreation areas to underrepresented audiences.

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