Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Progress Report
March 6, 2023
A progress report for Upstate Forever's diversity, equity, and inclusion goals set forth in 2020.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Driven to Advocate: Sandy Hanebrink
May 11, 2022
In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Touch the Future Executive Director Sandy Hanebrink discusses her journey as a person with disabilities and advocates for expanded access to our region's treasured natural areas.
Driven to Heal: Mac Curry
May 11, 2022
In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Mercedes "Mac" Curry — founder of PAWS Animal Wildlife Sanctuary in Laurens County — shares how she became interested in wildlife rehabilitation and what it means to be good stewards of the Earth.
Driven to Preserve: Mable Owens Clarke
May 11, 2022
In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Mable Owens Clarke tells the inspirational story of Soapstone Baptist Church in Pickens County and how she has worked to preserve its history.
Greenville, SC
507 Pettigru Street
Greenville, SC 29601
Spartanburg, SC
900 S. Pine St, Ste 1B
Spartanburg, SC 29302