The Upstate Update: May 2024

For mental health awareness month, spend some time in nature

Studies have shown that time in nature can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, relax the nervous system, enhance the immune system, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Get out in nature for Mental Health Awareness Month and experience the many mental, physical, and social benefits natural spaces provide.

Upstate Forever works hard to protect natural places like parks, green spaces, and trails, so Upstate residents can continue to experience nature's mental health benefits. If you feel the need for nature's restorative properties this month, then check out our list of great hikes in the area, places to paddle, and outdoor volunteer opportunities.

Also in this month's newsletter:

• Pickens County voted for water
  Pickens County Council recently voted to approve a 50’ minimum riparian setback for new development along all Waters-of-the-State in unincorporated areas of Pickens County. Thank you County Council for voting for water! To learn how these vegetated areas are crucial defense for our waterways, click here. 
   
• Attend Land Trust Day on June 1st
  Each June, Mast General Store hosts Land Trust Day to celebrate the important work done by land trusts like Upstate Forever. This year, Mast General is donating 20% of the Greenville store's sales on Saturday, June 1 to UF! Stop by our table from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm to chat with our team about land trusts and stewardship.
   
• Join us for an Advocacy Happy Hour
  Drop in and join our Energy and State Policy and Land Planning and Policy teams for a discussion of energy and land use issues in the Upstate on June 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Liability Brewing Company. Enjoy light refreshments and your first drink on us! RSVP to Michael Coleman by June 25th. See you there!
   
• May is American Wetlands Month
  Celebrate one of nature's most productive ecosystems this month by learning more about how these vital habitats are changing and how we can better conserve them for their benefits. Wetland loss increased by 50% in the last decade, but we can help protect them together. Read the recent report and wetland stories.

Our Generations Campaign kickoff event was a success!

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Tuesday for our Generations Campaign launch at The Annex at Judson Mill! We had a great turnout of advocates, landowners, conservationists, and newcomers. Check out our photo album to see highlights from the evening.

Support and learn more about the Generations Campaign's ambitious $7 million goal to help fund Upstate Forever's conservation and advocacy for years to come. We hope you'll help us keep the Upstate healthy, vibrant, and resilient for future generations.

Read more in our May Upstate Update
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