National land trust accreditation

In 2025, Upstate Forever attained its fourth accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

UF first achieved accreditation in 2008, becoming the first land trust in South Carolina to do so. Each accredited land trust completes a rigorous review process and joins a network of organizations united by strong ethical practices.

"The accreditation process is very detailed and thorough. We work diligently to make sure we're consistently adhering to best practices in documentation, transparency, security, and ethics for land trusts. It's all part of how we build trust with landowners, partners, and funders to advance conservation in our region."

– Scott Park, UF's Glenn Hilliard Director of Land Conservation

Renewed accreditation means that Upstate Forever meets the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence, equipping the organization to protect our region’s special places for many generations to come.