News & Media

Two public meetings have been scheduled on the Saluda Grade Trail—in Inman, SC on Oct. 17 and Columbus, NC on Oct. 19. The public is invited to drop in, learn more about the proposed trail, and share their goals, ideas, and concerns. read more

The Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy, of which Upstate Forever is a member, is pleased to share that the SC State Legislature recently included $10 million in the 2023-2024 budget towards the purchase of the Saluda Grade Trail, which will run through Northern Spartanburg and Greenville Counties into the mountains of Western NC. read more

A coalition of nonprofits including Upstate Forever that is spearheading the Saluda Grade Trail has reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern to sell the 31-mile rail line for use as a recreational rail trail. read more

We are excited to host the annual ForeverGreen Awards Luncheon on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Embassy Suites on Verdae Boulevard. read more

Upstate Forever's nationally accredited land trust recently protected six properties totalling 735 acres in partnership with landowners across the Upstate. read more

The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council — of which Upstate Forever is a member — has announced that they are awarding grants from $30,000 to $90,000 to the Rocky River Conservancy and the Anderson Soil and Water Conservation District. The recipients are launching projects that will improve water quality and education in the county. read more

The six-acre property home to the historic Soapstone Baptist Church in Pickens County has been permanently protected through a conservation easement. In addition to the church’s leadership, partners instrumental in this important conservation project include the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Upstate Forever, and the Upstate Land Conservation Fund. read more

On Tuesday, South Carolina’s Public Service Commission approved Duke Energy Carolinas’ request to raise utility bills by 10.4%—more than $12 per month for a typical residential customer—to cover skyrocketing fossil fuel costs. read more