Land Conservation

December 8th 2025

Upstate Forever announces nearly 450 acres in new conservation easements

Local conservation nonprofit Upstate Forever is pleased to share four newly finalized conservation easements: December Hill Farm, Snow Hill Farm, Ninety Six Creek, and an addition to the existing Mountain Bridge Passage easement.

December 1st 2025

Upstate Forever attains fourth national accreditation

Upstate Forever recently attained its fourth accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, demonstrating that the organization meets the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence.

July 8th 2025

Upstate Forever, landowners protect more than 170 acres of forests and critical waterways in Oconee

Upstate Forever and private landowners recently worked together to finalize conservation easements on two properties in Oconee County.

February 25th 2025

Upstate Forever protected more than 1,100 acres in 2024 via conservation easements

Projects with conservation partners comprise nearly 1,900 additional acres protected.

August 5th 2024

Saluda Grade Trail Corridor Under Contract

The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy is officially under contract to purchase a 31-mile rail corridor for a proposed rail trail running from Upstate South Carolina to Western North Carolina. The conservancy entered into a contract with Norfolk Southern to purchase the Saluda Grade rail line and corridor and now has one year to complete due diligence and secure remaining funds needed for the purchase.

July 11th 2024

Grant Awarded for Saluda Grade Trail

The Saluda Grade Trail was awarded a $450,000 grant from the federal Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies, announced today. The 31-mile Saluda Grade rail trail was one of four projects throughout Appalachia to be selected for its outstanding potential to strengthen local economies.

January 30th 2024

More forests, farms, and green space protected by Upstate Forever in 2023

Upstate Forever worked with landowners, funders, and partners to facilitate permanent conservation easements on nearly 800 acres last year in Upstate South Carolina.

March 16th 2023

Agreement Reached on Saluda Grade Rail Line

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.

Land Conservation

Upstate Forever announces nearly 450 acres in new conservation easements

Upstate Forever attains fourth national accreditation

Upstate Forever, landowners protect more than 170 acres of forests and critical waterways in Oconee

Upstate Forever protected more than 1,100 acres in 2024 via conservation easements

Saluda Grade Trail Corridor Under Contract

Grant Awarded for Saluda Grade Trail

More forests, farms, and green space protected by Upstate Forever in 2023

Agreement Reached on Saluda Grade Rail Line

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