Land Conservation

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We are hiring a Clean Water Manager to lead and implement strategic initiatives benefiting water quality and resources across the Upstate.

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March 20th 2026

Fox Carolina: How two Upstate families kept developers at bay

Read or watch this feature from FOX Carolina about two local landowners who chose to protect their properties through conservation easements with Upstate Forever.

February 19th 2026

Upstate Forever announces 2,100+ recently conserved acres

Upstate Forever is pleased to share nine new conservation easements completed in late 2025, permanently protecting 2,100+ acres across seven counties in the region.

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.

Join our team

Land Conservation

Fox Carolina: How two Upstate families kept developers at bay

Upstate Forever announces 2,100+ recently conserved acres

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

864.250.0500

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