Conservation Director position named in honor of Glenn Hilliard
- November 13th 2019
At the September 2019 meeting, the Upstate Forever (UF) board voted to name the land conservation director position “The Glenn Hilliard Director of Land Conservation.” This naming is in recognition of Glenn's support of Upstate Forever, and for the time and energy he spends promoting land protection in the Upstate. Glenn, a tireless advocate for all things natural, is an Upstate Master Naturalist, UF board member, and chair of the Land Conservation Committee.
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Upstate Forever exceeds $7.5 million capital campaign goal
- October 23rd 2019
We are pleased to announce that we raised more than $8.4 million in the Crossroads Campaign to protect green space, safeguard water quality, and promote balanced development in the Upstate region. The Crossroads Campaign launched publicly in March of 2019 and included including a $1 million anonymous gift made in memory of Marjorie E. Schmidt, a long-time Greenville resident with a heart for nature. Upstate Forever will use funds from the Crossroads Campaign to help: permanently protect 15,000 additional acres of land by 2022; safeguard the region’s water quality and quantity; provide for work with communities to reduce sprawl, and engage more voices for conservation and responsible growth practices.
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Walkability expert Jeff Speck to speak in Spartanburg Nov. 7
- October 16th 2019
Upstate Forever will host “Towards a More Walkable Spartanburg with Jeff Speck,” featuring urban designer, city planner, and walkability expert Jeff Speck on Thursday, November 7, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg. Piedmont Natural Gas is the lead sponsor for this event. OneSpartanburg, Mary Black Foundation, City of Spartanburg, Spartanburg Area Transportation Study, and Partners for Active Living join Upstate Forever and Piedmont Natural Gas as sponsors. The event is free but registration is required in advance.
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Oconee's Chau Ram Park has more than doubled in size thanks to land acquisition
- September 26th 2019
Press Release: South Carolina Conservation Bank and Naturaland Trust partner with Oconee County to purchase 212.69-acre addition for Chau Ram County Park; Conservation Easement held by Upstate Forever further protects the scenic property. Photos by Mac Stone, Naturaland Trust
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Upstate Forever and partners receive grant from the Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative
- August 30th 2019
Upstate Forever, Clemson University, and Lake Conestee Nature Park have received a grant from The Cornell Lab and Land Trust Alliance's Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative to study and determine best management practices to restore and improve grassland bird habitats.
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Andrea Cooper selected to become Riley Fellow
- August 27th 2019
Andrea Cooper, Executive Director of Upstate Forever, joins other leaders selected from across the Upstate and surrounding area to participate in the Riley Institute at Furman’s 28th class of Diversity Leaders Initiative.
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Upstate Forever will transfer bikeshare operations to the City of Greenville in late 2019
- July 16th 2019
Local conservation group Upstate Forever, who has operated Greenville B-cycle since March 2013, will give up the reins as program operator later this year. The City of Greenville has committed to taking over the local bike-share program.
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Upstate Forever to Seek Reaccreditation from the Land Trust Alliance
- July 10th 2019
The Land Trust Alliance’s land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. In 2008, Upstate Forever became the first land trust organization in South Carolina to receive national accreditation. Upstate Forever is pleased to announce it is now applying for renewal of accreditation.
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