Upstate Forever - Our Work

Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of the Upstate of South Carolina. We focus our work on the ten counties of Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union.

Over the past two decades, we have worked to protect some of our region’s most important environmentally sensitive lands and assets in regards to water and habitat quality – our farmlands, forests, natural areas, healthy rivers, and clean air. We are committed to ensuring that our Upstate communities are vibrant and retain their natural areas, outdoor heritage, and unique identities in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl.

Our Goals

Protect land and water
Foster a love of place
Convey the importance of now
Serve as a trusted community champion

What’s Happening

Recent land protection

We recently worked with two private landowners to protect more than 600 acres in Union County. Each of these properties contains farmlands, forests, wildlife habitat, and impacts our region's water quality.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

To realize our vision of a future that is healthy, vibrant, and prosperous for the Upstate, we know it is vitally important and essential to our core values that we engage the diverse community we serve.

Our Commitment

Defend our water quality

In an era of modern convenience, it’s all too easy to take clean water for granted. But as our region grows, it’s more important than ever to recognize the tremendous value of water — and to fight to protect it.

I want to help

Protect More Land

In the face of rapid growth, more funding is needed to protect the Upstate’s special places while we still have the opportunity.

Learn more

2020 advocacy priorities

Our team advocates for local and state policies that will help further our mission to protect the critical lands, waters, and unique character of Upstate South Carolina.

What we're advocating for