Don't miss these fall foliage hikes

Fall is in the air! Summer is finally coming to an end, and it's time to gear up for some autumn hikes in the Upstate. As the leaves start to turn, you can head out to some great local spots to enjoy views of fall foliage and protected lands. We have several recommendations for the best foliage hikes on our blog.

Tyger River Recreation Region

We want to hear from you! Planning for the new Tyger River Recreation Region is underway. UF and the Tyger River Foundation want to know what you'd like to see take shape at this new public recreation and eco-tourism site. Check out the new project website to see the area's map and the amenities under consideration. Then head over to the survey to tell us what you think.

Saluda Grade public meetings

Along with our partners, we are seeking public input for the Saluda Grade Trail. The South Carolina Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 17 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Inman Library. Voice your suggestions and concerns at the drop-in style meeting and visit various stations to learn more about the trail. If you'd like to attend, please RSVP here.

Woodruff zoning ordinance passes

The City of Woodruff passed a new zoning ordinance in late August. UF’s Land Planning & Policy team advocated for adoption because it enhances beautification in the downtown revitalization overlay district, encourages higher quality mixed-use development, and permits accessory dwelling units on single-detached lots. Sign up for Spartanburg's e-list here.

UF's Annual Meeting

Join us on Sunday, October 22 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at Conestee Nature Preserve's Henderson Meadow for our family friendly Annual Meeting and 25th Anniversary Picnic catered by Henry's Smokehouse (vegetarian option available). We will gather to thank our members for their support and update you on our annual progress. RSVP here.

Upcoming volunteer workdays

We had a great workday at Rocky River Nature Park last weekend! 22 volunteers cleared about an acre of invasive Thorny Olive, also known as Silverthorn (Elaeagnus pungens). Check out more details about what we did to help this area of high-quality forest in this beloved greenspace and important habitat in Anderson County.

If you missed this workday or would like to participate in other upcoming opportunities, then take a look at some of these volunteer events:

• Splash Away the Trash Weekend Event on Lake Hartwell - Saturday, September 30 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Locations vary | Join Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water for a litter sweep next weekend! For location information and to register, visit lakehartwellpcw.com/events.
• SPACE Volunteer Workday - Friday, October 6 from 10:00 am - noon at the Upper Chinquapin Greenway | Join staff and volunteers from the Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE) and Upstate Forever as we remove invasive plant species along the Upper Chinquapin Greenway. RSVP here.
• Native Planting Workday - Wednesday, November 15 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Rocky River Nature Park | We'll be planting native wildflowers and grasses to improve water quality and enhance foraging and nesting areas for native wildlife and migratory species. RSVP here.

From Barrels to Batteries

On October 4th, UF's Energy Advocate Michael Coleman will moderate a panel for From Barrels to Batteries: A Roundtable on Rural Transportation Electrification in the Southeast. Hosted by the Electrification Coalition, it will feature discussion about the fundamental shift in transportation across the southeast. Learn more.

The impact of PFAS

UF's Clean Water Director Erika Hollis discusses the manmade chemicals called PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances) and why they exist at unsafe levels in our waterways. Learn about products containing PFAS, how they get into our waterways and bodies, and what SCDHEC is doing for residents with private wells. Read more on our blog.

More news, information & updates

Mark your calendar

Fall is just getting started - save the date for these upcoming autumn events:

• Fly Fishing Film Tour - Friday October 6 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM at Think Tank Brew Lab| Attend this coldwater conservation fundraiser hosted by the Mountain Bridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited for a fun night of music, games, raffles, and great food! Purchase your tickets here.
• 2023 Spartanburg Soaring International Kite Festival - Saturday, October 14 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM in downtown Spartanburg | UF's Clean Water team will be there with our Tyger River Recreation Region partners. Come see us at this free, family-friendly event.
• Lake Robinson Day - Saturday, October 21 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM in Greer | A great event with free activities hosted by Greer Commission of Public Works, Upstate Forever, and other environmental and educational organizations. Make sure to pre-register to receive a free lunch, participate in a rain barrel workshop, or be involved in a tree giveaway.
• Shortleaf Conference hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission - November 16 at the Piedmont Forestry Center in Tamasee, SC | Register for this full-day meeting with an afternoon field trip. $25 registration fee, lunch provided. Contact Tim Adams at tadams@scfc.gov or 803-896-8802 for the registration form.

Upstate Forever's 25th Anniversary

This month officially marks UF's 25th anniversary. We've been celebrating our accomplishments all year long, and we are grateful to everyone who has made this milestone possible.

If you want to continue helping us celebrate, claim one of our limited edition anniversary t-shirts when you donate $25 or more. Snag one today at upstateforever.org/donate! (Available in adult sizes S - 2XL while supplies last.)