Our 2025 state and local advocacy priorities are set!

Every year we outline new, fresh priorities geared towards ensuring everyone in the Upstate benefits from protected natural resources, clean water, sustainable energy, and balanced growth.

This year is no different. We have identified key issues we support at the local and state level that will help make our region stronger and more resilient.

Do you want to engage with any of these priorities this year? Join our e-lists to receive updates on conservation bills, local land use issues, and more.

Attend Lobby Day on February 25

Staff, supporters, and advocates from a statewide alliance of over 40 conservation organizations will convene at the SC Statehouse on Tuesday, February 25 to connect with elected officials, participate in the legislative process, and celebrate conservation! Click here to register and learn more about this annual event.

Septic repair funding available

UF's Clean Water team has grant funding to assist with cost-share assistance for septic repairs until July. Qualifying landowners should live in proximity to the North, Middle, and South Tyger Rivers. Following Hurricane Helene, many septic systems are in need of repair, which greatly impacts water quality in the area. See if you qualify before July. For questions, please email Rebecca Wade.

Volunteer for planting workdays

Spring is fast approaching and phase 2 of UF's restoration work at the Upper Shoals at Glendale is ramping up! We need volunteers for two upcoming planting events at this Spartanburg property. First up is trees in February, then wildflowers and grasses in March. Check our website for details and registration. UF events

Soapstone Preservation Endowment

Soapstone Baptist Church and matriarch Mable Owens Clarke are Upstate icons. This Black History Month, help guarantee that the building and grounds of this historic African American Church will be maintained in perpetuity by supporting the Soapstone Preservation Endowment, founded by friends of the community in 2022. Learn more, share, and support this important effort here.

Action Alert: Protect Paris Mountain

By now, you’ve likely read about a developer’s plans to annex two parcels (approximately 40 acres) on Paris Mountain into the City of Travelers Rest to build the Inn at Altamont — a 150-room hotel accessible from Altamont Road.

One of Greenville County’s most iconic natural assets, Paris Mountain is a unique treasure that warrants protection and is incompatible with high intensity development.

Like the 11,000+ citizens who have signed a petition opposing the project, Upstate Forever has serious concerns over this proposal — including its direct impacts to ecological features, as well as the dangerous precedent it could set for using annexation to side-step county regulations protecting Paris Mountain. Of particular concern is the likelihood of during- and post-construction impacts to headwaters of the Reedy River, located on one of the project parcels.

You can help: The developer of the project — the Divine Group — will host a town hall for public discussion of the project on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Greenville Shrine Club & Event Center, 119 Beverly Road, between 6 and 8 p.m. Please make plans to attend and voice your concerns.

ForeverGreen 2025 honorees

Upstate Forever’s ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon celebrates individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in fields related to conservation and sustainable growth.

We hope you'll join us on Tuesday, April 22 as we celebrate three passionate individuals making an indelible impact on the region's natural resources:



TOMMY WYCHE LAND CONSERVATION CHAMPION

Honorable Ted Shehan, for his decades-long commitment to public service and volunteer efforts to expand awareness of natural resource conservation initiatives

CLEAN WATER CHAMPION

Melanie Ruhlman, President of Save Our Saluda, for her tireless efforts to protect rivers and streams in the Saluda River Basin and across the state of South Carolina

PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR

Representative Patrick Haddon, for his visionary leadership role in the Working Lands Preservation Act, which makes land conservation more accessible for South Carolina’s farmers

Other news, upcoming events & updates

Staff updates

Please join us in congratulating Energy Advocate Michael Coleman on his appointment as Co-Chair of the South Carolina Conservation Coalition. As Co-Chair he uses his expertise in sustainable energy, conservation policy, and environmental justice to help the Coalition ensure that current and future generations can thrive in a safe, clean, and healthy environment.

Help us wish Clean Water & GIS Manager Katie Hottel a happy 12th anniversary at UF! She is the map-making specialist on staff and plays an integral role visualizing vital natural resources throughout the Upstate. Thank you for all you do, Katie!

Our entire staff continues to work hard to ensure that UF's efforts in conservation and advocacy better represent and serve the full breadth of the Upstate community. Check out our 2024 DEI Progress Report to see what staff accomplished last year.

Upcoming events

Against All Odds: Stories from the Liberian Community and Soapstone Church and School - Tuesday, February 19 at 12:00 PM at the Upcountry History Museum (540 Buncombe Street, Greenville) | Celebrate Black History Month with Soapstone Baptist Church matriarch Mable Owens Clarke at her Lunchbox Learning presentation. Tickets for members are free.

2025 Forest Fest - Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Clemson Experimental Forest, North Forest (Issaqueena) | Celebrate SC's natural resources at this year's Forest Fest! Volunteers are needed to host a station or help at a station.

Your tax-deductible gift to Upstate Forever will go directly toward protecting critical lands and saving special places in the Upstate.