1 2 3 4<!doctype html> 5<html class="no-js" lang="en"> 6<head> 7<meta charset="utf-8"/> 8<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"/> 9<title>About Upstate Forever | Mission & Vision</title> 10<meta name="description" content="Learn about Upstate Foreverâs mission to balance growth and nature through advocacy, education, and partnerships in Upstate South Carolina."/> 11 12<meta name="twitter:title" property="og:title" content="About Upstate Forever | Mission & Vision"/> 13<meta property="og:type" content="website"/> 14<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"/> 15 16<meta name="twitter:url" property="og:url" content="https://www.upstateforever.org/about"/> 17 18 19<meta name="twitter:image" property="og:image" content="https://www.upstateforever.org/files/gvlofficesummer-h1375678028.jpg"/> 20 <meta name="twitter:description" property="og:description" content="Learn about Upstate Foreverâs mission to balance growth and nature through advocacy, education, and partnerships in Upstate South Carolina."/> 21 <meta property="og:site_name" content="Upstate Forever"/> 22 23 <style></style> 24 25 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/css/A.app.css.pagespeed.cf.sF2XwQFPjS.css" media="all"> 26 27<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"> 28<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin> 29<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Lora:ital,wght@0,400..700;1,400..700&family=Montserrat:ital,wght@0,100..900;1,100..900&family=Work+Sans:ital,wght@0,100..900;1,100..900&display=swap" rel="stylesheet"> 30 31<!-- Google Tag Manager -->
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51<!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> 52 53<div class="wrapper no-js"> 54 55 56 57 <div class="alertwrap"> 58 <div class="callout gold" id="msgc59711df59c9f2e0a998eaa3f4b27da9" data-closable> 59 <div class="row padsides"> 60 <div class="columns small-24 alertinner"> 61 62 <p><strong>Request for Qualifications:</strong> Upstate Forever seeks consultant for water quality monitoring services. Apply by 5:00 p.m. ET on October 2, 2026. <a href="https://www.upstateforever.org/news/upstate-forever-seeks-consultant-for-water-quality-monitoring-services">Learn more</a></p> 63 64 65 66 <button class="close-button" aria-label="Dismiss alert" type="button" data-close> 67 <span aria-hidden="true">×</span> 68 </button> 69 70 </div> 71 </div> 72 </div> 73 </div> 74 75<div class="header header-bg-cream"> 76 <div class="top-bar-wrap row"> 77 <div class="title-bar" data-hide-for="large"> 78 <div class="title-bar-title logo"> 79 <a href="/" title="Upstate Forever"> 80 <img src='/files/dark-logo1136497719.svg' alt="Upstate Forever" fetchpriority='high'/> 81 </a> 82 </div> 83 <button class="menu-icon" type="button" data-open='main-menu-off-canvas' aria-label='Open Menu'></button> 84 </div> 85 <div class="off-canvas in-canvas-for-large position-right" id="main-menu-off-canvas" data-off-canvas> 86 <div class="hide-for-large text-center"> 87 <a class="" aria-label="Close menu" data-close> 88 <img src='/files/dark-logo1136497719.svg ' alt="Upstate Forever" class="oclogo lazyload"/> 89 </a> 90 </div> 91 <div class="top-bar" id="main-menu"> 92 <div class="top-bar-left"> 93 <a class='logo' href="/" title="Upstate Forever"> 94 <img src='/files/dark-logo1136497719.svg' alt="Upstate Forever" fetchpriority='high'/> 95 </a> 96 </div> 97 98 <div class="top-bar-right"> 99 100 <ul class="vertical large-horizontal menu mainmenu" data-responsive-menu="accordion large-dropdown"> 101 <li class=" has-submenu"> 102 <a class='no-click'>Who We Are</a> 103 <ul class='submenu menu vertical' data-submenu> 104 <li class=''> 105 <a href="/about">About</a> 106 </li> 107 108 <li class=''> 109 <a href="/team">Staff</a> 110 </li> 111 112 <li class=''> 113 <a href="/board">Board</a> 114 </li> 115 116 <li class=''> 117 <a href="/financial-reports">Financials</a> 118 </li> 119 120 <li class=''> 121 <a href="/jobs">Careers</a> 122 </li> 123 124 <li class=''> 125 <a href="/contact">Contact Us</a> 126 </li> 127 128 </ul> 129</li> 130 131 <li class=" has-submenu"> 132 <a class='no-click'>What We Do</a> 133 <ul class='submenu menu vertical' data-submenu> 134 <li class=''> 135 <a href="/land-conservation">Land Conservation</a> 136 </li> 137 138 <li class=''> 139 <a href="/clean-water">Clean Water</a> 140 </li> 141 142 <li class=''> 143 <a href="/land-planning-and-policy">Land Planning & Policy</a> 144 </li> 145 146 <li class=''> 147 <a href="/energy">Energy</a> 148 </li> 149 150 <li class=''> 151 <a href="/state-policy">State Policy</a> 152 </li> 153 154 <li class=''> 155 <a href="/case-studies">Featured Projects</a> 156 </li> 157 158 </ul> 159</li> 160 161 <li class=" has-submenu"> 162 <a class='no-click'>Take Action</a> 163 <ul class='submenu menu vertical' data-submenu> 164 <li class=''> 165 <a href="/advocacy">Advocate</a> 166 </li> 167 168 <li class=''> 169 <a href="/volunteer">Volunteer</a> 170 </li> 171 172 <li class=''> 173 <a href="/donate">Donate</a> 174 </li> 175 176 </ul> 177</li> 178 179 <li class=" has-submenu"> 180 <a href="/news">News</a> 181 <ul class='submenu menu vertical' data-submenu> 182 <li class=''> 183 <a href="/blog">Blog</a> 184 </li> 185 186 <li class=''> 187 <a href="/news">News & Media</a> 188 </li> 189 190 <li class=''> 191 <a href="/upstate-advocate-newsletter">Upstate Advocate</a> 192 </li> 193 194 <li class=''> 195 <a href="/email-newsletter">Email Newsletters</a> 196 </li> 197 198 </ul> 199</li> 200 201 <li class=''> 202 <a href="/events">Events</a> 203 </li> 204 205 <li class=''> 206 <a href="/donate">Donate</a> 207 </li> 208 209 210 <li class='search'><a href='#' data-toggle='site-search'> 211 <img src='/assets/images/search-dark.svg' alt='search'/> 212 </a></li> 213 </ul> 214 </div> 215 </div>
215 </div> </div> </div> <div class="site-search hide" id='site-search' data-toggler='.hide'> 216 <div class="row padsides"> 217 <div class="small-24 columns"> 218 <p class='h3'>What are you looking for?</p> 219
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219 220 </div> 221 </div> 222 <button class="close-button" aria-label="Close menu" data-toggle='site-search'> 223 <img src='/assets/images/close.svg' alt='close'/> 224 </button> 225</div> 226 <div class="hero-image secondary bg-cream"> 227 <div class="wrap padded"> 228 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg' srcset=' 229https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 230https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 231https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 232https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 233https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 234https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 235https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04222024-earth-day-staff-retreat-4744103352.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 236 100vw' width='2400' height='1300' alt="Who We Are"> 237 <div class="caption"> 238 <h1>Who <br/> 239We Are</h1> 240 </div> 241 </div> 242 </div> 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 <div class="two-columns-section bg-cream pad-top-bottom" id='mission-and-vision-141'> 251 <div class="row padsides align-top justify-between fadein"> 252 <div class="small-24 columns clean-table fadein large-12"> 253 <h5>Our Mission</h5> 254 255<p class="intro">Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina. </p> 256 257 </div> 258 <div class="small-24 columns clean-table fadein large-12 "> 259 <h5>Our Vision</h5> 260 261<p class="intro">An environmentally healthy, economically prosperous Upstate that offers a high quality of life now and for future generations.</p> 262 263 </div> 264 </div> 265 266</div><div class="image-text bg-white pad-top-bottom" id='service-area-549'> 267 <div class="row fadein padsides img-right align-center"> 268 <div class="small-24 large-14 columns image"><img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png' srcset=' 269https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 270https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 271https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 272https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 273https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 274https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 275https://upstateforever.imgix.net/upstatecountiesmap-web-2025-gold396284431.png?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 276(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 277 50vw' width='1236' height='888' alt="Service area"/></div> 278 <div class="small-24 large-10 columns clean-table text"><h3 style="text-align:center">Service area</h3> 279 280<p style="text-align:center">We focus our work on the ten counties of Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union.</p> 281</div> 282 </div> 283 284</div><div class="text-section bg-cream pad-top" id='program-slides-title-557'> 285 <div class="row padsides justify-center fadein"> 286 <div class="small-24 columns clean-table large-24"> 287 <h3 style="text-align:center"><a id="programs" name="programs"></a>Our ProgramS</h3> 288 289 </div> 290 </div> 291 292</div><div class="slide-section bg-cream pad-top-bottom" id='program-overview-slides-103'> 293 <div class="row padsides fadein"> 294 <div class="slidewrap small-24 columns"> 295 <div class="slider slideshow"> 296 <div class='slide'> 297 <a href="/land-conservation" class='img-wrap'> 298 <span class="overlay"> 299 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg' srcset=' 300https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 301https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 302https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 303https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 304https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 305https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 306https://upstateforever.imgix.net/oconee-station-connector-scott-park-landowners538078734.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes='
307(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 308 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Land Conservation'/> 309 </span> 310 </a> 311 </div> 312 <div class='slide'> 313 <a href="/clean-water" class='img-wrap'> 314 <span class="overlay"> 315 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg' srcset=' 316https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 317https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 318https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 319https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 320https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 321https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 322https://upstateforever.imgix.net/macstone-riverridgelineculbertson1156462436.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 323(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 324 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Clean Water'/> 325 </span> 326 </a> 327 </div> 328 <div class='slide'> 329 <a href="/land-planning-and-policy" class='img-wrap'> 330 <span class="overlay"> 331 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg' srcset=' 332https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 333https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 334https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 335https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 336https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 337https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 338https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03122026-citizens-planning-academy-final-3r1798790073.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 339(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 340 50vw' width='1247' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Land Planning & Policy'/> 341 </span> 342 </a> 343 </div> 344 <div class='slide'> 345 <a href="/energy" class='img-wrap'> 346 <span class="overlay"> 347 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg' srcset=' 348https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 349https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 350https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 351https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 352https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 353https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 354https://upstateforever.imgix.net/american-public-power-association-423199-unsplash1782707846.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 355(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 356 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Energy'/> 357 </span> 358 </a> 359 </div> 360 <div class='slide'> 361 <a href="/state-policy" class='img-wrap'> 362 <span class="overlay"> 363 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg' srcset=' 364https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 365https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 366https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 367https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 368https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 369https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 370https://upstateforever.imgix.net/03312026-lobbyday-statehouse-11300747378.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes='
371(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 372 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='State Policy'/> 373 </span> 374 </a> 375 </div> 376 </div> 377 <div class="dots"></div> 378 <div class="arrows"></div> 379 <div class="count"><span class='slide-counter'></span></div> 380 <div class="slideshow-nav"> 381 <div class="slide"> 382 <div class="inner"> 383 <div class="columns left-col"> 384 <h4>Land Conservation</h4> 385 </div> 386 <div class="columns right-col"> 387 <p class='support'>We partner with public and private landowners, partner organizations, and funders to protect and steward special places in our region.</p> 388 <p><a href="/land-conservation" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 389 </div> 390 391 </div> 392 </div> 393 <div class="slide"> 394 <div class="inner"> 395 <div class="columns left-col"> 396 <h4>Clean Water</h4> 397 </div> 398 <div class="columns right-col"> 399 <p class='support'>We work to protect water quality and quantity, ensuring that our streams, rivers, and lakes remain healthy for the benefit of all Upstate residents.</p> 400 <p><a href="/clean-water" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 401 </div> 402 403 </div> 404 </div> 405 <div class="slide"> 406 <div class="inner"> 407 <div class="columns left-col"> 408 <h4>Land Planning & Policy</h4> 409 </div> 410 <div class="columns right-col"> 411 <p class='support'>We work at the local level to promote more balanced land development policies in our rapidly growing region.</p> 412 <p><a href="/land-planning-and-policy" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 413 </div> 414 415 </div> 416 </div> 417 <div class="slide"> 418 <div class="inner"> 419 <div class="columns left-col"> 420 <h4>Energy</h4> 421 </div> 422 <div class="columns right-col"> 423 <p class='support'>We advocate for viable alternatives to unnecessary energy infrastructure while participating at the SC Public Service Commission and looking out for ratepayers' rights.</p> 424 <p><a href="/energy" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 425 </div> 426 427 </div> 428 </div> 429 <div class="slide"> 430 <div class="inner"> 431 <div class="columns left-col"> 432 <h4>State Policy</h4> 433 </div> 434 <div class="columns right-col"> 435 <p class='support'>We collaborate with lawmakers, partner organizations, citizens, utilities, business leaders, and state agencies to represent the Upstate's interests at the State House.</p> 436 <p><a href="/state-policy" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 437 </div> 438 439 </div> 440 </div> 441 </div> 442 </div> 443 </div> 444 445</div> 446 447 448<div class="text-section bg-green-gray pad-top-bottom" id='success-slides-title-intro-142'> 449 <div class="row padsides justify-center fadein"> 450 <div class="small-24 columns clean-table large-18"> 451 <h3>Rooted in success</h3> 452 453<p>Founded in 1998 by Greenville attorney Brad Wyche, Upstate Forever has built a solid foundation and reputation as a thoughtful and deliberate organization seeking to balance growth with the protection of the region’s natural resources. We have succeeded in protecting some of our region’s most important assets – our wild landscapes, working farmlands, clean and abundant waterways, and rural character – while ensuring that Upstate communities retain their unique identities by advocating for responsible growth in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl. </p> 454 455 </div> 456 </div> 457 458</div><div class="slide-section bg-green-gray " id='success-slides-165'> 459 <div class="row padsides fadein"> 460 <div class="slidewrap small-24 columns"> 461 <div class="slider slideshow"> 462 <div class='slide'> 463 <a href="/case-studies/protected-properties" class='img-wrap'> 464 <span class="overlay"> 465 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg' srcset=' 466https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 467https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 468https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 469https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 470https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 471https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 472https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04302021-grantmeadowribboncutting-401026192471.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes='
473(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 474 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='40,000+ acres protected'/> 475 </span> 476 </a> 477 </div> 478 <div class='slide'> 479 <a href="/case-studies/past-projects/prisma-health-swamp-rabbit-trail" class='img-wrap'> 480 <span class="overlay"> 481 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg' srcset=' 482https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 483https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 484https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 485https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 486https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 487https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 488https://upstateforever.imgix.net/swamprabbittrailbike-dickcarr409161986.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 489(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 490 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail '/> 491 </span> 492 </a> 493 </div> 494 <div class='slide'> 495 <a href="/case-studies/past-projects/kinder-morgan-plantation-pipeline-spill" class='img-wrap'> 496 <span class="overlay"> 497 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg' srcset=' 498https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 499https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 500https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 501https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 502https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 503https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 504https://upstateforever.imgix.net/andersonwatercouncil-spillsitevisit2022-3899373369.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 505(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 506 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Holding polluters accountable'/> 507 </span> 508 </a> 509 </div> 510 <div class='slide'> 511 <a href="/case-studies/clean-water/paddle-sc" class='img-wrap'> 512 <span class="overlay"> 513 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg' srcset=' 514https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 515https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 516https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 517https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 518https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 519https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 520https://upstateforever.imgix.net/adobestock-308214411385200687.jpeg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 521(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 522 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Connecting people to our rivers and lakes'/> 523 </span> 524 </a> 525 </div> 526 <div class='slide'> 527 <a href="/citizens-planning-academy" class='img-wrap'> 528 <span class="overlay"> 529 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg' srcset=' 530https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 531https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 532https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 533https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 534https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 535https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 536https://upstateforever.imgix.net/04082022-advocacy101-others-141556471032.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes='
537(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 538 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='250+ citizens advocates trained'/> 539 </span> 540 </a> 541 </div> 542 <div class='slide'> 543 <a href="/drinkingwater" class='img-wrap'> 544 <span class="overlay"> 545 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg' srcset=' 546https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 547https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 548https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 549https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 550https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 551https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 552https://upstateforever.imgix.net/850-3327-edit835265593.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 553(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 554 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Strategic watershed plans'/> 555 </span> 556 </a> 557 </div> 558 <div class='slide'> 559 <a href="/case-studies/clean-water/twelve-mile-river-restoration" class='img-wrap'> 560 <span class="overlay"> 561 <img src='https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg' srcset=' 562https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg?w=160&auto=format,compress 160w, 563https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg?w=320&auto=format,compress 320w, 564https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg?w=640&auto=format,compress 640w, 565https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg?w=1020&auto=format,compress 1020w, 566https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg?w=1200&auto=format,compress 1200w, 567https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg?w=1440&auto=format,compress 1440w, 568https://upstateforever.imgix.net/dsc-06311526662588.jpg?w=1920&auto=format,compress 1920w' sizes=' 569(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 570 50vw' width='1248' height='728' class='lazyload' alt='Toxic chemical cleanup'/> 571 </span> 572 </a> 573 </div> 574 </div> 575 <div class="dots"></div> 576 <div class="arrows"></div> 577 <div class="count"><span class='slide-counter'></span></div> 578 <div class="slideshow-nav"> 579 <div class="slide"> 580 <div class="inner"> 581 <div class="columns left-col"> 582 <h4>40,000+ acres protected</h4> 583 </div> 584 <div class="columns right-col"> 585 <p class='support'>Our Land Trust has worked with generous landowners, funders, and partners to enact nearly 200 conservation easements, permanently protecting and stewarding more than 32,600 acres and directly supporting efforts by partners to protect nearly 9,000 more.</p> 586 <p><a href="/case-studies/protected-properties" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 587 </div> 588 589 </div> 590 </div> 591 <div class="slide"> 592 <div class="inner"> 593 <div class="columns left-col"> 594 <h4>Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail </h4> 595 </div> 596 <div class="columns right-col"> 597 <p class='support'>The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail has been a game-changer for Greenville County, enhancing quality of life and bringing $9.5 million to the community annually. Upstate Forever played an essential role in securing and opening the trail, as well as catalyzing an extension from downtown to CU-ICAR.</p> 598 <p><a href="/case-studies/past-projects/prisma-health-swamp-rabbit-trail" class="underline">Read more</a></p> 599 </div> 600 601 </div> 602 </div> 603 <div class="slide"> 604 <div class="inner"> 605 <div class="columns left-col"> 606 <h4>Holding polluters accountable</h4> 607 </div> 608 <div class="columns right-col"> 609 <p class='support'>In 2014, the Kinder Morgan pipeline in Belton ruptured and spilled more than 369,000 gallons of gasoline into the surrounding environment. UF partnered with the Southern Environmental Law Center and Savannah Riverkeeper to file a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Kinder Morgan to ensure adequate cleanup, a process that took years and went as far as the US Supreme Court. Kinder Morgan eventually settled for $1.5 million.</p> 610 <p><a href="/case-studies/past-projects/kinder-morgan-plantation-pipeline-spill" class="underline">Read more</a></p> 611 </div> 612 613 </div>
614 </div> 615 <div class="slide"> 616 <div class="inner"> 617 <div class="columns left-col"> 618 <h4>Connecting people to our rivers and lakes</h4> 619 </div> 620 <div class="columns right-col"> 621 <p class='support'>With support from the Callie and John Rainey Foundation and other partners, UF led coordination of blueway trail mapping throughout SC to catalyze river access across the Upstate. This project connects paddlers of all skill levels to the best water recreation sites across the state via www.PaddleSC.com.</p> 622 <p><a href="/case-studies/clean-water/paddle-sc" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 623 </div> 624 625 </div> 626 </div> 627 <div class="slide"> 628 <div class="inner"> 629 <div class="columns left-col"> 630 <h4>250+ citizens advocates trained</h4> 631 </div> 632 <div class="columns right-col"> 633 <p class='support'>UF is dedicated to demystifying the land use planning process for local residents. Since 2019, weâve engaged over 250 Greenville residents in Citizens Planning Academies, advocacy trainings, and postcard-writing social events.</p> 634 <p><a href="/citizens-planning-academy" class="underline">Read more</a></p> 635 </div> 636 637 </div> 638 </div> 639 <div class="slide"> 640 <div class="inner"> 641 <div class="columns left-col"> 642 <h4>Strategic watershed plans</h4> 643 </div> 644 <div class="columns right-col"> 645 <p class='support'>Thanks to funding from the SC Department of Environmental Services, our Clean Water Team has analyzed data and created strategic watershed-based plans to improve water quality in the Saluda; North/ Middle, and South Tyger, 3&20 Creek, and Lake Keowee watersheds.</p> 646 <p><a href="/drinkingwater" class="underline">Read more</a></p> 647 </div> 648 649 </div> 650 </div> 651 <div class="slide"> 652 <div class="inner"> 653 <div class="columns left-col"> 654 <h4>Toxic chemical cleanup</h4> 655 </div> 656 <div class="columns right-col"> 657 <p class='support'>Between 1955 and 1977, a manufacturing plant discharged over 400,000 pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a highly toxic chemical, into a tributary of Twelve Mile River, resulting in widespread contamination in the river and Lake Hartwell. Alongside the Lake Hartwell Association and Pickens Soil and Water Conservation District, UF successfully advocated for implementation of the federal courtâs consent decree to remove PCB-contaminated sediment and two dams on the river.</p> 658 <p><a href="/case-studies/clean-water/twelve-mile-river-restoration" class="underline">Learn more</a></p> 659 </div> 660 661 </div> 662 </div> 663 </div> 664 </div> 665 </div> 666 667</div> 668 669 670<div class="text-section bg-dark-green pad-top-bottom" id='future-work-13'> 671 <div class="row padsides justify-center fadein"> 672 <div class="small-24 columns clean-table large-18"> 673 <h3 style="text-align:center">The work continues</h3> 674 675<p style="text-align:center">We have a proven track record of working tirelessly to conserve land, protect drinking water, and advocate for policies and plans that support smart growth and a clean energy future. Every five years, we conduct a strategic planning process to identify the primary goals and objectives that will best position Upstate Forever to achieve its mission. Our 2023-2027 Strategic Goals reaffirm our commitment to the Upstate region and are the driving force behind our work through 2027.</p> 676 677<p style="text-align:center"><a class="button" href="/goals">View our 2023-2027 strategic goals</a></p> 678 679 </div> 680 </div> 681 682</div><div class="text-section bg-cream pad-top-bottom" id='dei-statement-140'> 683 <div class="row padsides justify-center fadein"> 684 <div class="small-24 columns clean-table large-18"> 685 <h3><a id="DEI" name="DEI"></a>Our Commitment To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion</h3> 686 687<p>Upstate Forever’s mission is to protect critical lands, waters, and the unique character of the Upstate region. We envision a future that is healthy, vibrant, and prosperous. To realize that vision, we know it is vitally important and essential to our core values that we engage the diverse community we serve.</p> 688 689<p>To develop and advance long-lasting, equitable solutions for balanced growth and natural resource protection, our leadership is committed to working intentionally to engage a broader base of Upstate residents in the coming years. </p> 690 691<p>We will build staff knowledge and capacity related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will frequently ask ourselves — who is impacted by this work, and how is their voice represented in the conservation and advocacy solutions we seek? We will amplify the stories of underrepresented stakeholders in the conservation movement — especially people of color. </p> 692 693<p>Finally, we will take deliberate steps to build authentic community partnerships and cultivate new leaders at all levels of our organization — from our membership to our staff to our board — to ensure that we better represent the community we serve.</p> 694 695<h5>READ OUR UPDATES ON DEI PROGRESS:</h5> 696 697<h5><a href="https://www.upstateforever.org/blog/our-community/progress-towards-our-
697diversity-equity-and-inclusion-goals-in-2025" target="_blank">2025</a> | <a href="https://www.upstateforever.org/blog/our-community/progress-towards-our-diversity-equity-inclusion-goals-in-2024" target="_blank">2024</a> | <a href="/blog/connecting-people-to-nature/progress-toward-our-diversity-equity-inclusion-goals-in-2023" target="_blank">2023</a> | <a href="/blog/connecting-people-to-nature/diversity-equity-inclusion-progress-report" target="_blank">2022</a> | <a href="/blog/connecting-people-to-nature/progress-toward-our-diversity-equity-inclusion-goals" target="_blank">2021</a></h5> 698 699<hr/> 700<p class="support"><em>This work is ongoing and we want to listen and learn from members of the Upstate community. Please contact <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=DEI%20Question">[email protected]</a> with questions and comments.</em></p> 701 702 </div> 703 </div> 704 705</div><div class="text-section bg-dark-green pad-top-bottom" id='donate-cta-166'> 706 <div class="row padsides justify-center fadein"> 707 <div class="small-24 columns clean-table large-24"> 708 <h3>We need your support</h3> 709 710<p>As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Upstate Forever relies on generous contributions from people like you in order to continue this important work.</p> 711 712<p><a class="button" href="/donate">Donate now</a></p> 713 714 </div> 715 </div> 716 717</div> 718 <div id="newsletterModal" class="reveal small" data-reveal> 719 720 <div class='form'> 721 <form action="/ui/ajax/store-address.php" class='ajax-form'> 722 <label for="email-address" class='form-label'>Email Address</label> 723 <input type="email" placeholder='Email Address' id='email-address' name='email'/> 724 <button type='submit' class='button'>Submit</button> 725 <div class="msg"></div> 726 </form> 727 </div> 728 <button class="close-button" data-close aria-label="Close reveal" type="button"> 729 <span aria-hidden='true'>×</span> 730 </button> 731</div> 732<div class="newsletter-show" style='display: none;'> 733 <button class="button" data-open='newsletterModal'>View Content</button> 734</div> 735 736 737 738<div class="footer bg-cream"> 739 <div class="row padsides pad-top"> 740 <div class="col1 small-24 medium-12 large-5 columns"> 741 <p><a href='/'><img src='/files/dark-logo1136497719.svg' alt='Upstate Forever'/></a></p> 742 <h6> 743 <a href="tel:+1-864-250-0500">864.250.0500</a><br/> 744 </h6> 745 <p><a class="button" href="/donate">donate now</a></p> 746 747 <ul class="socialmedia menu horizontal"> 748 <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UpstateForever/" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-facebook"></i><span class="show-for-sr">facebook</span></a></li> 749 <li><a href="https://www.twitter.com/upstateforever" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i><span class="show-for-sr">twitter</span></a></li> 750 <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/upstateforever" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-youtube"></i><span class="show-for-sr">youtube</span></a></li> 751 <li><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/t5s1yUskcP7uHxGR8" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-google"></i><span class="show-for-sr">google</span></a></li> 752 753 754 <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/upstateforever/" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-instagram"></i><span class="show-for-sr">instagram</span></a></li> 755 <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/upstate-forever/" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-linkedin"></i><span class="show-for-sr">linkedin</span></a></li> 756 </ul> 757 </div> 758 <div class="col2 small-24 medium-12 large-5 columns"> 759 760 <p> 761 <span class='upper'>Greenville, SC</span><br/> <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/t5s1yUskcP7uHxGR8" target="_blank"> 507 Pettigru Street 762 <br/>Greenville, SC 29601 763 </a> </p> 764 <p> 765 <span class='upper'>Spartanburg, SC</span><br/> <a href="https://www.google.com" target="_blank"> 900 S. Pine St, Ste 1B 766 <br/>Spartanburg, SC 29302 767 </a> </p> 768 </div> 769 <div class="col3 small-24 medium-12 large-6 columns"> 770 <h6>What We Do</h6> 771 772<p><a href="/land-conservation">Land Conservation</a><br/>
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