Four ways to help preserve the Upstate’s beauty
You’ve settled in the Upstate, so there’s a good chance you love nature. But what if someone asked you to prove it? Several local organizations dedicate time and resources to the preservation and betterment of our open spaces, and by volunteering with them, your connection to the Upstate’s beauty will only deepen. Here are some organizations to help you get started.
Preservation and Volunteering
Remove graffiti at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve
The magnificent granite outcropping at Bald Rock spans 165 acres overlooking the foothills of Pickens and Greenville counties, and it’s one of the best spots to admire Table Rock. For years, however, it’s fallen victim to extensive graffiti. Friends of Bald Rock Heritage Preserve (FBRHP) hosts several cleanup days annually to restore the outcropping to its natural splendor. A litter cleanup is slated for June 13 at 9:30 am. FBRHP provides pickup sticks, gloves, and bags. Find other events at friendsofbaldrock.com.
Clean up local mountain biking and hiking trails
Both Palmetto Conservancy and Upstate Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) strive to keep the local trails in tip-top shape so riders and hikers can flow freely through the area’s parkland. Between clearing overgrown vegetation, removing downed trees, and spiffing up trail structures, either organization would appreciate your hands. View trail work days at palmettoconservation.org and upstatesorba.com.
Rid the rivers of trash
Want your time on the water to be as scenic as possible? Sign up for a river sweep through the Tyger River Foundation (TRF) or Friends of the Reedy River, two local organizations dedicated to keeping our rivers true blue. TRF has monthly litter cleanups at two riverside parks, too. Opportunities can be found at tygerriver.org or friendsofthereedyriver.org.
Plant trees or give them away with Trees Upstate
This spring, Trees Upstate (TU) planted or donated 3,000 trees through its energy saving program with Duke Energy, and since 2005, the organization has put no less than 35,000 trees in the ground. Wintertime is the best time to plant trees in the region, so TU does most of its tree doling in October and November. They’re hungry for volunteers to help with the process. Explore opportunities at treesupstate.org.
