Conserving Carolina is a land trust that has protected over 50,000 acres, primarily in Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, and Rutherford counties in N.C. and the Landrum, S.C. area. It has helped create and expand treasured public lands including Dupont State Recreational Forest, Chimney Rock State Park, Headwaters State Forest, the Green River Game Lands, and Pisgah National Forest. It is spearheading the 100+ mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and numerous greenway projects, including the Ecusta Trail —a rail trail that may eventually connect to the Saluda Grade Trail. The mission of Conserving Carolina is to protect, restore and inspire appreciation of the natural world. Learn more and get involved.
PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well.
PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well. is a nonprofit that improves health and wellness throughout Spartanburg County. With a mission to advance active living, promote healthy eating and foster health equity, PAL creates a culture that embraces healthy living. PAL focuses its work on developing active places to play, advocating for healthy schools, and on the partnerships required to increase access to healthy food. PAL is spearheading the development of the Daniel Morgan Trail System throughout the urban area of Spartanburg County. Learn more and get involved.
SC-based Upstate Forever also played an important role in the coalition during the first phase of engaging elected officials, raising acquisition funds, and securing land for the trail.
Recent News
Stops Along the Grade: Saluda
The town at the top of the grade gets ready for what's next.
Spring Forum Recap: A Regional Roadmap Takes Shape
On April 23, neighbors, partners, and leaders came together at Polk County High School. Here's what we shared, what we heard, and where we go from here.
Walking the Grade: A Town, a Trail, and the Work of Becoming
Six stops, four hours, and a community's vision for what happens when a railroad takes on a new life.
Help Us Realize the Saluda Grade Trail
Across the United States, inactive rail lines have found new life as vibrant rail trails. Now, we have the opportunity to create a beautiful new trail along the historic Saluda Grade rail line!
A new rail trail that travels from the rolling countryside of Upstate South Carolina, through historic and vibrant small towns, and into the spectacular mountain scenery of Western North Carolina.
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