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
Public Review & Comment Notice.
Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed; Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland
A Trail Legacy Spanning Over 100 Miles
Glenn Hilliard, champion of the Foothills Trail, led efforts to buy the Saluda Grade.
Next Steps in Planning the Saluda Grade Trail
Last summer, the Saluda Grade Trail coalition presented findings from the first in-depth study of the trail—and now we are moving into the next major phase of planning the trail.
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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