Upstate Forever, a nonprofit organization, has received a $6,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Community Foundation of Greenville to purchase two drones and a camera. The grant will help the organization advance its vision of a healthy, prosperous Upstate by capturing the majesty of the region’s forests and mountains.

Conservation Efforts

The drones will be used to take stunning images and videos to help communicate the importance of protecting the region’s natural resources, including fields, rivers, and farms. According to Sally Boman, communications director, preserving the Upstate’s land, water, and unique character requires a holistic approach to smart development.

The organization collaborates with public and private landowners, funders, and partner organizations to balance growth with protection of the region’s natural resources. The drones will allow them to better communicate with other stakeholders and enhance their visual storytelling.

Land Trust

One of the key ways Upstate Forever carries out its mission is through its land trust. The nonprofit works with landowners and funders to obtain conservation easements to protect areas deemed critical for features like water and habitat quality.

Lauren Ulich, director of stewardship and land management, said the drones will help the land management team monitor conservation agreements more effectively. The team is responsible for visiting each site annually, which can be challenging. The drones will provide a bird’s-eye view of the properties, allowing them to see areas that are hard to access.

Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.