Upstate Forever, a nonprofit conservation organization based in Greenville, will host its annual ForeverGreen Awards Luncheon April 24 at the Embassy Suites on Verdae Boulevard.
Starting at 11:30 a.m., the event will celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary and honor four individuals with awards for their contributions in fields related to conservation and sustainable growth.
This year’s award recipients are:
- R. Glenn Hilliard – The Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion
- Joab M. Lesesne – The Brad Wyche Extraordinary Achievement Award
- South Carolina Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan – Clean Water Champion
- Rep. Chandra E. Dillard (D-Greenville) – Public Servant of the Year
Hillard is receiving an award for his advocacy for Upstate trails, green spaces and natural places, quest for excellence in conservation outcomes and leadership in the Saluda Grade initiative.
Lesesne was chosen for his lifetime of dedicated service to the natural world, conservation efforts in the Upstate and beyond, service to Upstate Forever as an advocate, board member and board chair, and leadership throughout the state as a voice for land and water conservation.
Duncan is also being honored for his advocacy at the state level for enhanced water quality and smart approaches to resource protection.
Dillard is receiving an award for her voice in supporting land and water protection issues in the Upstate and statewide, and leadership as a voice for conservation statewide.
“For 25 years we have been diligently working to protect the Upstate’s most unique and critical environmental assets,” said Upstate Forever’s Executive Director Andrea Cooper. “It is an honor to celebrate individuals with a like-minded commitment to land conservation, clean water, and sustainable growth.”
Luncheon tickets are $45 per person through March 24 and $60 per person from March 25 through April 24 and may be purchased online at forevergreen2023.eventbrite.com.
