To celebrate our 30th Anniversary in 2020, SPACE has some exciting events to look forward to! Additionally, we have launched an ambitious boardwalk restoration project for Spartanburg’s beloved Cottonwood Trail as a kick-off for the celebration. Formed in 1989, SPACE is the second-oldest local land trust operating in the state of South Carolina, providing our community with access to local green spaces like the Cottonwood Trail. This 4-mile nature trail runs through the Edwin P. Griffin Nature Preserve and is used by over 60,000 people a year. SPACE is hoping to raise $100,000 for the renovation project which will include the restoration of the boardwalk (a 550 foot wooden structure that crosses the wetlands and connects two trails), the addition of a covered observation deck (shown below), and new Wayfinding signs along the trail.
**Help us raise $25,000 by donating to our GoFundME Campaign. The boardwalk will be closed for renovations beginning fall 2019 through early 2020**
Mini-moo is an outside concert series held at the cabin of the Cleveland Farm Preserve. Enjoy some casual live music, a bonfire, and a potluck. Beer, wine, and water will be provided. Bring your own camp chair, an instrument if you play, and a dish for the potluck.
The Spartanburg Earth Day Festival is partnering with the University of South Carolina Upstate for a bigger and better festival with greater visibility, inclusive student and faculty academic input, and broader publicity.
There is an exciting class being taught at Clemson University this spring called “Conservation & Development Architectural Studio.” It’s being taught by Clemson’s Architectural Professor - Sallie Hambright-Belue, who is coincidentally, also one of the farmers at SPACE’s Cleveland Preserve Farm. The goal of the Studio is to investigate how architecture can bridge the gap between conservation and development in order to serve the interests of the community.
This event is being postponed - tentatively to August 6th. SPACE Jam, presented by Vic Bailey Subaru, is an in-town celebration of music, food, and farms at the FR8YRD. With live music by Amanda Platt and the Honeycutters and delicious food sourced from local farms. A VIP section will include farm-to-table fare and unlimited libations.
A Shucking Good Time is SPACE’s biggest fundraiser of the year. 300+ guests enjoy a magical night of steamed oysters by William Cribb, small plates by 15-20 of Spartanburg’s finest restaurateurs, libations and live music under the stars in a beautiful and unique outdoor setting.
The Inaugural Cottonwood Trail Family Day will be a celebration of the 30 Year Anniversary of the Cottonwood Trail. Free and open to all, we’re partnering with USC Upstate, the Science Center, and the Converse Heights Neighborhood Association to plan a day of fun activities in nature. Live music, art installations, food trucks, scavenger hunts, and other activities will give families an opportunity to connect with nature in one of the most beautiful nature preserves in town.
SPACE hosts a multitude of events throughout the year. As an organization focused on land conservation and environmental protection, we’ve launched an initiative to focus on sustainability efforts during our fundraisers and small events. With help from local composting company, Atlas Organics, we’re making composting a priority at our two big fundraisers (Bonnamoo and A Shucking Good Time). Thanks to local artists Frankie Zombie and Maggie MacDonald, you won’t miss the compost cans at these events! Want to help make our events more sustainable? Share a ride and bring your own non-glass tumblers with you. Working together we can make an impact!
The 4th Annual "A Shucking Good Time" presented by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System raised $30,000 for SPACE to support our mission of land conservation. 3K was raised for the Cottonwood Trail Boardwalk Restoration Project. Thanks to our composting efforts, 838 pounds of waste was diverted from the landfill.
Our natural places and working lands are part of our character as a community. Through thoughtful conservation, we can keep Spartanburg wild while continuing to grow and thrive.