As the Decade comes to an end we look forward to a bright year ahead for SPACE as we celebrate 30 years of conservation in Spartanburg, and with that comes change. Our Executive Director, Andrew Waters, has moved on to pursue new endeavors, and we want to thank him for the past five years of furthering our mission, serving our community and carving the path for what lies ahead.
Earlier this year, SPACE launched an ambitious $100K fundraising campaign in celebration of Cottonwood Trail’s 30th anniversary. The original 94 acre tract on the Edwin P Griffin Nature Preserve along Lawson’s Fork Creek was purchased in 1990 with funding from the Spartanburg County Foundation. Today the 116-acre Cottonwood Trail includes 4 miles of trail. Named after the “most impressive tree” on the preserve, Cottonwood Trail has become a local landmark and is cornerstone to SPACE’s mission of land conversation, park management, and community engagement.
Give the gift of the Cottonwood this holiday season. A $250 donation to our Cottonwood Trail Renovation project with allow your friend or loved one to be a part of the Cottonwood forever with a commemorative nameplate on our new Boardwalk!
Work on Boardwalk scheduled to begin this fall The Cottonwood Trail will be getting a few upgrades in the coming year in honor of SPACE’s 30th anniversary.
Thanks to you, we raised $30,000 to support our conservation efforts in Spartanburg County. And $3,000 of those funds will support our new Cottonwood Trail Boardwalk Restoration Project.
Our beloved Cottonwood Trail turns thirty next year and is in need of some support! This Fall, we'll be embarking on an ambitious project to restore the 550 ft boardwalk over the wetlands, build a covered observation deck, and provide new wayfinding signs throughout the Trail. You can support our efforts by donating to our GoFundMe campaign and sharing your Cottonwood stories.
SPACE is launching an ambitious boardwalk renovation project for Spartanburg’s beloved Cottonwood Trail as a kick-off to the organizations’ 30 year 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. In 1990 SPACE received funding from the Spartanburg County Foundation to purchase the original portion of the Edwin P. Griffin nature preserve along Lawson’s Fork Creek just minutes from downtown Spartanburg.
Join SPACE on Thursday September 19, from 6-8pm at 123 Dunbar Street for an artist reception for Aimee Wise. Artworks by Aimee will be on display and available for purchase in the hallway of the Historic Palmetto Building. There will be live music by Mallory Blackwood and snacks and beverages will be provided.
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.