As the watershed scientist for Friends of the Reedy River, Josie spends her days working to protect one of our most important waterways in the Upstate. Native plants play a critical role in the preservation and restoration of streams and wetlands in the Reedy River watershed. Josie will share more on the importance of riparian buffers and native plants, and how FoRR uses them to improve the Reedy River’s water quality.

BIO:

Photo Credit: friendsofthereedyriver.org

A South Carolina native, Josie was raised on Lake Murray and enjoyed frequent visits to the waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family, developing a love and deep connection to water systems at a young age. She furthered her passions for environmental conservation and stewardship while attending Furman University in Greenville, SC, where she earned a B.S. in Sustainability Science.

Josie’s professional background includes stream and wetland delineation and permitting, as well as sustainable agriculture initiatives and riparian buffer management. Her passions lie in biodiversity protection, stream, wetland, and riparian zone conservation; promoting equitable access to outdoor spaces; native plant conservation; and public education and outreach within these areas to promote community engagement in protecting the invaluable resources of the Reedy River watershed.

Since August 2021, Josie has served as FoRR’s Watershed Scientist. She also sits on the Saluda River Basin Planning Council; the Reedy River Water Quality Group Best Management Practice Committee; the Reedy River Water Quality Group Public Outreach Group; and is a South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream Freshwater and Macroinvertebrate Trainer. She looks forward to connecting with you regarding ways to protect and preserve the Reedy watershed, improve and monitor the water quality of the Reedy and its tributaries, and help others learn about the intricacies of Greenville’s hometown river.

Outside of her professional commitments, Josie enjoys spending time outdoors, seeing live music, gardening, and crafting stoneware on the potter’s wheel.

Meeting Information

March 19, 2024
In person social time starts at 6:30PM
ZOOM opens at 6:50 for announcements
Presentation at 7PM
Kroc Center Greenville
424 Westfield St, Greenville, SC 29601

Photo Credit: Judy Seeley

Help wake the Pickens County Museum Native Plant Garden up for Spring

DATE: Tuesday, February 20 at 9am.

LOCATION: The Pickens County Museum at 307 Johnson St, Pickens, SC 29671.

SIGN UP AND JOIN NOTIFICATION LIST: Please email judy_seeley@hotmail.com.

Come out to help us out as the volunteering fun resumes at the Pickens County Native Plant Garden. Join other native plant aficionados as we discover what is waking up in the garden and begin to get it all back into good shape for the 2024 season.

This native plant demonstration garden is on the Pickens County History Museum grounds at 307 Johnson St, Pickens, SC 29671. Garden volunteers from the SC Native Plant Society, Master Gardeners of the Foothills, and the Upstate Master Naturalist Association work together to maintain and improve this beautiful place for the community to enjoy.

The regular workdays are the 1st and 3rd Tuesday, with occasional Saturday mornings. The usual timeframe is two hours but you are welcome to stay longer. It is a great way to meet new gardening friends, enjoy “digging in the dirt,” and learn about native plants in all growth stages. March dates are Tuesday, March 5, and Tuesday, the 19th. To join the email notification list, contact judy_seeley@hotmail.com.

Photo Credit: DALL-E 3/Jesse Freeman

The Upstate Native Plant Sale will require numerous volunteers for smooth operation. Most team lead positions have been filled, with the exceptions of Hospitality, Welcome/Signage, Equipment Transport, and Safety (a newly introduced team). We are in search of talented individuals to staff our Check-out/Cashier area, assist with transportation (especially those with trucks and trailers), and facilitate the welcome and flow of customers. Bring your enthusiasm for plants and your eagerness to help educate the public about native species!

Click HERE to see all the ways you can help!

For questions about the plant sale please contact upstateplantsale@scnps.org.

For questions on volunteering or to sign up to volunteer please contact upstatevolunteers@scnps.org.

Photo Credit: Dream Studio/Cynthia Gibson

The SCNPS Upstate Chapter has its own Grants Program which funds special projects that align with our mission to protect and restore our heritage native plants while educating our Upstate communities.

Until further notice, we are waiving the application period. You may now submit grant applications for immediate consideration. We have created an online portal to make the grant application process easier and more streamlined.

Please visit our Upstate Community Grants page on the SCNPS website to learn more about this program — and please spread the word to the Upstate community!

This is a reminder to take advantage of a joint venture with the South Carolina Botanical Garden and the South Carolina Native Plant Society for an enlightening journey into our state’s rich botanical heritage by taking courses this spring that can be used to complete a Certificate in Native Plant Studies.  Our Certificate in Native Plant Studies curriculum offers hands-on classes exploring diverse native plants and ecosystems, from mountains to the sea. Embark on a journey of botanical discovery and deepen your understanding of South Carolina’s native plants through these comprehensive classes.

Click HERE to learn more.

Remember to plan accordingly as Basic Botany is a prerequisite for all other core classes.  The locations and times vary. Each class is completed in one day and costs $90.  However, SCNPS and SCBG members receive a 10% discount.

Core Classes:

• Friday, February 16: Basic Botany (Clemson)
• Thursday, February 29: Basic Botany (Charleston)
• Saturday, March 16: Basic Horticulture*
• Saturday, April 6: Natural Plant Communities*
• Thursday, April 11: Spring Herbaceous Plant Identification*
• Saturday, May 18: Sustainable Landscaping*
• Saturday, May 25: Tree Identification*

*Note: Requires Basic Botany.

Electives:

• Saturday, March 9: Propagation
• Thursday, March 14: Soils
• Saturday, April 20: Native Plants for Pollinators
• Friday, May 10: Ferns
• Saturday, May 18: Piedmont Habitats
• Dates TBA:
  • Jocasee Gorges: The Perfect Outdoor Classroom
  • Invasive Plant Control

Click HERE to sign up.

Photo Credit: SCNPS

Date: May 11, 2024

Location: Conestee Park

The countdown begins for our much-anticipated annual plant sale! This is more than just a sale; it’s a celebration of nature and community. Held this year in the Stadium at Conestee Park, this event promises an array of native plants, gardening wisdom, and a chance to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts.

This is a community effort, and we need all hands on deck! Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to the world of native plants, your contribution is invaluable. From setup to sales, every helping hand counts in bringing our plant sale to life.

Click HERE to see all the ways you can help!

Circle the date on your calendar and prepare for a day of native plants, fun and community spirit. We’re looking forward to your support and enthusiasm as we showcase the best of South Carolina’s native plants!

Photo Credit: Jennifer Randle

On Saturday, February 24, 2024 Jennifer Randle will lead a hike at Brasstown Falls in Long Creek, SC. The hike will showcase scenic three waterfalls ranging from 20 to 40 feet in height.  The 1.5 mile trail was upgraded in 2021 and the difficulty is rated easy but be prepared for some stairs. Getting to the base of the lowest falls is completely manageable but requires navigating a log ladder. The total elevation gain/loss is 75 feet over the 1.5 miles.

Click HERE for more information on this beautiful area.

This event will be limited to the first 10 registrants, who will meet at 9:30 am at a location to be determined.  The hike starts at 10 am.  There will (as always!) be a waiver to sign. Bring water, lunch, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Email upstatefieldtrips@scnps.org to sign up.  Please include your phone number in your email message.

These hikes are popular and fill up fast, so make sure to sign up quickly to secure your spot!