EASLEY — The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, Upstate Forever and

an Easley landowner joined forces to protect an upstate farm. This historic farmstead in Easley,

SC consists of many original 19th century structures and a farm house built in the 1840s. The

home was built by Easley’s first mayor and an early business leader in the area, R.E. Holcomb.

“Through the collaborative efforts of these visionary landowners, Palmetto Trust, and Upstate

Forever, this special place will always remain essentially as it is today” says Erin Knight, Upstate

Forever’s Land Trust Director. “That means that the scenic and historic values of this working

farm are protected forever as a significant wildlife habitat and frontage along George’s Creek.

Farms such as this one are critically important to the cultural heritage of their rural communities,

and now this one will always remain.”

“With the inclusion of this upstate farm, there are 87 conservation easements protected by

Upstate Forever, which total over 17,000 acres,” Knight adds.

“This project is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when regional groups like

Upstate Forever combine efforts with The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation” says Michael

Bedenbaugh, Palmetto Trust’s Executive Director. Headquartered in Columbia and working

throughout the state, The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation is South Carolina’s only

statewide nonprofit that saves built environments. This joint project will protect both the historic

structures of the estate and the precious natural resources of the estate’s land. A showcase for the

town of Easley, this effort is a model to the upstate and South Carolina’s preservation efforts.

The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and

protecting the historic places of South Carolina through preservation advocacy, education and property

development. The Palmetto Trust is the states only statewide membership organization committed

exclusively to saving the built environment. For more information, visit www.palmettotrust.org, or

call 803.896.6234.

Based out of Greenville, Upstate Forever has three focused initiatives—a Nationally Accredited

Land Trust Program, Sustainable Communities Program, Clean Air & Water Program. Those

interested in supporting these initiatives can join at www.upstateforever.org.