Greenville County Trust Launches Countywide Survey to Gather Feedback on Conservation and Historic Preservation

Greenville, SC — The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust (GCHNRT) launched a Public Feedback Survey, now open to all Greenville County residents at www.gchnrt.org/2025survey. The survey is part of a broader effort to understand community sentiment around land conservation, historic site protection, and quality of life priorities as the county continues to grow.

The 11-question survey mirrors a scientifically valid poll conducted earlier this month by a third-party research firm and gives every resident the chance to share their views directly. Responses will help guide the Trust’s future efforts and inform County Council on public interest in preserving open space, water quality, wildlife habitat, working farms and forests, as well as historic sites.

Since its creation by Greenville County Council in 2020, the Trust has helped protect over 2,200 acres across the county. Recent projects include:

• 365 acres for a new State Park on Scenic Highway 11 (the first since Jones Gap State Park opened over 35 years ago)

• Additions to two of our three state parks, including a significant expansion of Paris Mountain along with a proposed new entrance to provide greater access to the most popular State Park in South Carolina

• One of the last remaining African American-owned farms in the county protected through a conservation easement

• And protection of two historic properties – the oldest YWCA in South Carolina in the Piedmont Mill Village and a 200-year-old plantation home near Five Forks.

Every local tax dollar invested by the County has leveraged an average of nearly $5 in outside funding, bringing the total public/private investment to nearly $24 million in total real estate value since the Trust’s founding.

“We want every citizen to have a voice in helping shape the future of Greenville County,” said Carlton Owen, Technical Liaison to the Trust. “The lands we protect today will define the quality of life we enjoy tomorrow — not just for us, but also for future generations. We want to hear from every corner of the county about your views (whether you support the work of the Trust or not) regarding what Greenville County should look like as we continue to grow.”

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and will remain open through 5:00 PM on May 9, 2025. Each resident is asked to complete the survey only once.

To participate, visit: www.gchnrt.org/2025survey