Conestee Nature Preserve Office

Conestee Nature Preserve Office is a nature preserve in Greenville, SC. It serves as a 640-acre nonprofit-owned Wildlife Sanctuary located just five miles south of Downtown Greenville. The preserve offers an accessible oasis of natural beauty within city limits, featuring over 13 miles of trails and boardwalks as well as 11 wildlife observation decks. Visitors can engage in hiking, biking, dog walking, and nature exploration, or participate in educational classes and special events. The facility operates sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year, with no fee required for general admission. It also provides free field trips to all public school students in Greenville County. The preserve holds a rating of 4.70 based on 120 reviews.

The organization emerged from what was once considered a polluted and unwanted property. For many decades, the Reedy River carried industrial and municipal pollution downstream to Conestee, which settled behind the dam built in the late 1800s to power Conestee Mill. By 1920, the water quality had become intolerable, leading to a lawsuit by the town of Conestee against the City of Greenville. Over more than 20 years, the nonprofit organization purchased, restored, expanded, and improved the land to establish it as a community asset. Today, the preserve includes a Nature Playscape where children can explore and play, and it hosts birthday parties for kids. The staff, including Executive Director Erin Knight, Education and Trails Specialist Taylor Earley, and Conservation and Trails Director Amanda Foster, works to foster a love and appreciation for nature in visitors of all ages. The organization is currently seeking part-time staff to operate a pop-up Gift Shop and Welcome Station within the Nature Playscape.

The office is situated on Conestee Rd, about a quarter mile from Conestee Falls and less than half a mile from Lake Conestee. It is located just over a quarter mile from Main Street Village and a short walk from the Conestee Post Office. South Bay View is also within a quarter mile of the preserve.

The preserve has built a strong local reputation, reflected in consistently high customer ratings. It maintains an established track record supported by a large base of customer reviews. As one of the Upstate’s best places to enjoy nature, it stands as Greenville’s hometown nature destination, offering a unique opportunity to experience hundreds of acres of natural habitats and wild animals within the city.

Services:

• Community Engagement
• Community Engagement Initiatives
• Environmental Education Programs
• Event Hosting
• Event Hosting (Birthday Parties, Field Trips)
• Nature Preserve Access
• Trail Maintenance and Development
• Wildlife Habitat Management