Hundreds of Volunteers Transform Conestee Nature Preserve for Hands On Greenville Day

More than 200 volunteers converged on Conestee Nature Preserve this past weekend, completing an ambitious slate of improvement projects as part of the annual Hands On Greenville Day.

The massive community effort, supported heavily by volunteers from GE Vernova, focused on ecological restoration and infrastructure upgrades across the 400-acre wildlife sanctuary. Organizers described the impact of the workday as “huge,” noting that the volume of work completed would typically take staff months to achieve alone.

Ecological Restoration and Beautification

A primary focus of the day was the removal of aggressive invasive species that threaten the preserve’s biodiversity. Teams worked to clear significant stands of privet, wisteria, and Japanese hops. In their place, volunteers planted native trees and shrubs to bolster the local ecosystem.

In addition to the trail work, crews focused on the preserve’s public-facing areas. Projects included:

• Landscaping: Beautifying the main entryway to welcome visitors.

• Maintenance: Sweeping for litter and repainting weathered picnic tables.

• Infrastructure: Fortifying the steps leading to the gift shop to improve safety and access.

New Amenities and Construction

The workday also resulted in tangible new additions for the community. Volunteers installed three new benches along the trails, providing more resting spots for hikers and birdwatchers. Most notably, a construction team successfully built a new storage shed to house tools and equipment for future preserve maintenance.

The successful workday at Conestee Nature Preserve highlights the ongoing strength of the Hands On Greenville initiative, which continues to pair corporate and individual volunteers with local nonprofits to complete high-impact projects throughout the Upstate. Residents visiting the preserve this week will find improved trails, fresh amenities, and a restored landscape thanks to the weekend’s efforts.