The Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve is a 115-acre urban forest located just minutes from downtown Spartanburg, SC, and is owned and managed by the Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE). As one of the region’s most accessible natural areas, SPACE works hard to steward the preserve for both ecological and recreational benefit by providing critical habitat for native plants and wildlife while offering exceptional opportunities for recreation, environmental education, and nature appreciation. Visitors enjoy over 5 miles of trails, a wetland boardwalk and observation deck, a large picnic area, scenic overlooks, and Spartanburg’s “rainbow bridge” honoring pets who have touched our hearts and gone on to cross the rainbow bridge. While you’re there, keep your eyes and ears peeled for wildlife sightings like great blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, beavers, deer, turtles, frogs, and more. Along the trails, see how many native tree species you can identify, and during the summer months, enjoy the colorful native wildflowers in bloom. Open free of charge from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, the preserve welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually and serves as a vital greenspace connecting people to nature.