- conserve Tennessee Treasures;
- create Corridor Connections;
- and foster initiatives by others through Conservation Education, and Advocacy.
Visit any of the links above to learn about our core strategies
Our vision is bold, but our strategies are sound. We save Tennessee Treasures and Corridor Connections by conducting capital campaigns, collaborating with public agencies and through outright purchase or by conservation easements (voluntary agreements with private landowners that permanently restrict land from development but keep it in private ownership). We award small grants to other conservation groups through a matching grant program, State Park Connections. Over $300,000 in grants have funded more than 185 projects across Tennessee. Through education and advocacy we work for greenway planning and increased conservation funding. Additionally we fundraise to buy natural treasures, accept land donations, and through our Emergency Land Bank, we make loans available to other private or public organizations. Our work has saved more than 40 treasures including famous Tennessee landmarks such as Gateway to Mound Bottom, Black Mountain, Devilstep Hollow Cave and Head of Sequatchie Springs, Randolph Bluff and more.
Download our West Tennessee grant application here. The deadline is Nov. 18th..
Quick Tips About Our New Website
Help Us Save a Waterfall
Cummins Falls is located in Jackson County, TN, just a few miles north of Cookeville. It is the 8th-largest privately-owned waterfall in the state, and the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to purchase it and make it public for us now and for generations to come.
Currently, the Foundation is in the midst of one of its largest capital campaigns ever, and must raise $1.3 million by June 15, 2011, in order to save this spectacular space from private development. Full acres can be “sponsored” at a cost of $5,686, but gifts of any amount are appreciated.
Forever Green Tennessee
In 1991, the Tennessee Legislature added a small increase to Real Estate Transfer Fees to save parks, wetlands, woods, wildlife, and waters. "Designated" funding generated from the transfer of real estate makes sense. As real estate is developed and new residents move to Tennessee, a small portion of the transfer fee that is paid when a deed is registered is then reinvested in protecting a Forever Green Tennessee. However, in 2003 and again in 2008, these "designated" funds were taken to help balance the State's general budget. The legislation reinstates these funds in 2010, unless they are targeted and taken once again to balance the State's budget. This is not why these fees were established and land conservation is needed now more than ever.
Kathleen Williams named Conservationist of the Year
On Tuesday, April 19, Kathleen Williams was honored by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation as the Land Conservationist of the Year.
“These awards recognize those individuals and organizations that have made truly meaningful contributions to conservation in Tennessee and to TWF,” says Michael Butler, TWF’s chief executive officer. “The great work of our past winners lives on today, and the current generation is building upon those successes. Without their willingness to take action, we would have failed in our mission, and we are proud to honor their contributions.”
YouTube Videos from Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation
For more videos check out our YouTube Homepage.