Conserving Land Where People and Nature Can Thrive

Franklin County

TennGreen Land Conservancy partnered with the Fesmire family to amend a conservation easement protecting land adjacent to Hawkins Cove, a biologically rich landscape near Monteagle and Sewanee.

This revised easement strengthens long-term protection for one of Tennessee’s most ecologically significant regions while also helping complete one of the state’s most beloved multi-use trails, the Mountain Goat Trail.

Williamson County

In December 2025, TennGreen Land Conservancy assisted the Yates family of Franklin, Tennessee, in protecting nearly 46 acres of land with a conservation easement.

For siblings Scott Yates and Carolyn Rambo, this project was deeply personal. Their parents, David and Ann Yates, purchased the property in 1972, raising their family among the woods and fields that define this corner of Williamson County. Scott and Carolyn grew up exploring the land, learning its rhythms, and developing a lasting connection to the place they would later be entrusted to care for. Their parents always wanted to see the land protected. So, after they passed, Scott and Carolyn ensured that wish was honored not just for their family, but for the future of this area.

Fentress County

In 2023, TennGreen Land Conservancy partnered with Van Bunch and Corinne Giagnorio to permanently protect 65 acres with a conservation easement.

The property, known as “Laurel Trace,” is directly adjacent to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and part of a large protection corridor including Pickett State Forest and State Park, Pogue Creek State Natural Area, and Twin Arches.

Jackson County

In 2013, Hector Black and his wife, Susie, partnered with TennGreen Land Conservancy to protect “Hidden Springs,” their 210-acre property near Cookeville, Tennessee.

A decade later, in 2023, TennGreen worked with Aggie, Rose, and Annie Black—daughters of the late renowned activist Hector Black—and family friend Samuel Costilow to expand the Hidden Springs conservation easement.

Grundy County

TennGreen Land Conservancy and partners successfully acquired 670 acres of land in Grundy County to expand Savage Gulf State Park.

Savage Gulf officially became a standalone State Park in 2022 and features some of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness areas, including the nearly 19,000-acre Savage Gulf State Natural Area alongside the Great Stone Door area. This expansion of Savage Gulf State Park reaffirms the power of partnership in conserving Tennessee’s natural legacy. With this addition, more habitat is protected, more watersheds are secured, and more opportunities for outdoor recreation are made possible.

Cumberland County

Permanently protected in 2001, the Charles R. Russell Obed River Preserve represents TennGreen’s first conservation easement in Cumberland County and a meaningful milestone in the organization’s conservation efforts.

This special property protects approximately 40 acres of land along the Obed River, one of Tennessee’s most treasured natural waterways. The Obed River is nationally recognized for its exceptional water quality, dramatic sandstone gorges, and rich biodiversity, providing critical habitat for native plants and wildlife while offering lasting benefits to the surrounding ecosystem and downstream communities.

Sumner County

TennGreen Land Conservancy assisted with funding the purchase of a 38-acre forested tract in rapidly developing Hendersonville.

Now, the organization and its partners are working to protect the land in perpetuity with a conservation easement.

Cheatham County

The Eagle Pass Trail was purchased by TennGreen in 2000 and expanded with another acquisition in 2011.

In December 2025, TennGreen donated both tracts to Ashland City under the leadership of Mayor Gerald Greer to support the continued development and improvement of the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail.

Marion County

In the Spring of 2021, TennGreen Land Conservancy and The Conservation Fund expanded the popular Fiery Gizzard Trail in Fiery Gizzard State Park.

By purchasing this land and adding it to the park, the partners helped secure the viewshed of the popular trail that will connect Denny Cove, Foster Falls, and most of the park system.

Morgan County

TennGreen Land Conservancy acquired approximately 58 acres near Wartburg, Tennessee, to expand the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park (the Cumberland Trail).

This important acquisition strengthens the long-term vision of connecting Tennessee’s first linear park from the Morgan County Visitor Center to Frozen Head State Park.