NATURE PRESERVATION IN NEIGHBORHOODS

WELCOME TO THE NEW WILDERNESS

By Azielle Juvia Jacobs

Nature preservation encompasses measures taken to protect ecosystems from harm, such as reducing consumption, conserving resources, supporting biodiversity, and choosing sustainable products. Conservationists may implement these goals locally by creating nature centers and promoting wildlife-friendly buildings. 

But what if preservation could start within your own land? By partnering with land conservancies, individuals can ensure their land is preserved for future generations. Land conservancies are nonprofit organizations dedicated to permanently protect natural lands. These organizations work with local communities to secure conservation easements that limit future development and ensure environmental protections. 

While many land conservancies operate across the U.S., this article will primarily focus on TennGreen and the land it has protected within Tennessee.  

TennGreen Land Conservancy is a statewide nonprofit organization founded by Kathleen Williams in 1998, making it the oldest accredited, statewide land conservancy. The organization aims to protect the natural lands of Tennessee by supporting restoration efforts and establishing conservation easements with landowners. 

The following examples illustrate TennGreen's impactful conservation efforts and their commitment to conserve nature's presence:

Mill Creek Forest: Located in Putnam County, just outside of Monterey, Mill Creek Forest is a recently conserved 106-acre tract protected by a conservation easement granted by TennGreen. The area is known for its rich woodlands and streams, which serve as critical habitats for various species. These forests provide vital habitat for numerous species, including the cerulean warbler, southeastern shrew, and southern cave crayfish. The Mill Creek Forest Conservation Easement restricts future development but permits the landowners, Karen Ramsey-Idem and Stephen Idem, to reside on the property, while still maintaining TennGreen’s conservation principles.   

Big Swan Headwaters: In 2017, TennGreen and the Swan Conservation Trust finalized a conservation easement protecting the Big Swan Headwaters. The conservation area is 1,358 acres of land centered around the headwaters of Big Swan Creek. This biodiverse region features  mature forests, waterfalls, wetlands, rare plants, and vital habitats. These forests provide critical refuge for animal and plant species threatened by nearby development and climate change. As part of the legal agreement, TennGreen is responsible for monitoring the property to ensure it follows the conservation easement agreements. 

Bee Rock: Also located in Monterey, Bee Rock has a stunning cliffside overlook located at the end of a 0.7-mile trail. For decades, many people across Tennessee have visited Bee Rock even as it was private property from the Walker family. In 2018, the property was donated as a conservation easement to TennGreen, limiting future development and timbering. The conservation easement has also made the property public for anyone wanting to view its natural wonders. Bee Rock is a great example of land preservation, while still ensuring permanent public access. 

These examples demonstrate how conservation easements balance nature preservation is guaranteed with with the landowners' preferences for access. Additionally, the property protected by land conservancies allow for lower light pollution, richer biodiversity, and community benefits. Landowners are encouraged to finalize conservation easements as means to guarantee long-term protection.