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United States

Kentucky

Learn about our statewide conservation work.

An expansive green wetland under a gray sky.
Western Kentucky stream A stream snakes through a western Kentucky bottomland hardwood forest © Mike Wilkinson

Make a Difference in Kentucky

From the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in the east to the fertile Mississippi River Basin in the west, nature matters to Kentuckians. By supporting our work, you can help ensure a future in which nature and people can thrive.

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Latest News

Wetlands in Kentucky with a winding river lined by trees.

New Land Acquisition at Kentucky-Tennessee Border

Learn about TNC and The Conservation Fund's recent acquisition of the iconic Fern Lake property, a 712-acre parcel at Cumberland Gap.

A reclaimed surface mine with rolling green hills and small, sparse trees surrounded by mountains.

Solar Energy Renews Former Kentucky Coal Mine

The BrightNight Starfire Renewable Energy Center will transform the eastern Kentucky mine into the largest solar installation in the state.

An eastern bluebird sits on a budding branch.

Kentucky Birds

Depending on the season, these are some birds that might be seen during a visit to one of The Nature Conservancy's Kentucky preserves.

Lush vegetation frames a pond and wetlands.

Western Kentucky Wetlands

Find out how we're quantifying the effects of our wetlands restoration work in the Mississippi River Basin.

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Cover of the Fall 2023 Field Notes Magazine.
2023 Fall/Winter Field Notes Newsletter

Learn all about the Fern Lake acquisition, our Louisville conservation projects, and the results from our wetland restoration study!

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See the Places We Protect in Your Community

From rivers and wetlands to forests and prairies, TNC is protecting some of Kentucky's most beautiful and biodiverse areas. Learn more about our preserves and plan your visit today!

EXPLORE OUR PRESERVES
Autumnal foliage at Robinson Forest in Kentucky.
People enjoy a natural stream in the mountains of Kentucky.
Trees open up to rolling hills in Kentucky.
Sunset over Kentucky is reflected on a waterway below.
An aerial view of western Kentucky shows forest and farmland leading up to the Mississippi River.
Autumnal foliage at Robinson Forest in Kentucky.

Robinson Forest : Fall foliage highlights Robinson Forest in Kentucky. © Thomas Barnes

People enjoy a natural stream in the mountains of Kentucky.

Kentucky General Assembly: The investment by Kentucky’s General Assembly would provide permanent public access to the 55,000-acre Cumberland Forest Project in Kentucky. © Mike Wilkinson

Trees open up to rolling hills in Kentucky.

Kentucky's Big Rivers Corridor-Interior Road: Interior Road at Kentucky's Big River Corridor Project © Mark Godfrey/The Nature Conservancy

Sunset over Kentucky is reflected on a waterway below.

Kentucky Skies: Dawn over the Mississippi River near Hannibal, Missouri. The Nature Conservancy works to protect the Mississippi River and its watershed through the Great Rivers Partnership which is a collaboration between a wide array of partners dedicated to the conservation of the world's great river systems for the benefit of the people and the species that depend upon them for life. © Mark Godfrey/The Nature Conservancy

An aerial view of western Kentucky shows forest and farmland leading up to the Mississippi River.

West Kentucky: An aerial view of western Kentucky shows forest and farmland leading up to the Mississippi River. © Mike Wilkinson

A farmer holds an ear of corn in a cornfield.

Farmers in a Changing Climate

Meet five Kentucky farmers facing the challenges of climate change. Their message: We must all be part of the solution.

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A man checks solar panels on a rooftop.

Feature

Doing Business in a Changing Climate

These business owners are expecting a challenging future due to climate change. They are taking steps now, choosing solar energy and asking other businesses to help create a more sustainable path forward.

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A bull elk in velvet.
Elk are making a comeback in the Appalachians, thanks to successful reintroductions. The Cumberland Forest Project protects 253,000 acres of Appalachian forest. © Steven David Johnson

Feature

The Cumberland Forest Project

This 253,000-acre project spans three states and aims to demonstrate that people and nature can thrive together.

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A smiling man peers at the camera from under the brim of his hat while holding a small turtle in both hands.
Derrick Mason The Louisville, Kentucky native holds a turtle he found while working as a Conservation Education Program Leader. © Courtesy Derrick Mason

Interview

Kentucky Stories

Read in-depth Q&As with Kentuckians who put conservation at the center of their lives. We are inspired by these individuals and hope you will be, too!

Read the Interviews
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Three women hike together along a forest path.
Kentucky hikers A group of hikers enjoys the Sally Brown-Crutcher Nature Preserve in the Kentucky River Palisades region. © Mike Wilkinson

Kentucky Publications

Explore our print publications, from our yearly Impact Report to our biannual newsletter, Field Notes.

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Mine Lands To Forest We are working in Appalachian Kentucky to protect the biodiversity found in the region.
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