Welcome to our Conservation Newsroom. We hope you'll visit often to stay informed about conservation projects and big wins that we are reporting on from around Tennessee. Thanks for reading!
April 28, 2025
Protecting Tennessee's Diverse Ecosystems: SWAP Committee Update
In 2024, more than 25 agencies and organizations united to guide future conservation efforts in Tennessee. On April 16th, the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) Steering Committee convened in Nashville to discuss strengthening partnerships to protect sensitive species and their habitats.
From the Mississippi River to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tennessee's conservation activities are as diverse as its natural resources. Efforts include creating vegetated buffers to protect water quality, restoring grasslands and forests with prescribed fire and exploring the state's unique cave systems.
A key takeaway from the meeting was the need to expand education about the value of Tennessee’s natural systems and connect all Tennesseans to this richness. The TN SWAP Steering Committee is committed to addressing these needs by developing tools to capture interagency project impacts, share species data and prioritize conservation efforts.
The SWAP update will be available to view in fall 2025. To stay updated on Tennessee’s SWAP progress, check out www.tnswap.com, and for more information, contact actionplanstn@tnc.org.
April 11, 2025
Welcoming Tyler Congleton to the Nature Conservancy Board.
The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee is thrilled to introduce Tyler Congleton as its newest board member. Tyler's dedication to conservation began in the early 2000s, focusing on conservation easements to protect land from extensive development. As managing partner of Blackberry Development Company and Blackberry Farm Real Estate, Tyler oversees residential development at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. His leadership has helped ensure that thousands of acres are preserved in permanent conservation.
Tyler is actively involved in the community, serving on various boards including the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association. He holds degrees from the University of Virginia and UNC-Chapel Hill.
An outdoor enthusiast, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife, Vee, and their sons, Fulton and Riggs. We are excited to have him join our board and contribute to our mission of preserving Tennessee's natural beauty.
February 17, 2025
A meeting of the minds around the Mississippi River takes place in Memphis.
The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee was honored to host staff, trustees and partners from several states at TNC's Mississippi River Basin Program's annual meeting in Memphis February 10-13. After a warm welcome from TNC's Tennessee state director, Laurel Creech, more than 100 participants gathered over several days to discuss challenges and impactful work taking place across the basin, which encompasses 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. During the event, key conversations centered on floodplains, agrulture, government relations and communications, highlighting collaborative efforts to protect and sustain the vital ecosystems of the Mississippi River Basin.
Thanks to your support, we're protecting critical lands and waters throughout Tennessee.
More Tennessee Stories
Tennessee Forests and Woodlands
Conserving forests supports wildlife, benefits water quality and combats the effects of climate change in Tennessee.
Tennessee Caves (and Bats That Use Them)
With more than 10,000 caves in Tennessee, The Nature Conservancy has made preserving cave ecosystems a priority.
Floodplains and Farms
In West Tennessee, working with the agriculture industry is key to restoring and reconnecting a landscape once dominated by vast floodplains and bottomland forests.