Hike-a-Thon 2025 Raises Over $259,000 to Protect Tennessee’s Lands and Waters

TennGreen Land Conservancy hosted its fifth annual Hike-a-Thon in April, with a record 1,123 enthusiastic participants and sponsors raising $259,185 for the environmental nonprofit. Participants from different categories—hikers, paddlers, bikers, runners, and climbers—competed in a friendly contest for exciting prizes donated by sponsors.In total, participants explored a record 14,851 miles across 35 states and 4 countries.

TENNESSEE (May 8, 2025)—In another record-breaking year, supporters of TennGreen Land Conservancy smashed fundraising goals by raising $259,185 for the environmental nonprofit during its annual Hike-a-Thon. Now in its fifth year, this first-of-its-kind event in the Southeast was more successful than ever, inspiring 1,123 people to get outside and attracting a record number of donors and sponsors.

“Our team is overjoyed and deeply grateful for the outpouring of support that made this year’s Hike-a-Thon a resounding success for conservation in Tennessee,” said Alice Hudson Pell, Executive Director of TennGreen Land Conservancy. “Thanks to the energy and generosity of our participants, sponsors, donors, and fellow conservation champions, we were able to celebrate nature in all its splendor—hiking trails, spotting wildflowers, listening to birdsong, and immersing ourselves in the beauty we’re working so hard to protect. Together, we’ve taken meaningful steps to safeguard these precious places for generations to come. We can’t thank you enough.”

What is the Hike-a-Thon?

This fundraising event is a month-long competition where people of all ages and abilities can explore nature and raise funds to protect Tennessee’s lands and waters. The Hike-a-Thon is free to participate in, managed virtually, and offers competitions and prizes for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts throughout April.

“We’ve been a long-time supporter of TennGreen’s efforts to protect Tennessee’s beautiful landscape. This state is our home, and ensuring much of it stays green and enjoyable for generations to come is something very close to our hearts,” offered Kavon Togrye, Bearded Iris Brewing Founder & CEO and top sponsor of TennGreen’s Hike-a-Thon.

In 2025, a record 1,123 participants hiked, paddled, climbed, off-road biked, or ran nearly 15,000 miles outdoors, a stark increase from 2024.

Other participant highlights include:

• 10,177 miles hiked across the globe
• 13,380 feet climbed on multiple continents
• 35 states and 4 countries were represented, with some adventures taking place as far away as the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Iceland, Spain, Hawaii, Yosemite National Park, and Alberta, Canada
• Participants also off-road biked 1,515 miles, paddled 532 miles, and ran 2,624 miles on trails

Proceeds from the Hike-a-Thon benefit TennGreen Land Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit and Tennessee’s oldest accredited statewide land conservancy. To date, TennGreen has protected over 54,000 acres in the state and beyond. Some of these successes include expanding Fall Creek Falls State Park by more than 2,000 acres; helping partners acquire four acres adjacent to Lockeland Springs Park in east Nashville; acquiring land for the future Ducks Unlimited Park in West Memphis; and purchasing key lands along the Cumberland Trail, Tennessee’s longest linear park.

TennGreen Land Conservancy is grateful for the generosity of the Hike-a-Thon’s leading sponsors: Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics, Bearded Iris Brewing, Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company, Sphere, and Atmos Energy Corporation.

“Bailey is deeply invested in TennGreen Land Conservancy’s work and mission to conserve land where people and nature can thrive. Our team at Bailey always loves participating in the Hike-a-Thon—it’s a great way to get outside, make connections with co-workers, and explore all of the incredible places that TennGreen has protected throughout the state,” added Ryan Bailey, Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics President.

To view the complete list of 2025 Hike-a-Thon winners or information about sponsoring next year’s event, visit hikeathon.info.

Thank you again to our 2025 Hike-a-Thon Sponsors:

Bearded Iris Brewing, Cumberland Kayak, Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics, Sphere

Atmos Energy, Visualink

Anakeesta, Bartlett Tree Experts, CauseMedic, HK Architects, John Barker’s Two Rivers Ford, Kindred Land Management, Lee Company, Omni Property Management, RJYoung, Strong Waterproofing, The Parent Company, TransCore, Travis Electric Company

Barry Land Surveying & Forestry, Civil Constructors, Computer Aware LLC, Copperweld, Freeman Web Company, Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LBMC, N&S Waterproofing, Patriot Bank, Pinnacle, The Comfort Group

About TennGreen Land Conservancy

TennGreen Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit and the oldest accredited statewide land conservancy in Tennessee. TennGreen’s mission is to conserve land where people and nature can thrive. Through sound science and partnerships, TennGreen identifies and conserves land across Tennessee for wildlife corridors, critical habitat, and public benefit. TennGreen protects, cares for, and connects people with Tennessee’s natural world by providing meaningful outdoor experiences, establishing conservation easements, supporting restoration efforts, and acquiring (or assisting in the acquisition of) privately held land. Learn more at tenngreen.org.