FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
“What is a land conservancy?” Get all of your questions answered!
What is TennGreen Land Conservancy?
TennGreen Land Conservancy is a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to conserve land where people and nature can thrive. Founded by Kathleen Williams in 1998, TennGreen is the oldest accredited, statewide land conservancy (also known as a land trust) in Tennessee.
What does TennGreen Land Conservancy do?
Through sound science and partnerships, TennGreen Land Conservancy identifies and conserves land 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.
Why conserve land?
Tennessee is known for its extraordinary beauty from the mighty Mississippi to the Great Smoky Mountains. Our rich forests, farms, and wetlands are not only our home but also home to a vast diversity of fish and wildlife.
Tennessee is experiencing extreme human development pressure, and every missed opportunity to protect our unique lands is an irreversible loss to our future. We must act swiftly and smartly to protect the places that provide us all well-being and an unrivaled quality of life.
Why is it important for TennGreen Land Conservancy to be accredited?
The seal of accreditation is a mark of distinction in land conservation. It recognizes TennGreen Land Conservancy for meeting the highest standards for excellence and quality in its conservation operations. TennGreen was first accredited by The Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission in 2010, and it renews its accreditation status every five years through a rigorous vetting process.
How is TennGreen funded?
TennGreen Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies entirely on the support of generous donors to conserve our home and heritage. TennGreen is not a government agency.
How can I support land conservation in Tennessee?
You can support land conservation in Tennessee in a number of ways:
- Donate to TennGreen Land Conservancy
- Work with TennGreen staff to protect your land
- Bring your friends to TennGreen events to learn more about conservation in Tennessee
- Educate your friends and family on the importance of conservation
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle
How do I donate to TennGreen Land Conservancy?
- To donate by mail, please send your check, payable to TennGreen Land Conservancy, to:
TennGreen Land Conservancy
1213A 16th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212Include a note if you would like the donation to be restricted to a particular project.
- To donate by phone using your credit card, please call TennGreen at (615) 329-4441.
- You can donate online using TennGreen’s low-fee and secure online giving portal.
- To contact TennGreen’s Estate Planning/Legacy Giving experts for information on stock gifts, annuities, wills, and other ways of giving, please email legacy@tenngreen.org or call (901) 820-4447 today!
Why should I donate monthly?
Your automatic, monthly gift provides steady, reliable support to our on-the-ground efforts, ensuring that we can swiftly protect our vulnerable lands and waters as important conservation opportunities arise.
If I have a question about my donations or membership, who should I contact?
If you have any questions about your donations or membership, please email member@tenngreen.org or call (615) 329-4441.
Can I sell or donate my property to TennGreen Land Conservancy?
TennGreen Land Conservancy accepts gifts of property if the donor’s interests and the property align with our mission and strategic conservation priorities. If you’re interested in donating your land, please email our experts at land@tenngreen.org or call (615) 329-4441 today.
Can TennGreen Land Conservancy help with a project in my area?
TennGreen Land Conservancy’s projects are selected based on our conservation criteria and our Strategic Land Conservation Plan. If you think a project aligns with TennGreen’s conservation goals and priority areas, we’d like to learn more about it! Please reach out to our experts at land@tenngreen.org or call 615-329-4441 today.
How are TennGreen Land Conservancy projects funded?
Often, TennGreen Land Conservancy acquires important tracts of land through donations or fee simple acquisitions with the intention of transferring the land to a state, county, or local agency for public benefit. When possible, a land gift or bargain sale is achieved; but sometimes, the full fair market value must be paid, or, in rare cases, over the appraised value of the land. In these instances, TennGreen fundraises to cover the costs that are not repaid by public agencies. Any contributions exceeding the costs of the easement/acquisition are then used to further conservation projects across the state.
How do I find out if I qualify for a tax benefit for conserving my property?
TennGreen Land Conservancy recommends that you speak with your account or tax advisor to determine the tax benefits of conserving your property. TennGreen staff can provide a general overview of the tax benefits of conserving land, but we strongly encourage you to seek individualized tax advice from your advisor(s).
What is the Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Assistance Fund (WHCAF) and how do I apply?
The Wildlife Habitat Conservation Assistance Fund (WHCAF) defrays expenses incurred by TennGreen Land Conservancy on behalf of private landowners who need financial assistance to protect their land with a conservation easement. If you’re interested in protecting your property in perpetuity and may qualify for financial assistance, TennGreen invites you to complete and submit an application.
Does TennGreen Land Conservancy have a privacy policy?
Your privacy is extremely important to us! You can read TennGreen Land Conservancy’s privacy notice and practices here.