Founded by the EPA and partners in 1991, American Wetlands Month is a time to celebrate the essential role wetlands play in our health, our quality of life, and our environment!
In Tennessee, our bottomland hardwoods, swamps, bogs, and more provide numerous benefits, including
-
Improving water quality by filtering out pollutants
Wetlands are to the environment, what your kidneys are to you!
“Wetlands are renowned for their ability to remove excess nutrients, toxic substances, and sediment from water that flows through them, helping to improve downstream water quality and the overall health of waters in our communities…Natural wetlands have also been effective in removing harmful contaminants such as pesticides, landfill leachate, dissolved chlorinated compounds, metals, and excessive stormwater runoff. They are so effective at improving water quality they have been referred to as the “kidneys” of a watershed.” EPA
-
Providing critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife
Many of our birds, frogs, and crayfish depend on these vital areas! The EPA says up to one-half of North American bird species nest or feed in wetlands.
-
Supporting our economy
Dogwood Alliance estimates that Tennessee’s wetland forest ecosystem services are worth $7.8 billion per year, and their worth could increase by up to $930 million by investing in conservation.
-
Reducing flooding by retaining rainwater
According to the EPA, wetlands can store more than one million gallons of floodwater. WOW.
-
Providing recreational opportunities, such as birdwatching, hunting, and fishing
Even though our wetlands are so important to our health, economy, and environment, they’re in urgent need of protection from external forces (e.g., human-made developments) that continue to invade and cause irreversible harm.
TennGreen Land Conservancy recognizes the conservation values and beauty of our wetlands in the Southeast. Through collaborative partnerships, we’ve protected significant wetlands throughout Tennessee.
Successes include
- The creation of the Charlotte Anne Finnell Neal Wildlife Management Area (WMA) through a partnership with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and an incredibly generous gift of 500 acres from Charlotte’s son, Bill Neal (2003). This WMA contains a beautiful spring-fed, naturally terraced wetland deep in the forest
- The establishment and double expansion of Tull Bottom WMA in Chester County (2012, 2013, and 2017). Since our initial purchase, this WMA has grown to 1,500 acres
- The protection of 1,400 acres of essential habitat at Big Swan Headwaters, adjacent to the Farm, in Lewis County. This land, protected forever with a TennGreen easement, includes miles of streams, a natural pond, and scattered hillside seep wetlands—a haven for many unique plant species
- The conservation of 370 acres of wetland habitat at the Middle Fork of the Forked Deer in Madison County (2016). TennGreen joined numerous partners to assist in the purchase of this significant property
- The expansion of Bark Camp Barrens WMA in Coffee County (2018). This 247-acre expansion protects critical habitat for grassland birds and other small wildlife. TWRA says it’s one of the best places in Tennessee to spot the rare migrant and breeding bird, the Henslow’s Sparrow
- The protection of the 247-acre Loosahatchie Wetland in Shelby County (2018). This property, protected forever with a TennGreen easement, conserves current bottomland hardwoods and allows for the re-establishment of wetlands on its agricultural lands. It also provides vital stopover habitat for migrating birds and scenic views for birdwatchers
- The protection of 47 acres of land at Banks Pisgah in DeKalb County (2019). Now that this property is protected forever with a TennGreen easement, its current agricultural landscapes will be restored to its native wetland ecosystem, and essential habitat and land along its streams will be improved
Tenngreen Land Conservancy relies entirely on the support of our generous community to conserve our home and heritage.
Your financial gifts ensure that we can swiftly protect our vulnerable lands and waters as important conservation opportunities arise.