Protect Your Land

If you’re interested in conserving your land for future generations, trust TennGreen Land Conservancy’s proven environmental stewards to guide you through your options.

Bee Rock Overlook. Photo Credit: Chuck Sutherland

Do you ever wonder what will happen to your land when you no longer own it? What will become of your favorite spot if your property is sold? Or, what will happen to the family farm once it’s passed on to the next generation?

As a landowner, you have the right to permanently protect your land and its natural character.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including how to contact our land experts.

Let’s work together to achieve your conservation goals!

Conservation Options

OPTION 1: Conservation Easement

What it is:

  • Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements designed to forever protect your vision for your land and its important natural resources.
  • It’s legally binding to all future owners in perpetuity.
  • You retain ownership of your land, the right to sell it, and to pass it down to your heirs.

How it Works:

  • Every easement is tailored to your unique conservation goals.
  • An easement can include portions of your property or the entire parcel.
  • Terms are voluntary, so the owner (at the time the easement is written) gives up only the rights that they choose.
  • Your property will be monitored by TennGreen’s stewardship staff to ensure your conservation wishes are upheld in perpetuity.

Next Steps:

READ TENNGREEN’S STATEMENT ON ABUSIVE SYNDICATED CONSERVATION EASEMENTS.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT ASSISTANCE FUND

For qualifying landowners who need financial assistance to protect their land with a conservation easement, TennGreen Land Conservancy’s Conservation Easement Assistance Fund can help defray some expenses.

Thank you to the Dan and Margaret Maddox Charitable Fund and Ginger & Dr. Dale Ensor for generously establishing this fund!

To learn more about TennGreen conservation easements or the Conservation Easement Assistance Fund process please call our experts at (615) 329-4441 today.

Farmland Preservation Act Updates

On May 12, 2025, Governor Bill Lee signed the Farmland Preservation Act into law—a landmark achievement for Tennessee’s farmers, rural communities, and working lands. This new law establishes a $25 million fund to help farmers voluntarily protect their land through permanent conservation easements, ensuring that Tennessee’s agricultural landscapes remain productive and resilient for generations to come.

TennGreen Land Conservancy is proud to be engaged in this ongoing process. Our Director of Private Land Conservation, Kristen Hanratty, is directly involved in the development of the Act’s implementation, helping shape the rules that will determine how the fund is administered—such as eligibility requirements, cost coverage, application processes, and project prioritization.

UPCOMING PUBLIC RULEMAKING HEARING

February 12 | 1 PM CT
Holeman Building, Ellington Agricultural Center
424 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220

This hearing provides an opportunity for the public to comment on proposed rules associated with Public Chapter 470, signed into law May 12, 2025. The legislation directs the commissioner of agriculture to administer the Farmland Preservation Fund, which supports programs benefiting Tennesseans by preserving farmland and forestland, including a grant program for voluntary conservation easements. In addition to receiving public comment on proposed rules for the farmland and forestland preservation program, the hearing will address proposed revisions that simplify TDA’s general civil penalty authority and update rules for TDA’s dairy program. The proposed rules also consolidate related subjects previously promulgated under separate chapters and reorganize existing rules to improve clarity and accessibility. Following the public comment period, the proposed rules may be revised based on feedback received. The department will provide educational resources to stakeholders and the public before accepting applications for participation in the program. An overview of Tennessee’s rulemaking process under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act is available here. A copy of the proposed rules and additional information is available on the Secretary of State website.

–Oral and written comments will be accepted at the hearing.
–Written comments will be included in the hearing record if received between 8 AM CT Feb. 6, 2026, and 4 PM CT Feb. 13, 2026.
–Submit written comments to Emily Allison at tda.rulemaking@tn.gov or by mail to P.O. Box 40627, Nashville, TN 37204.

We’ll continue to share updates as the rulemaking process unfolds. Stay connected by following us on social media and subscribing to our e-newsletter for the latest information.

OPTION 2: Land Donation

TennGreen Land Conservancy also accepts gifts of land. These donations are often the simplest way to protect your land now and for future generations.

Land Donation Options:

  • Outright donation of land
  • Donation of land in installments or partial interests over a period of years
  • Donation of land by will
  • Donation of a remainder interest in land with reserved life estate

Benefits of Land Donation:

  • You will no longer face the burdens that go with owning and overseeing the land
  • You may receive significant tax benefits and you can work with TennGreen to donate the land in installments or partial interests to maximize these benefits
  • You may be providing public benefits to your community, such as clean air and water, scenic views, recreational and educational opportunities, and wildlife habitat

To learn more about donating your land to TennGreen Land Conservancy, please email our experts at info@tenngreen.org or call (615) 329-4441 today!

Please note that the information above is intended only as an introduction. All donations are subject to approval via TennGreen’s Gift Acceptance Policy. Please be sure to consult your legal and financial advisors for counsel and tax advice.