Tennessee (Nov. 25, 2024) —Together with TennGreen Land Conservancy, landowner and conservation easement steward Tommy Pinkston protected 67 acres of Hickman County in 2021. Called “Mayberry Hollow,” this lush, critical habitat sits within Tennessee’s Western Highland Rim Forests, a Conservation Opportunity Area designated by the Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan (TN-SWAP).
In 2024, Pinkston (pictured above) acquired and added an additional 9.3 acres to the Mayberry Hollow Conservation Easement, further protecting this area’s riparian corridor. Here, the Pinkwood Branch ultimately feeds the Duck River—a waterway of critical conservation concern. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 108 into action this November, affirming his administration’s commitment to the Duck River. In doing so, Tennessee’s government took a giant leap forward in ensuring the Duck continues to be a bountiful resource of both recreation and biodiversity.
“By expanding Mayberry Hollow, Tommy has ensured vital protection for this additional stream corridor, which feeds into Lick Creek and ultimately the Duck River—one of North America’s most biodiverse rivers,” says Kristen Hanratty, TennGreen’s Director of Private Land Conservation. “His dedication safeguards these precious water resources, supporting clean water, thriving ecosystems, and lasting environmental health for future generations.”
Specifically, this conservation easement, now totaling 76.3 acres, is within the Lick Creek HUC 12 Watershed, which provides habitat for 7 rare species, including the Coppercheek Darter (Etheostoma aquali), which research confirms is within 1 mile of the protected property.
“We are incredibly grateful for Tommy Pinkston’s generosity and commitment to conservation,” Hanratty adds.
Mayberry Hollow Furthers Duck River & Highland Rim Conservation
Mayberry Hollow is also located within TN-SWAP’s Wesstern Highland Rim LV IV Ecoregion and the Western Highland Rim Forests Conservation Opportunity Area. The Conservation Easement supports a large diversity of breeding birds while protecting critical aquatic habitat for freshwater animals as a result. Both the property and 2024 addition rank as Above Average for terrestrial resilience to climate change, landscape diversity, and local connectedness according to data provided by The Nature Conservancy.
‘TennGreen has helped me ensure that the property I love will be protected forever’
“TennGreen has helped me ensure that the property I love will be protected forever,” lauds landowner Tommy Pinkston. “Over time, it will be able to return to the ecologically diverse old growth forest it once was and be available for future generations to experience. The dedication and passion of the TennGreen staff has done so much to preserve Tennessee’s beauty around us.”
Conservation Easements limit threats to the natural environment, such as excessive development, timber harvest, subdivision of the property, and the intentional introduction of invasive and pest plants. Additionally, Mayberry Hollow protects Mr. Pinkston’s vision for the land—to use the property for educational purposes or to form an intentional, sustainable community.
The easement will remain with the land forever. TennGreen staff will visit the property annually, upholding the agreement’s terms.
This conservation success wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Ginger & Dr. Dale Ensor, the Maddox Fund, and TennGreen’s Board of Directors, who established and dedicated funding to the Conservation Easement Assistance Fund program in 2018. This vital fund helps defray some conservation easement costs to landowners with demonstrated financial need and land with high conservation values.
To learn more about the Conservation Easement Assistance Fund or see if you qualify for assistance, please email our experts at land@tenngreen.org or call (615) 329-4441 today.
For more information on Mayberry Hollow and TennGreen’s work along the Duck River, click here.
