Hike-A-Thon Named Finalist for Salute to Excellence New Generations Award
TennGreen Land Conservancy has been named a finalist for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence of Middle Tennessee‘s Salute to Excellence New Generations Award!
The New Generations Award recognizes nonprofits that are finding creative and effective ways to engage new clients, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters. For TennGreen, that work happens through our annual Hike-a-Thon, a month-long peer-to-peer fundraising and outdoor adventure challenge hosted in April.
From inception, TennGreen’s Hike-a-Thon’s purpose is to remove the barriers of traditional fundraising events. Registration is free, participation is virtual, and there are no required locations, schedules, athletic abilities, or fundraising minimums. Participants can hike, paddle, or explore anywhere, at any pace—alone or with family, friends, or coworkers. By meeting people where they are and connecting conservation with something they already love—spending time outside—the Hike-a-Thon invites more people into the movement to protect Tennessee’s lands.
And, it’s working! Hike-a-Thon 2026 was our biggest year yet, welcoming new sponsors, donors, and nearly 1,400 participants who logged more than 17,800 miles across Tennessee and beyond. Since its launch in 2021, Hike-a-Thon has generated more than $1 million for permanent land conservation in Tennessee, including a record $306,946 raised during this year’s event.
TennGreen is honored to be recognized as a finalist for this award alongside two organizations doing incredible work across Middle Tennessee: Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee and Tennessee Justice for our Neighbors. Congratulations to our fellow finalists, and thank you to all who contribute to the Hike-a-Thon’s continued success!
WHAT IS THE HIKE-A-THON?
Hike-a-Thon is a month-long competition in April that supports the protection of our lands and waters—where people and nature can thrive. This event is free to register, and you can participate from anywhere in the world.
Anyone can participate in the Hike-a-Thon! Registration is free, and you can adventure outdoors wherever you are.
The spirit of Hike-a-Thon is to adventure outdoors, in nature. When you’re moving outdoors where trees, rivers, streams, or wildlife are the main attraction, that’s a Hike-a-Thon adventure!
Think local, state, or national parks, nature walks, birding, paddling a waterway, or biking on a trail. Pace doesn’t matter, so stop often to smell flowers and enjoy the view.
For more information, visit HIKEATHON.com.