Custard Hollow

The unique landscapes in southeastern Tennessee and northern Alabama contain a wealth of unique and at-risk species. Located within an extensive conservation corridor, including Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Walls of Jericho State Natural Area, and South Cumberland State Park, the 620-acre Custard Hollow conservation easement conserves important waters and wildlife habitat on privately-owned land, including significant caves throughout the karst topography. This fully-forested tract contains more than half a mile of Custard Hollow Creek, which has been identified as having statewide or greater significance for its natural and scenic qualities by the Tennessee Rivers Assessment Project.

Located on the Cumberland Plateau, the Custard Hollow conservation easement allows Mr. McCaleb to continue to enjoy his land recreationally, or sell or pass it down to family, while permanently ensuring its forests are responsibly managed, and mineral extraction doesn’t impair the land. As the property is located within a climate-focal corridor, its protection helps TennGreen advance the conservation of climate-resilient lands in Tennessee.

TennGreen’s Custard Hollow project received funding through OSI’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund, which supports land protection along the Appalachian Mountain range. This area is home to the world’s largest broadleaf forest, stores most of the nation’s forest carbon, and provides essential refuge for plants and animals at risk of habitat loss from climate change. The fund is made possible thanks to major support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and additional funding from the Lyndhurst Foundation, Riverview Foundation, Footprint Foundation, and the McKee family from Collegedale, TN. This conservation easement represents TennGreen’s second purchased conservation easement with the Cradle of Southern Appalachia Focus Area through OSI’s funding opportunities.

“Whereas we cannot preserve all places, I believe large portions of the southern Cumberland Plateau are irreplaceable and very much warrant preservation so that future generations will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of the area. The relative peace and tranquility of the forests and mountains should provide opportunity for inspiration and spiritual benefit to those who choose to explore this corner of God’s creation and remarkable landscape. My father, H. Kenneth McCaleb, an ex-POW in WWII, found great solace in these forests from the wartime injustices he endured. I would like to remember him, indeed the entire “Greatest Generation,” and all combat veterans, by this donation. After careful consideration, I have been pleased to work with responsible conservation organizations on this project.” —Robert D. McCaleb, Landowner

If you own land within southeast Tennessee and are interested in discussing your conservation options, please contact TennGreen’s experts at land@tenngreen.org or call (615) 329-4441!