Mill Creek Forest

Located outside the town of Monterey, Mill Creek Forest is surrounded by mature second-growth forest, boulder-strewn slopes, and dramatic escarpments. In addition to the land’s scenic views, approximately 0.75 miles of Mill Creek flow along the property’s northern and western borders. This headwater stream feeds into the Calfkiller River, sections of which are designated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as Exceptional Tennessee Waters due to the presence of the federally endangered Cumberland pigtoe mussel (Pleurobema gibberum) and the state-endangered eastern hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis).

The property’s surrounding forest also provides vital habitat for other rare and sensitive species. Fourteen have been documented near the property, including the cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), a neotropical migratory bird that relies on large tracts of mature hardwood forest. The presence of this species—along with others such as the bedrock shiner (Notropis rupestris), southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris), and southern cave crayfish (Orconectes australis)—reflects the site’s importance as a biodiversity refuge.

Mill Creek Forest lies within a designated Urban Focal Area in TennGreen’s Strategic Land Conservation Plan, highlighting its vulnerability to nearby urban growth in Cookeville. Its protection advances multiple statewide and regional conservation goals. According to the 2015 Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), the property ranks as a High terrestrial conservation priority, with Very High priority aquatic habitat along Mill Creek. It also lies within the Middle Cumberland Plateau Conservation Opportunity Area and is considered part of a High conservation value region by the Southeast Conservation Blueprint.

In addition to habitat values, the property contains numerous geological and hydrological features, including documented sinkholes, ephemeral streams, large sandstone cap rocks, and rocky seeping areas. These features enhance the landscape’s resilience in a changing climate.

The Mill Creek Forest Conservation Easement restricts future development while allowing the landowners to continue living on the land and practicing sustainable forest management. While one division is permitted under the reserved rights, no additional building envelopes or large-scale timber harvesting will ever be allowed. TennGreen Land Conservancy will monitor the property annually to ensure the conservation values are upheld.

Stephen and Karen Idem’s decision to protect this land reflects a deep commitment to conserving Tennessee’s natural heritage. Their generosity not only protects an ecologically vital property but also contributes to a growing corridor of protected lands in the region—connecting people, wildlife, and water for generations to come.