How time flies!
Over a year ago, I was incredibly honored to be chosen as TennGreen Land Conservancy’s new Executive Director. This appreciation rushes back whenever I think about the trust our extraordinary Board has placed in me. And gratitude always takes over as I reflect on how much this small team has accomplished in just one year.
2023 was a year of tremendous growth—not just for myself, but for TennGreen at large. We’ve added some of Tennessee’s best minds to our staff and board, adopted a new Strategic Plan (more to come on that!), and made phenomenal strides in conserving this brilliant, beautiful state.
To say I’ve enjoyed (and will continue to enjoy) this work would be an understatement. The knowledge that our work creates and protects our at-risk natural bounties; the feeling of pride in creating a new park, or protecting habitat for an endangered or recently discovered species; and enjoying our partnerships with like-minded colleagues and friends—these feelings keep me driven.
Our team is committed to this mission we share with you. We will continue to pursue it with the utmost professionalism, transparency, and skill.
And no matter how many accomplishments TennGreen can tout, what I keep coming back to is that gratitude. I am so incredibly thankful for you. For your support. For this remarkable Board and staff. For my predecessors, Kathleen and Steve. For our community, our friends, and everyone who makes what we do possible. It is beyond humbling. But our work is far from over.
With a full year as Executive Director behind me, I’ve seen how much we can accomplish in one year together. But a challenge is ever-present: how do we continue to conserve? To thrive? To protect our incredibly rich, unique, and beautiful lands?
Together, that’s how.
For a moment, it seemed as if Tennessee’s rapid development would plateau, or at least slow. But it hasn’t, and won’t anytime soon. If we desire future generations to enjoy (and embrace) the cherished natural world as we do—if we want to live, breathe, drink, eat, work and play in a healthy world—then we have no time to wait.
There is a tremendous amount of work to be done, and I feel its urgency. I know you do, too, or you wouldn’t be reading this.
And TennGreen needs your help.
In 2024, the most impactful thing you can do for our mission is to be an ambassador and champion of TennGreen Land Conservancy. To be a proud member of TennGreen in your communities! Let others know who we are and what we’ve accomplished together. Share our posts on social media. Chat about us around the campfire. Share our newsletter with neighbors and friends. Be that crucial conservation ambassador… in any way you want. Because it all starts with you.
Whether you know someone who may be interested in protecting their land; a friend who’s looking to get involved with trusted, proven organization; or simply another good soul who’d be a proud TennGreen member—please let us know. I’d like to get to know them; I’m sure we would get along!
Our upcoming Hike-a-Thon is one tremendous way to do so, too. This month-long competition runs through April and supports the protection of our lands and waters by getting as many people outside enjoying nature as possible. It’s free to register, and you can participate from anywhere in the world. 2023’s Hike-a-Thon was another record-breaking success, and we can’t wait to get out there with all of you again this spring.
As always, I will continue to do everything in my power to deliver on your trust; trust that comes first and foremost through reliability and transparency from TennGreen. This is the only way we can we move forward into our best future together, and I can’t wait to make it all happen.
Tennessee is an extraordinary state, after all. From biodiversity to unrivaled beauty, we are truly blessed with one of the most incredible homes on Earth. And I know, from the bottom of my heart, that you and I won’t rest until we’ve done all we can to prevent the loss of everything that makes our home critical, special, and, well, home.
To many more years of conservation successes!
Alice Hudson Pell
Executive Director
TennGreen Land Conservancy