Help Us Protect Natural Lands & Waters
TCWP is dedicated to protecting natural lands and waters by means of public ownership, legislation, or cooperation of the private sector. Out efforts focus on the Cumberland and Appalachian regions of East Tennessee, but may extend to the rest of the state and the nation.
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Our natural lands and waters are threatened by degradation or development. See how TCWP identifies, researches, and fights these threats.
TCWP maintains trails and controls exotic invasive species to protect areas and provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and fellowship.
TCWP organizes free outings and special events for all to enjoy. Experience Tennessee’s wild lands and waters firsthand.
Latest News
Identifying Trees in Winter
A great crowd joined TCWP’s very own Jimmy Groton on a guided walk, “Identifying Trees in Winter”, at the Obed River Park in Crossville, TN on Saturday, February 9th. Jimmy studied forestry as an graduate and undergraduate in college and taught Dendrology in graduate...
TCWP 2018 Annual Meeting
On October 27, 2018, more than 30 people turned out for our 52nd annual meeting, held this year at the Fairfield Glade Library near Crossville. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Dr. Shari Meghreblian was our keynote speaker. Dr....
A Citizen Science Experience in the Obed Wild & Scenic River
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Obed Wild & Scenic River (WSR) launched a citizen science water monitoring project in August, 2018. The goal of this project was to educate volunteers and the public on the water quality...
North Ridge Trail Stewardship
In 1969, the North Ridge Trail was presented to the citizens of Oak Ridge by TCWP (Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning), whose members developed it, got City Council to dedicate it, and worked for federal and state designations to help protect its status. Over...
Worthington Cemetery Ecological Study Area
History of TCWP involvement Worthington Cemetery lies within a cedar-barrens area abutting the Clinch River (Melton Hill Reservoir) on the west side of the river bend near the old Elza Gate. The tract is on TVA land which, prior to 1992, had been designated (but not...
Whites Creek Small Wild Area
History of TCWP involvement In the summer of 1980, TCWP founders Bill and Lee Russell contacted TVA Chairman S. David Freeman to suggest that a tract in the Whites Creek embayment of Watts Bar Reservoir be designated a Small Wild Area. It took several TVA visits to...
In the two years I worked for the Environmental Policy Institute in D.C., I had the opportunity to see grassroots newsletters from all over the country. In my experience, there is no better state-wide conservation issue compendium and call-to-action anywhere in this country than the TCWP newsletter. It’s the Information Age version of one-stop shopping. Get it!