In November 2021, TennGreen Land Conservancy, Tommy Pinkston, and donors to TennGreen’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Assistance Fund (WHCAF) protected nearly 70 acres of forests and streams in Hickman County, Tennessee. This historic conservation easement marked TennGreen’s first completed WHCAF project and will support Mr. Pinkston’s vision for the land and protect its natural wonders for generations to come.
The protected property, known as “Mayberry Hollow,” is green and lush, with large towering trees, clean, flowing streams and creeks, and an off-grid cabin. The land lies within the Western Highland Rim Forests, a Conservation Opportunity Area designated by the Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan. These forests support a large diversity of breeding birds and help maintain water quality, protecting diverse habitats for freshwater animals. Fort Cooper Creek runs through the property and empties into Lick Creek, a feeder stream to the Duck River.
Walking through Mayberry Hollow’s hills and valleys, you’ll see a wide variety of plants and animals that call the land their home. Rare species have been found on the property, including the coppercheek darter (Etheostoma aquali), butternut (Juglans cinerea), and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).
This conservation easement limits threats to the natural environment, such as excessive development, timber harvest, subdivision of the property, and the intentional introduction of invasive and pest plants. Additionally, the easement protects Mr. Pinkston’s vision for the land—to use the property for educational purposes or to form an intentional, sustainable community. The easement will remain with the land forever, so TennGreen staff will visit the property annually to ensure the agreement’s terms are upheld.
This conservation success wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Ginger & Dr. Dale Ensor, the Maddox Fund, and TennGreen’s Board of Directors, who established and dedicated funding to the WHCAF program in 2018. This vital fund helps defray some conservation easement costs to landowners with demonstrated financial need and land with high conservation values.
To learn more about the WHCAF program or see if you qualify for assistance, please email our experts at [email protected] or call (615) 329-4441 today.
Source: TennGreen Land Conservancy
