You've found the place for folks who love Tennessee's public lands. We are a 501c3 nonprofit working to protect and preserve our best wild places. From the Land Between the Lakes to the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee Heartwood advocates for the wild. Visit our site to learn more about what we do, from outdoors excursions to legal advocacy, we're always on the trail!
Welcome to Tennessee Heartwood
Tennessee State Forests-A Need for a New Direction
Tennessee is fortunate to have fourteen state forests. However, some of these lands are are facing long-term negative impacts from heavy logging. Districts like the Natchez Trace, Chuck Swan, and Prentice Cooper need a fresh approach to forest management. Click here for more.
Our 2020 Accomplishments
It's been a challenging year for everyone, but we at Tennessee Heartwood got a lot done and are primed for a great 2021. Check out what we've been doing...
2nd Annual Land Between the Lakes Labor Day Weekend Exploration!
Learn about and explore the LBL on land and water, its wildlife, history, and special places! This is an opportunity to learn about the awesome place that is the Land Between the Lakes. Camping is available Friday through Sunday morning. Contact us for that option.
Saturday, September 4 – wildlife and plant walk with Tennessee State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath 10:00-4:30
Panther Creek/Devil’s Backbone followed by a look at LBL prairie remnants (meet at the the South Welcome Center).
Randy has been guiding amateur naturalists and schoolkids for decades. No matter what your age or experience, you will love this hike. We'll be exploring the Panther Creek area in the southern portion of the LBL. Besides being a nice mixed hardwood forest, we will spend some time at a beaver-engineered wet meadow (the beavers have moved on). Habitats like wet meadows don't often get the attention they deserve, but we're going to showcase this great spot! After a lunch break, we will drive up the Trace Road to look at some remnants of historic prairie habitat.
Sunday, September 5- kayaking Long Creek from Hematite Lake to Honker Lake. 10:00- 4:00.
A relaxing trip with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. We'll meet at the Intersection of Mulberry Flats Road and the Trace road. There's plenty of parking at Hematite Lake.
Check out one of our two great outings or do them both!
We also have free camping available from Friday- Sunday nearby for those who would like to. Contact us if interested.
Campers can join in on a Saturday morning early yoga session with Anna Lynn McCurdy at the campsite! Anna will start at 7:30 as coffee's brewing. From there, we head to the hike.
Due to COVID concerns, we request that folks "keep the distance" and we recommend mask use.
Don’t Miss Out on the Fun. Sign up today!
For more information and to register, contact campfamily63@gmail.com or 423.877.4616
