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

Get outside!  Hike to Foster Falls with Naturalist Randy Hedgepath

Come join us October 19 for an outing to one of the Cumberland Plateau's most scenic places. Beyond the breathtaking camera opportunities, Foster Falls is home to a vibrant forest community. Tennessee state naturalist Randy Hedgepath will lead us on an exploration of the unique ecology of the region's waterfall habitats, where many uncommon and endemic species live. We'll get started at 10 EST/9CST (the site is in central time!) at the Foster Falls trailhead. At only a 45 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the fall colors and see a celebrated part of the region's scenic beauty. MORE

Citizens Losing Rights to Speak on the Future of Our Federal Lands

26The Forest Service has released a draft set of changes to its rules for management decisions on National Forests.  Our 188 million acre forest system has traditionally given the public strong rights to participate in long-term forest planning and on local forest projects that range from recreation to timber sales.  This has included a clear path for average citizens to seek redress to the agency and ultimately the courts if necessary.  Now is the time for people to take action before the August 26 public comment deadline and let their voices be heard...Click Here for More information and how to speak out!

Victory at Tumbling Creek!!
Forest Service Withdraws Dinkey Timber Sale

​The culmination of several years of our work to protect Tumbling Creek-the Dinkey timber sale has been withdrawn! This is why we are here- on the ground, focused watchdogging and advocacy. And that focus includes staying to play a long game when necessary. This sale was first announced in early 2014, and since then, there has been a lot of field work, research, meetings, and legal work. But what made the difference was our long-term monitoring of some of the other timber sales that have happened in the Cherokee, sales with logging similar to what would have happened at Tumbling Creek if the sale had gone through. .... MORE