Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Inside TNC’s Cumberland Forest Project, innovative nature finance is creating new opportunities for people to connect with nature—and for communities to thrive across Central Appalachia. The Cumberland Forest Project, one of TNC’s most ambitious conservation efforts in the eastern U.S., is an impact investing project spanning more than 250,000 acres across Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Through permanent conservation easements and partnerships with state agencies, the project is expanding legal, lasting public access to forests, rivers, and trails—opening the door to new and enhanced opportunities for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, UTV riding, hunting, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. These activities create meaningful ways for people to experience the region’s forests while supporting outfitters, small businesses, and outdoor-recreation-based livelihoods. This connection to nature is the foundation for enduring community stewardship. When communities have the chance to enjoy and value these forests, they are more likely to become long‑term partners in the land’s care.
Keep up with The Nature Conservancy's latest efforts to protect nature and preserve life:
Facebook - nature.org/facebook
Instagram - nature.org/instagram
LinkedIn - nature.org/linkedin
Text NATURE to 97779 to join The Nature Conservancy on text.
To sign-up for nature e-news visit: preserve.nature.org/page/82226/data/1
Inside TNC’s Cumberland Forest Project, innovative nature finance is creating new opportunities for people to connect with nature—and for communities to thrive across Central Appalachia. The Cumberland Forest Project, one of TNC’s most ambitious conservation efforts in the eastern U.S., is an impact investing project spanning more than 250,000 acres across Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Through permanent conservation easements and partnerships with state agencies, the project is expanding legal, lasting public access to forests, rivers, and trails—opening the door to new and enhanced opportunities for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, UTV riding, hunting, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. These activities create meaningful ways for people to experience the region’s forests while supporting outfitters, small businesses, and outdoor-recreation-based livelihoods. This connection to nature is the foundation for enduring community stewardship. When communities have the chance to enjoy and value these forests, they are more likely to become long‑term partners in the land’s care.
Keep up with The Nature Conservancy's latest efforts to protect nature and preserve life:
Facebook - nature.org/facebook
Instagram - nature.org/instagram
LinkedIn - nature.org/linkedin
Text NATURE to 97779 to join The Nature Conservancy on text.
To sign-up for nature e-news visit: preserve.nature.org/page/82226/data/1
