Remembering the Past, Rising to the Future

TNC formally establishes a chapter in Kentucky and protects Boone County Cliffs, which is now a State Nature Preserve.

TNC transfers the 312-acre Murphy’s Pond property in Hickman County, home to several snake species, to partner Murray State University.

TNC receives its first donated property in Kentucky, a 24-acre tract with forested limestone bluffs along the Kentucky River Palisades and Swenson’s wild rye in Woodford County, from the Kirwan family.

TNC hires its first paid state director in Kentucky, respected conservationist Hugh Archer. Mike Andrews assumes the role in 1983; Archer returns in 1985 when Andrews takes on a regional TNC position.

TNC acquires Swan Pond in Ballard County, later transferring it to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to become a 1,100-acre Wildlife Management Area.

TNC establishes Mantle Rock Nature Preserve in Livingston County, home to a 30-foot high natural sandstone bridge spanning 188 feet and portions of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

TNC starts an intensive land protection around Horselick Creek, eventually leading to the protection and addition of 7,000+ acres to the Daniel Boone National Forest.

TNC leads effort to establish the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund, which has conserved 95,000 acres of natural lands and wildlife habitat across the commonwealth.

With a gift from James B. Beam Distillery Co., TNC establishes the Jim Beam Nature Preserve in Kentucky’s Palisades, home to the largest concentration of rare plants in the Bluegrass region.

Conservation hero Sally Brown makes a $1 million contribution, securing the protection of property in the Kentucky River Palisades which becomes a preserve named in her honor.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and TNC begin a groundbreaking collaboration focused on modifying dam operations to better mimic natural flows on the Green River.

TNC starts wetland protection and restoration efforts in partnership with Natural Resources Conservation Service in Obion Creek in western Kentucky.

TNC works with partners to launch the Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council to spur additional use of this key restoration tool to enhance grassland and fire-adapted forested habitats.

TNC secures 6,856 acres that now comprise the Big Rivers Corridor Wildlife Management Area and State Forest, our largest land acquisition in the state at the time.

TNC establishes the Dupree Nature Preserve to add to protected habitats in Kentucky River Palisades and provide a place for schoolchildren and others to connect to nature.

Pine Creek Barrens Preserve in Bullitt County opens to the public, with new signage and a hiking trail. This new use complements thoughtful ecological stewardship to protect rare plants in open woodland and prairies.

TNC facilitates the acquisition of 253,000 acres of working forestlands in the Central Appalachian Mountains for Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Combining innovative financing and climate smart forestry.

TNC celebrates the acquisition of the 712-acre Fern Lake property, the largest inholding in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, and the sale of the largest conservation easement in state history.

TNC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other partners celebrate the removal of Green River Lock and Dam #5, the last of three dam removals that restored 198 miles of free-flowing conditions

TNC, the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville and other partners of the Green Heart Louisville Project receive results that show measurable improvements in human health in neighborhoods.