One of our more recent conservation projects took FLC to the western part of Tennessee.

Foothills Land Conservancy is thrilled to announce the donation of a remarkable 45-acre property in Bath Springs, Tennessee. While the tract appears to be entirely forested at first glance, it conceals a botanical secret: remnant limestone glade communities that support rare plants typically found in barrens habitats.

These small limestone glades are part of a specialized ecosystem found along the Tennessee River corridor in Decatur, Hardin, Perry, and Wayne counties, as well as along the Cumberland Plateau escarpment. Typically appearing as tiny inclusions within limestone barrens or woodlands, these glades belong to what NatureServe classifies as the Central Interior Highlands Calcareous Glade and Barrens ecological system – one of Tennessee’s rarest and most threatened grassland habitats.

The previous landowner recognized the ecological significance of these glades and generously donated the property to ensure their protection. Now under FLC’s stewardship, we’re actively managing the site by selectively removing trees around the glade openings. This work will restore the open canopy conditions that these specialized native plants need to flourish.

Thanks to this thoughtful donation, these glades – and the plants that call them home – will be preserved for generations to come.