Remembering the Past, Rising to the Future

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky.

January 15, 2025

A river runs through tree covered hills in Kentucky. — Working across Kentucky Protecting the lands and waters of Kentucky has been our mission for 50 years now. © Creative Commons/John Brian McCarthy

People are shaped by their environment. With one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges—the Appalachians—to the east and the mighty Mississippi River to the west, it is easy to see why Kentuckians are a proud people. We honor the past, respect our elders and invest in our communities.

Those same values guide The Nature Conservancy’s work in Kentucky. In 2025, we are celebrating 50 years of conservation success in the Bluegrass State.

Children run on a path in a protected, conservation area in Kentucky. — **Hope Through Action** Together we can protect Kentucky's lands and waters. © Travis Dove / TNC

Roots and Rewards

We are proud of our history in Kentucky. Over the past 50 years, the vision, grit and expertise of our supporters, partners and staff have improved the communities we call home and the wild places we all love.

Waterson Expressway Planting Waterson Expressway Planting Workers installed hundreds of trees along the Waterson Expressway and the affects were measured in the community. © Wilkinson Visual

Reckoning and Redemption

Today, Kentucky is confronting pressures on lands and waters, a changing climate and economic uncertainty as industries and technology rapidly evolve. We are tackling these challenges with smart strategies, authentic partnerships and investments in communities. Building from our past and always rooted in science and the power of nature, we are employing a future-forward approach to help deliver a healthier, more sustainable future.

Discover Some of Our Keystone Projects

A river runs through a forest in Kentucky. — **Western Kentucky stream** A stream snakes through a western Kentucky bottomland hardwood forest © Mike Wilkinson

Recognizing Supporters and Partners

From board members and policymakers to community leaders and donors, TNC’s five decades of success in Kentucky was made possible by the commitment and trust of countless supporters and partners. We are humbled by their generosity, collaboration and vision.

Meet Some of Kentucky’s Conservation Heroes

One of the greatest things about the solar installation project at the Community Center is I think it's really going to be be an eye-opener.

Boone Bowling

Mayor of Middlesboro, Kentucky

The Mississippi River Basin is a vibrant expanse of habitat and wetlands. It’s awe-inspiring and amazing to be able to work in this area.

Kathy Terry

Natural Resources Specialist, NRCS

It was definitely during my TNC internship that I knew I wanted a career in conservation.

Derrick Mason

Wildlife Biologist

I always say that a good farmer and a good environmentalist are the same thing.

Robbie Williams

Farmer

Kentucky Nature News

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An adult and a child jump rocks to cross a stream in the forested mountains of Kentucky. — Cumberland River An early morning aerial view of the Cumberland River in Kentucky. © Cameron Davidson

Make a Difference in Kentucky

From the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in the east to the fertile Mississippi River Basin in the west, nature matters to Kentuckians. By supporting our work, you can help ensure a future in which nature and people can thrive.

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