Harpeth Conservancy

Apply to join us as a District Ambassador for the 2025 Conservation Day on the Hill - February 25, 2025! What's Conservation Day on the Hill? Every year, conservation organizations host a day at the TN state legislature during legislative session (January-April). We invite Tennesseans to join us and spend the day speaking with legislators about environmental issues and learning more about the legislative process together. District Ambassadors As a District Ambassador, you'll be trained to lead groups of constituents from your Senate and House districts to speak with TN state legislators about protecting our environment at Conservation Day on the Hill. Apply now and learn more about how you can get involved in clean water advocacy! https://lnkd.in/exrRRwF4 TENNESSEE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL <3

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee took a significant step toward protecting one of our state’s most precious resources by signing Executive Order 108 to establish the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership. This initiative highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with water resource management and environmental conservation to ensure the sustainability of Tennessee’s watersheds now and for generations to come. “The Duck River is not only North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river, but it is also a vital water source for approximately 250,000 Tennesseans and a cornerstone of our outdoor recreation economy,” said Gov. Lee. Harpeth Conservancy applauds the creation of this partnership and its recognition of the Duck River’s unique biodiversity and economic significance. As a long-time advocate for clean water and healthy rivers in Tennessee, we are committed to supporting collaborative efforts like this that prioritize conservation, enhance water resource management, and promote sustainable growth. The Duck River lies at the core of our mission, underscored by our work to see it nominated and listed on American Rivers’?Most Endangered Rivers?2024 list, which is itself a powerful call to action to safeguard this vital waterway. We are proud to continue with Harpeth Conservancy’s range of talents—including river science expertise, strong policy acumen, on-the-ground organizing, savvy communications, and a large, active community as part of a collective effort to ensure clean water and healthy river ecosystems for all Tennesseans. Let’s work together to safeguard the rivers that connect and sustain us. #ProtectOurRivers #DuckRiver #ConservationMatters Watch Gov. Lee’s full statement here: https://lnkd.in/e9_3g9Cd American Rivers

We were incredibly honored to receive the Harpeth Conservancy’s Corporate Impact River Steward award last night for our work with their waste diversion and recycling efforts at their amazing events and our collaboration and education efforts in our Wildlife Habitat Council Silver Certified Habitat and wetlands. It is a privilege to get to collaborate and work with such an amazing organization to promote conservation and sustainability in Middle Tennesssee. We also of course couldn’t do any of the work we do without the support of our amazing WM team Eddie McManus Don Gentilcore Christopher Najeway Joy Inman and so many more not pictured!

It was a great evening with Harpeth Conservancy for the 2024 River Steward Awards, which honored John Guider for his advocacy of the Duck River. Over 30 days, John navigated 270 miles of the third-most biodiverse river in the world to raise awareness about drought conditions, bank erosion, habitat loss, and other serious issues affecting this vital waterway. Casey Long David Fox Jessica M. John Guider Elizabeth Bratton Dixon John McEwen Andrew Duensing Josh Duensing

A big thank you to Nfocus Magazine for covering River Swing and being a wonderful Media Partner for the event! Your support means we can do *more* for clean water and healthy ecosystems of the rivers of Tennessee... thank you! https://lnkd.in/erA4Dzfd

Tennessee legislative session begins in January! We're out here... championing Tennessee's wetlands with our partners and spreading the word about how important wetlands are - for habitats and wildlife, reducing the impacts of flooding, protecting our water supply from pollution, and more! For more ways to help us champion wetlands in our state... Stay tuned!

Harpeth Conservancy is looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. We have two exciting full-time opportunities available: 1. Clean Water Protection Director As part of our strategic growth, we're seeking an experienced leader to drive our public policy work, lead advocacy efforts, and build coalitions to ensure clean water and healthy rivers for all Tennesseans. This role requires expertise in conservation policy, campaign management, and a commitment to environmental justice. 2. Development Director We’re also seeking a passionate and strategic Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts. This key role involves working closely with the CEO, Board, staff, and supporters to secure vital resources for our mission to protect clean water and rivers in Tennessee. We need someone who thrives in both independent and team environments, is comfortable engaging with diverse audiences, and excels in strategic planning. Are you or someone you know a perfect fit to join our team? Then don’t wait to apply! For more info and how to apply, visit https://lnkd.in/eSr847fE #CleanWater #Conservation #EnvironmentalPolicy #Operations #NonprofitJobs #Tennessee #JoinOurTeam #HarpethConservancy

We are thrilled to announce that the 21st annual River Swing, held on September 21st, raised nearly $750,000 to support our mission of protecting clean water and rivers in Tennessee! This incredible achievement marks a nearly $100,000 increase from last year's record-breaking results, showcasing our supporters' immense generosity and dedication. Over 80 companies and individuals came together as sponsors, led by FarmVet, and we welcomed nearly 1,000 guests, all united in their passion for our rivers. Highlights from this unforgettable night included: ?? An electrifying headline performance by The Revivalists, with soulful tunes from JB Strauss and a dance-filled afterparty with DJ Marissa Sardar. ?? A VIP meet-and-greet and private performance from David Shaw and Zack Feinberg, courtesy of Caymus Vineyards. ?? Our signature cocktail, The Mabon, celebrated the changing seasons with flavors inspired by the mid-harvest festival, delighted guests along with our wonderful selection of cocktails and beverages courtesy of Lipman Brothers / R.S. Lipman Company, Brown-Forman, Jack Daniel's, Cielo Tequila, Kvell Vodka, Old Hickory, Melograno Cocktails, and Deep Bay Spirits. As well, as KILLJOY and Maypop on hand to offer n/a options. ?? Our wonderful vendors Able, Huck Hats and BarnGirl Jewelry offering a unique selection ?? And who could forget the Instaburst Photos photobooth where many memories were made thanks to our friends at Wealth Strategies Partners! We hosted a competitive silent auction featuring 200 packages with more than 400 items. The auction raised an impressive total of just under $80,000, with the highest bid of the night, at $4,000, going to a Private Chef Experience and Cooking Class for four with Nanci Dahl of Master Chef, complete with a professional photographer to capture the evening. Other standout items included a striking showstopper piece, Fierce, a painting by renowned artist Lisa Moore; a trip to Steamboat Springs; tickets to Widespread Panic’s sold-out Red Rocks shows; and rare whiskey, bourbon, and cigar packages from Whiskey House Nashville, Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac Company, Ozgener Family Cigars, Lipman Brothers, and others. River Swing continues to symbolize our commitment to clean water and sustainability. Thanks to our partners at WM, ECOPRODUCTS, The Compost Co., Culligan of Nashville , and volunteers from Montgomery Bell Academy and Vanderbilt SPEAR, we ensured the event was environmentally friendly, with composting, recycling, and hydration stations throughout the venue. Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, event staff, and attendees for making this event a monumental success. We?are?the river. United we?are?the solution. Here's to another incredible year at River Swing! ?? #Conservation #CleanWater #RiverSwing #FundraisingSuccess #HarpethConservancy #CommunitySupport #EnvironmentalStewardship #TennesseeRivers #Gratitude

We had some cool things happening at River Swing 2024. Here are a couple of highlights to share! First, we had our young friend Jasper who shared about his love of reptiles! He was on hand to teach guests about conservation and the impact clean water has on little critters like the ones he brought to the event! Another cool part of the event was featured in our auction: a turtle sculpture made entirely of trash! Shelly, as the sculpture is known, was created by Battle Ground Academy's Allison Zierden. On Earth Day 2024, she and fellow BGA students collected 100 lbs of trash, which she transformed into “Shelly,” to highlight the impact of pollution on our rivers. Check out this story by Matt Masters: https://lnkd.in/exfe56ZH

Harpeth Conservancy has partnered with John Guider, an acclaimed Nashville photographer and environmental advocate, who is embarking on a monumental canoe journey, traveling the full 265-mile length of Tennessee's Duck River, one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world. The Duck, is one of the three most biodiverse rivers in the world. But the Duck is also in crisis. The current drought has lowered water levels on the river significantly and proposed increases in water withdrawals pose a significant threat to the river, as well as the people and wildlife who depend on it. To help highlight the threats this river faces, it was listed as the #3 river on American Rivers’ 2024 Most Endangered Rivers. John wants to draw attention to the need to preserve the Duck River and urge people to take action. This journey is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect this critical natural resource. In collaboration with Harpeth Conservancy and the Southern Environmental Law Center, John is using his platform to elevate this vital cause. You can follow along with John throughout his journey with photography and journal updates, as well as GPS tracking via our website: https://lnkd.in/d8NvEuG8 Check out this article by from the Nashville Scene: https://lnkd.in/dnheCavd