Habitats we restore and conserve
Healthy habitats are necessary for fish and wildlife populations to thrive. Nearly 90 percent of land in Tennessee is privately owned, meaning it’s up to private landowners to help maintain healthy populations of native plants and wildlife. Tennessee Wildlife Federation partners with private landowners and public agencies to do just that, restore and conserve critical habitats throughout Tennessee.
Our work
500K
planted.
500
of grasslands restored or conserved.
7
of streams and rivers restored to their natural flow.
1,000
of wetlands restored or conserved.
Habitats we restore
Forests
More than 50 percent of Tennessee’s landscape is forested, with millions of acres of that being privately owned. Forests face constant threats from disease and insect outbreaks to invasive species, wildfire, and more—but scientifically-based forest management can help mitigate these risks and keep our forests thriving.
Grasslands
Grasslands once covered millions of acres in Tennessee. Thriving and properly managed native grassland habitats are key to sustaining many species of wildlife. In fact, the species diversity within grasslands is typically greater than that of forestlands.
Streams & Rivers
Fresh water is one of our state’s greatest natural resources. Tennessee contains more than 60,000 miles of streams and rivers which provide habitat for fish and wildlife and fresh water for public consumption and numerous recreation opportunities.
Wetlands
Wetland ecosystems provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife. They also provide important benefits such as clean water and flood control. Approximately 60 percent of Tennessee’s wetlands have been destroyed due to agriculture, development and misplaced flood control policies.
Want to help wildlife in your backyard?
Create a certified wildlife habitat
Whether you’re working with a lush green lawn or an urban lot, your habitat will support Tennessee’s diverse wildlife—from the microscopic to the eye-catching.
Are you a landowner?
Interested in learning if your land is a fit for habitat restoration?
Give
Your generosity helps manage wildlife populations and restore habitats for a more vibrant Tennessee.
More Habitat Restoration
Reviving Tennessee: Cane Creek
In 2017, Tennessee Wildlife Federation began its first wetland restoration project—a 12 acre site in the Cane Creek watershed in Putnam County. As of 2024, the site has undergone an amazing transformation and is now permanently protected under a conservation easement.
Habitats We Restore
Tennessee Wildlife Federation works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve and restore the four major habitat types in Tennessee: forests, grasslands, rivers, and wetlands.
Types of Grasslands in Tennessee
Grasslands are a critical habitat for wildlife! They were once widespread in Tennessee, but more than 90% of those grasslands are now gone.