About the Trust
Our Mission
“To conserve a healthy Tennessee River Gorge as a community treasure for generations.”
The Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) is a Chattanooga area land trust that serves as a leader in conservation, actively stewarding over 17,000 acres in the Tennessee River Gorge. Our mission for over 40 years has been "to conserve a healthy Tennessee River Gorge as a community treasure for generations." We envision a thriving future for the Tennessee River Gorge where the community has great access to outdoor recreation and wildlife flourishes.
The TRGT Team is nationally recognized for our work in scientific research, creating new partnerships in our region as well as improving access to our lands through hiking, camping, biking, paddling, and educational programs.
History
The Tennessee River Gorge Trust is the perfect example of what can happen when a small group of thoughtful citizens come together to change their community for the better. The Trust was founded in 1981 —later incorporated in 1986 — as the result of a dinner party at Adele Hampton’s house on Elder Mountain. Chattanooga-area citizens gathered around her coffee table to discuss the worrisome development of the mountains bordering Chattanooga. Right there in the Hampton’s living room, Chattanoogans decided our mountains are worth protecting. With the help of cooperative landowners, TVA, the State of Tennessee and engaged citizens, our community has protected of over 17,000 of the 27,000 acres of the Gorge!
The Gorge consists of 27,000 acres carved through the Cumberland Mountains by 27 miles of the Tennessee River. It is the only large river canyon bordering a mid-size city (Chattanooga) and it is the fourth largest river canyon east of the Mississippi. The Gorge begins approximately 5 miles downstream from downtown Chattanooga (across from Williams Island) and continues 27 river miles to Hales Bar Dam Marina near Nickajack Lake. Through dozens of archaeological sites, evidence of human's presence in the Gorge dates back to 10,000 years ago. Check out the Gorge's threatened and endangered species list here.
If you haven't gotten the chance yet, meet our staff and read our blog to find out what the Trust is working on now.
“In the end we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.”
Financials
We offer financial transparency for your peace of mind. Here's how we've been doing:
Find our 990s at Charity Navigator.