Tennessee River Gorge Trust Purchases 281-Acres Including Iconic Edwards Point
The Tennessee River Gorge Trust is excited to announce that we purchased 32 acres containing the iconic area known as Edwards Point atop Signal Mountain in Chattanooga. Edwards Point was a gap in an extensive conservation landscape of protected properties. With this land acquisition, TRGT along with the Prentice Cooper State Forest and the Town of Signal Mountain now protect an area that spans miles from Middle Creek and Signal Point to Suck Creek. The benefits of this recent purchase are far reaching. The Cumberland Trail, which travels right past Edwards Point, now has secure and permanent public access to the area. An array of ephemeral pools used by amphibian and reptile species can now be managed through informed science-based stewardship. The list goes on, but above all else, we are grateful and proud to say that this open space will remain in its wild state for generations to come.
Edwards Point was not the only land purchased in this project that protected 281 acres. Two additional properties were also purchased by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. These parcels include an expanse of forest below Signal Mountain Road and a property on Aetna Mountain which contains an ecologically unique mountain bog.
A $300,000 contribution from The Tucker Foundation, along with $60,000 in donor commitments, helped fund the Edwards Point purchase and move us closer to reaching our $1.15 million capital campaign goal to support further land investment.
“Good stewardship from past boards and staff got us where we are today,” said TRGT Executive Director Rick Huffines. “Now, our capital campaign will help us stay on solid footing to continue making the right land investments to preserve our Gorge. If you value preserving iconic spots like Edwards Point, please consider making a donation to our campaign.”
The 32-acre Edwards Point lot has been privately owned by the Stocker and Arnold families until we purchased the land. Family members wanted to make sure the land would remain undeveloped and available for future generations to enjoy. Tim Arnold and sister Wendy Arnold said their uncle, a World War II veteran, originally bought the property and found it a place of comfort after the War.
View to the west from Edwards Point
“The Edwards Point property has been in our family for several years,” Tim Arnold said. “My uncle Jay Norman Sylar acquired it with two friends right after World War II. My sister Wendy and I inherited it through my grandparents and then through my mother. As the land transitions to the stewardship of the River Gorge Trust, we feel certain that this small part of our natural world will be preserved. Thanks to Rick Huffines and his staff for their professional and courteous attention during this significant transaction.”
“While land investment is a crucial element of our mission and the focus for our current capital campaign, it’s important to know that TRGT thinks holistically about preserving our area. We participate in research partnerships and work to offset carbon by preserving forests,” Huffines said. “We also want everyone to get out and explore the Gorge. That’s why we create and maintain public trails, campsites, climbing access and other ways to enjoy nature.”
Map of all three recently protected properties