People and businesses own much of the land in Tennessee. While government ownership of land does not always work in the best interest of the environment, there are state efforts to prevent the misuse and pollution of land. Nonprofit organizations have also bought and adopted land and served as stewards to restore the property.

Earlier this year, U.S. News reported that an environmental organization bought more than 6,000 acres of land. The Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park had the opportunity to absorb this land to further ambitions to support ecological health, wildlife habitats and recreational use.

State park expansions

The land provides a connection between other properties owned by the state and the Ozone Falls State Natural Area. This and other plans in place will add 300 miles of trails to the park. The park is one of Tennessee’s most spectacular. It spreads across two different time zones and covers an impressive 11 counties.

Green space importance

Urban centers are an economic necessity, but they do lead to greater levels of pollution. As cities continue to spread out, they encroach on green spaces. Developers quickly begin to replace woodlands with apartment complexes, shopping malls and restaurants. The Tennessee State website states that even in urban settings, people need green spaces. They help contribute to a healthier, happier and safer way of living.

Every day, 5,000 acres of American lands become part of development plans. By turning as many of them over to conservation efforts as possible, people get the opportunity to use the land for generations to come in its natural state.