The Center for Sustainable Stewardship is a 501(c)3 non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to cultivating the next generation of stewards. We recognize that sustainability requires the preservation of our natural heritage. We CONSERVE watersheds with their native plants and animals, CONNECT people to nature, and PROVIDE support for research, local regenerative farmers, retreat participants, and artists/scholars within a 2000-acre nature preserve.
We plan to educate more stewards to help conserve natural areas and educate regenerative farmers for future generations.
The Vision is that by connecting folks to natural experiences, we are bonding a new generation to the land. We provide experiences that foster creativity, stimulate critical thinking, and strengthen connection to each other and our natural world. We appreciate the traditions of the past, and encourage experiential learning to students of all ages, thereby transferring perennial wisdom to future generations.
Value Statement:
We will serve as Stewards of our precious natural environment and remain active in both conservation and regenerative efforts. We believe biodiversity has intrinsic worth. We will encourage others to experience, explore, and appreciate nature through the seasons. We understand that stewardship of our relationships to nature, community and ourselves is an active process. We will inspire visitors to identify and protect watersheds and natural spaces in their own communities.
Land/Biodiversity Stewardship:
Forest and fields, streams and rivers, wetlands and the animals they shelter and support are all components of watershed protection, nature study and appreciation, environmental education, regenerative/organic farming. We will host annual Conservative Stewardship Symposia in the Big East Fork Valley with the hope that our experiences in nature can help similar efforts.
The Center for Sustainable Stewardship plans to grow our membership and to increase awareness for watershed protection. The CSS provides walks, educational experiences, opportunities to sample our organically grown vegetables, and access to a beautiful watershed just minutes from Franklin and Nashville, TN. Our mission is to promote sustainable stewardship of land and water and personal well-being through education and experiences with nature. We disconnect from our screens, listen to the rustle of the trees, and are inspired by nature. Our planet is changing and pristine watersheds are becoming rarer. We treasure our watersheds and yours and want to protect them. Come join us!
Our Mission:
1) demonstrate sustainable stewardship of the land and water which support diverse plants and animals
2) build community that fosters well-being through education and connection with our natural world.
3) provide education and experiences on trails, in the forest, creeks, farm, outdoor studios and classroom.
4) inspire visitors and supporters to be sustainable stewards in their own communities.
What makes us special: The Center for Sustainable Stewardship is a community supported 501(c)3 non-profit nestled in the Big East Fork Valley, a major tributary to the Harpeth River. Our 713 acre campus is located in a conservation easement which with your help we seek to enlarge. CSS supports local farmers to maintain a herd of friendly animals and high tunnels. It maintains a community garden. CSS adventure center lends bicycles as well as providing access to canoes and kayaks.