A An old-growth forest, sometimes called a virgin forest, has a high density of very old trees and has experienced little disturbance by habitation and has never been logged.
A Old-growth forests are often home to diverse and sometimes rare plants and animals that live there because the area has been undisturbed. These forests often create unique environmental conditions that attract species.
A Early estimates indicate that the trees average more than 200 years old—one of the oldest forest stands in Middle Tennessee.
A Caretakers of the property since the 1930s confirm that no logging has been done since then, and there are no stumps or other evidence associated with past logging found there.
A The expansion will protect the views of unspoiled nature and accommodate the ever-increasing usage of the Parks by Nashvillians.
A Opening the land to residential and commercial development would damage the ecosystem and destroy pristine scenery.
A Between Highway 70S and Highway 100, across Highway 100 from the Warner Parks. MAP
A The seldom-seen varieties of trees, plants and animals offer insights into biology and ecology. The adjacent property also includes the largest known cave in Davidson County—making it the only cave in a Metro Park.
A While none have been noted so far, the tract is rich in species that are uncommon. It appears to be an important nesting ground for neotropical birds that are rapidly losing suitable habitats across the country.
A It will be one of the largest—if not the largest—old-growth forests in an urban park in the United States. You won’t find very many forests of this quality anywhere—even in national parks and wildlife refuges. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
A A portion of property, about 130 acres, has already been bought and fully paid for. For the remaining 324 acres, we have to raise $600,000 more. FUNDING
A The sellers of the property, H.G. Hill Company, generously cut the price twice, first by $3.75 million off the appraised value and then by another $2.45 million. Of the remaining $10.2 million raised so far, $7.6 million has come from private donations, and $2.6 million from State and Metro government agencies.
A Donate! Every contribution, regardless of how large or how small, is important to the success of this important project. Please make a contribution yourself, and spread the word to your friends and neighbors. We need the help of every Nashvillian to reach our goal.