Harpeth Conservancy dedicates 25 years to protecting river

Harpeth Conservancy has dedicated a quarter-century towards the restoration and protection of clean water and healthy ecosystems throughout the Harpeth River that meanders through South Cheatham County.

Established in 1999 as the Harpeth River Watershed Association and later rebranded in 2017 as Harpeth Conservancy, the organization began its journey as a grassroots effort focusing on the Harpeth River. Over the past two and a half decades, the organization has evolved into Tennessee's foremost statewide leader in clean water protection and river conservation.

"It all started 25 years ago with a dedicated group of people who had the talent, networks, and willingness to address the pressing need for clean water initiatives in Tennessee,” said Harpeth Conservancy Founder and President Dorie Bolze. “We've proven that a science-based approach, coupled with policy advocacy and community empowerment, is not only viable but essential in safeguarding our waterways."

Key milestones in Harpeth Conservancy's first 25 years include:

• In 2007, with state and recreational partners, HWRA designed the Harpeth River Blueway to create and improve public paddling and recreational access points along the Harpeth River, which now has over 25 public access points.

• In 2010, HWRA designed and managed the Nashville Waterway Recovery Project with other stakeholders in response to the historic May 2010 flood.

• In 2012, HRWA led a multi-governmental coalition and federal grant management for the removal of the Harpeth Lowhead Dam, making the Harpeth River one of the very few entirely free-flowing rivers in Tennessee.

• In 2015, HRWA successfully advocated for including the Harpeth River in American River’s Most Endangered Rivers® list of 2015. HRWA’s efforts along with the national attention from the listing, helped to establish updated state permits that govern sewer discharge and water withdrawals on the Harpeth and to launch a new pollution reduction plan for the Harpeth. 

• So far in 2024, HC led a successful statewide campaign with coalition partners to protect Tennessee’s wetlands. HC launched Tennessee Water Watch, a predictive river advisory tool providing predictions of E. coli contamination at highly recreated river access points around Middle Tennessee. Additionally, following the success of the 2015 Most Endangered Rivers listing of the Harpeth River, HC successfully nominated the Duck River to be listed in 2024. The spotlight from the American River’s national campaign will aid our efforts to advocate for the development of a comprehensive watershed plan and funding for much-needed scientific studies to understand the flow needs of the Duck River and ensure its long-term health.

"As we celebrate this significant milestone, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our governmental and private sector partners, elected officials, donors, and fellow Tennesseans who have been critical to our success," said Harpeth Conservancy CEO Grace Stranch.

Tennessee's freshwater river systems, including the iconic Harpeth River, are home to a diverse array of aquatic life and serve as vital sources of drinking water and recreational opportunities. With expertise spanning water quality science, environmental law, sustainable land use planning, and community engagement, Harpeth Conservancy remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting these invaluable resources for current and future generations.

Locals can support this nonprofit organization, and our river, by volunteering and attending upcoming Harpeth Conservancy events. In September, Harpeth Conservancy will host its biggest fundraising event of the year – River Swing – in Franklin.