Swan Trust biologist Cynthia Rohrbach admires a rare Canada lily.
Swan Conservation Trust began its work in the watersheds of Big Swan Creek and Big Bigby Creek in Lewis County, where its largest project, a 10,000-acre headwaters protection area, is focused.
The Trust currently owns 1425 acres in the headwaters of Big Swan and 100 acres in the headwaters of Big Bigby.
It also holds and monitors a 22-acre conservation easement in Perry County.
The Tennessee Nature Conservancy also donated a 23-acre state natural area in Lewis County, TN called Langford Branch to Swan Trust.
All land owned by Swan Conservation Trust is protected in perpetuity from logging, mining, or development by deed restriction or conservation easement. The Trust owns, holds easements, or cooperatively manages 4000 acres of land on the Western Highland Rim.
Swan Conservation Trust has an all-volunteer staff, which carries out its restoration efforts, species inventory listings, and invasive plant removals. The Trust sponsors monthly field trips for its members and the general public to scenic waterfalls and natural areas. These outings are intended to educate citizens about the natural heritage of the Western Highland Rim.
School groups have toured the Star Branch land to observe firsthand the effects of logging and have assisted with tree-planting and restoration efforts. The Trust offers its lands for scientific research and has constructed a wildlife viewing station on a ridge top overlooking the Star Branch canyon and valley of Big Swan Creek.