May 2026 Community Spotlight

May 2026 Community Spotlight

This month, we highlight local organizations caring for creation.
Our area is a veritable garden, one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States, with unparalleled natural beauty and biodiversity. Since 2025, 99 fund holders have given just over $100,000 to support creation care – read below about some of the organizations they love.

Creation Care is the concept that, as God’s stewards on earth, we also steward His creation. The Creator took great delight in beauty, and as His image-bearers, we delight in his creation and care for it, just like his children did in the garden where he placed them in the beginning… 

Nonprofit Highlight – Chattanooga Audubon Society

Their mission is to preserve and protect our environmental, cultural, and historical resources through programming, education, and stewardship. Protecting over 500+ beautiful acres in Hamilton County, including Audubon Acres, David Gray Sanctuary (Audubon Mountain) in Sale Creek, and Maclellan Island, Audubon Acres is rich in ecological and cultural significance. It’s designated as a Trail of Tears site, and features Little Owl Village, the site of a Napochie village in the 1560’s that was encountered by the conquistador Tristan DeLuna expedition during their travels north from Florida. They host various programs throughout the year for children and adults, including the Fairy and Folk Festival (coming up May 23-24) and Pioneer Days in November. 

They recently hosted us on a Tour of Maclellan Island, a beautiful, iconic island in the heart of downtown Chattanooga accessible only by boat. Due to the rising and lowering of water levels by TVA dams, as well as boat wakes, the island is experiencing erosion loss of 3,500 square feet per year, and if not stabilized soon, this renowned island will be lost forever. According to multiple experts, the most tenable and ecologically sustainable solution is vegetated rip rap – installing limestone boulders with vegetation layered under and through the rock, allowing regrowth of native species and an increase in biodiversity. 

Want to learn more about how you can give or get involved? Reach out here.  

They just launched a capital campaign to SAVE THE ISLAND and are looking for donors passionate about saving the island, which is a historical and ecological treasure. 

Want to see the island up close?

  • Goats and Boats: Maclellan Island Ecotours begin June 20, 2026. Guests will travel by boat to Maclellan Island, where a knowledgeable guide will provide interpretation both en route and on-site. And of course, a visit to the world-famous Maclellan Island goats is a must!
  • Fireworks & Freedom on Maclellan Island on July 2nd a River Gala celebration for America’s 250th with musicians stationed along the island trails, beverages aboard, and an exclusive view of fireworks.
Learn More

Nonprofit Highlight – Lula Lake Land Trust

Lula Lake Land Trust (LLLT) is a nonprofit located in the heart of Lookout Mountain. Established by the will of Robert M. Davenport in January of 1994, their mission is to preserve the natural and historic landscapes surrounding Rock Creek and its tributaries through conservation, education, and low-impact recreation. They hope to continue protecting over 8,000 acres of the extremely biodiverse ecosystem through strategic conservation initiatives, focusing on connecting wildlife corridors. The Land Trust welcomes school groups of all ages to enjoy the core preserve, fossil digs at Durham Mine Trails, and higher education research initiatives—such as Hemlock beetle release studies, American Chestnut plantings, and water quality testing. 

Since its establishment, LLLT has built over 80 miles of mountain bike/hiking trails and currently owns and manages over 40 miles. They believe there is no better way to connect people to the land we’re all dedicated to protecting than to let them enjoy it. Low impact recreation is a great avenue to introduce people to conservation work while also experiencing the beauty of the land protected by LLLT. Learn more about LLLT’s work and support their work at www.lulalake.org.

Learn More

Nonprofit Highlight – Tennessee River Gorge Trust

The Tennessee River Gorge is a 27-mile stretch of river that winds its way through the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge. Since 1981, the Trust has been working alongside our community to protect thousands of acres of wild lands. The mission of TRGT is to conserve a healthy Tennessee River Gorge as a community treasure for generations. They achieve their mission through land protection, conservation-based land management, environmental research, and providing public access to the gorge. Every acre conserved, every bird banded, every mile of trail built, and every habitat restored brings us one step closer to deepening our community’s connection while safeguarding this irreplaceable slice of the planet.

TRGT is requesting community support to aid land conservation and restoration efforts, as well as initiatives to enhance community access to the Gorge. Their team would love to meet you to discuss the ways you can volunteer and/or support, or to set up a time or trip into the Gorge.

Learn More

Nonprofit Highlight – Reflection Riding

Reflection Riding is a nonprofit arboretum, botanical garden, nature center, and historical site. With 300+ acres of natural land, the campus shares a glimpse of Southern Appalachia’s lush biodiversity with mature hardwood forests, grasslands, and wetlands along the base of Lookout Mountain. Just a few miles from the City of Chattanooga, the campus provides unparalleled access to nature for city residents and nature enthusiasts.

Reflection Riding believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature, regardless of where they live or their economic status. When the benefits of the outdoors are accessible to everyone, Chattanooga becomes stronger and more connected. This is why environmental education lies at the heart of what they do, from field trips to experiential learning in their Nature Playscape. The Native Wildlife Sanctuary hosts tours on Fridays and Saturdays, where visitors can meet non-releasable native animal ambassadors, such as the endangered American Red Wolf. Their team also cultivates beneficial herbaceous plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees that are available for purchase in their Native Plant Nursery.

The nature center offers seasonal events for the whole family, such as their flagship Campfire Concert Series every spring and fall. Learn more about these events and programs on their website: reflectionriding.org/events.

Learn More

Learn More

  • Want to explore the biblical theme of “Gardens?” – Learn more at Bible Project.
  • Learn about the biodiversity of Chattanooga here. 
  • Explore different food-centric nonprofits: Crabtree Farms and Gaining Ground Grocery 
  • Learn about Chattanooga being the first National Park City in North America!
  • Several of our donors are also passionate supporter of The Nature Conservancy, that has a TN Chapter. If you want a more regional view at what is going on in the state, check them out here.

Local Schools

Want to learn about local schools offering environmentally focused education?

Upcoming Events & Resources

 

*Here are some community-wide events. Please contact these organizations directly to register or volunteer.

  • August 6-7- Global Leadership Summit. TGT is partnering with local organizations to offer partial scholarships for nonprofits for up to 4 members. Make your request here: https://forms.office.com/r/rv4heyE1ne
  • Sept 1-3 – The Canaan Group is hosting a Fundamentals of Fundraising Seminar. Click here for more information.
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