Ecological Conservation Strategy
Ecological Conservation Strategy
Metro Planning has launched the Ecological Conservation Strategy (ECS) to shape a future where Nashville continues to grow and thrive while preserving the landscapes, ecosystems, and sense of place that makes it unique.
This is Nashville's first countywide plan for understanding the effects of recent growth on the county’s landscape since the 2011 Open Space Plan and will explore opportunities to protect and conserve our natural environment – such as waterways, forests, hilltops, hillsides, and green spaces – while supporting growth.
Over the next 18 months, working with stakeholders and residents across Davidson County, Metro Nashville will assess the health of our natural resources and develop a concrete action plan that could include; conservation priorities, pilot projects, and policy recommendations based on expert analysis and community and stakeholder feedback.
Events
Overview
Nashville Launches Ecological Conservation Strategy, Providing a Deep Look into the County’s Landscape
The Metro Nashville Planning Department has launched the Davidson County Ecological Conservation Strategy (ECS), a countywide effort to shape a future where Nashville continues to grow and thrive while preserving the landscapes, ecosystems, and sense of place that make it unique.
Since 2000, Metro Nashville has transformed from a regional hub to a major metropolitan area. Recent natural disasters like the 2010 flood, the 2020 tornado, and the 2026 ice storm—that caused catastrophic tree loss—have amplified the importance of planning for environmental resilience.
Introducing the Davidson County Ecological Conservation Strategy
That is exactly what Metro Nashville is building. The Ecological Conservation Strategy (ECS) is an 18-month planning effort led by the Metro Nashville Planning Department, in partnership with a team of specialists: Biohabitats, PILLARS Development, Wilmot Inc., SCAPE Landscape Architecture, and the Cumberland River Compact.
Ultimately, the goal of ECS is to understand the effects of recent growth on the local landscape and develop recommendations to protect and connect Nashville's natural spaces, sense of place, and environmental systems. The study will explore the full range of best practices in ecological planning and design, with recommendations grounded in careful analysis, community input, and actionable strategies that work for Nashville's communities.
Against this backdrop, the ECS provides an opportunity to:
- Thoroughly assess Davidson County's natural systems—from the forested ridges of the Highland Rim Forest to the Cumberland River winding through the heart of downtown, the project will combine the mapping of natural systems and development patterns with extensive community engagement to identify which resources and places need the most protection.
- Develop a practical conservation toolkit with priorities, policy, regulatory or programmatic tools, pilot initiatives, and funding pathways that Nashville and community partners can implement to achieve measurable conservation outcomes now and in the future.
- Focus on two distinctive pilot studies: the Highland Rim Forest in western Davidson County—the most ecologically significant natural area in the county—and the Cumberland River waterfront through downtown Nashville both offer opportunities to reimagine the community’s relationship to some of its most treasured assets.
Your Community, Your Plan
Throughout the 18-month process, there will be meaningful opportunities for Nashville residents to get involved — through a public launch event, online surveys, community meetings, and pop-up events across the county. Whether you live near the Highland Rim, downtown, Radnor Lake, or anywhere in between, your perspective matters.
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2027. Check back here for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to participate, or follow Metro Nashville Planning on social media.