BIG EAST FORK VALLEY · FRANKLIN, TN

Center for Sustainable Stewardship

‍ A 501(C)(3) LAND & WATERSHED NONPROFIT

Help us preserve the watershed!

We are a community supported non-profit 501(c)3 nestled in the valley created by Big East Fork Creek, a major tributary to the South Harpeth River. The Center for Sustainable Stewardship is located on 713 acres, within the Big East Fork conservation easement and operates a small farm on several acres.  We provide education and experiences for members and their guests, farm experiences, workshops and hikes promoting deeper connections with nature.

Become a member
Support the mission
 

—- OUR MISSION

Stewarding the big east fork watershed for the next generation

We promote sustainable stewardship of land and water, and personal well-being, through education and outdoor experience. We are a community-supported nonprofit nestled in the valley created by Big East Fork Creek, a major tributary to the South Harpeth River.

Within our conservation easement, we operate a small working farm alongside trails, watercraft, and pasture animals — offering members and their guests farm experiences, workshops, and hikes that build a deeper connection with nature.

Thank you for your interest in the Center for Sustainable Stewardship. We are able to continue with our mission with the philanthropic support from friends like you!

—- MEMBERSHIP

Come join us!

All members have priority access to new programs, workshops, and classes before they’re advertised to the public. They also have access to watercraft and bicycles to explore the natural environment in Big East Fork Valley.

INTRODUCTORY

$20

per month

  • Membership includes access to CSS trails, animals, watercraft and bicycles two weekend days (or weekdays by appointment) per month.

  • Additional passes may be obtained at $10/day

DAY PASS

$10

per day

  • Includes access to CSS trails, animals, watercraft and bicycles.

  • Add-on pass available across every membership tier

  • Weekday visits by appointment

NATURE LOVER

$100

per year

  • Membership includes access to CSS trails, animals, watercraft and bicycles on four weekend days per month (or weekdays by appointment).

  • Seasonal access to a variety of vegetables, herbs, and eggs as available with pick-up at the farm the last Saturday each month (May- Sept).  

  • Guest passes may be obtained at $10/day.

  • Access to our quarterly educational series.. These events will feature experiences such as learning about aquaponics, trail maintenance or food preservation.

STEWARDS

$30

per month

or

$300

per year

  • Couples Membership includes access to CSS trails, animals, watercraft and bicycles on unlimited weekend days (or weekdays by appointment.)

  • Seasonal access to a variety of vegetables, herbs and eggs as available to share with monthly pick-up at the farm on the last Saturday each month (May- Sept).

  • Guest passes may be obtained at $10/day.

  • In addition you receive two guest passes good for a day’s visit or for any of our quarterly educational series. These events will feature experiences such as learning about aquaculture, trail maintenance or food preservation. 

SUSTAINERS

$55

per month

or

$500

per year

  • Couples Membership includes access to CSS trails, animals, watercraft and bicycles on unlimited weekends (and weekdays by appointment) 

  • A Bicycling Parking Pass for one vehicle

  • Seasonal access to a variety of vegetables, herbs and eggs as available to share with pick-up at the farm on last Saturday each month (May- Sept).  

  • Guest passes may be obtained at $10/day.

  • 16 guest passes for our quarterly sustainable education events held at CSS. These events will feature experiences such as learning about aquaculture, trail maintenance or food preservation as well as other topics

FAMILY

$75

per month

or

$700

per year

Up to 7 members per family.

  • Access to CSS trails, animals, watercraft, bicycles on unlimited weekends (and weekdays by appointment)

  • Bicycling Parking Pass for two vehicles.

  • Seasonal access to a variety of vegetables, herbs, and eggs to share with pick-up at the farm on last Saturday each month (May-Sept).

  • 16 guest passes for any of our quarterly sustainable education events held at CSS. These events will feature experiences with aquaculture, food preservation and nature hikes as well age appropriate environmental education. An adult needs to be present for children under 18.

CORPORATE

$5000

per year

Your donation will help us develop our school-age education program and maintain our outdoor classroom.

  • Invitation to an annual Gratitude Dinner with sponsorship acknowledged.

  • Your employees will receive 100 free day passes.

  • A free consultation on a sustainability project for your company is included with a trained environmental scientist. Projects demonstrate ways to help protect our natural resources while demonstrating sustainable practices. These projects may be documented with video and photographs. Examples of ongoing projects include: planting trees; solar installation; assistance with ongoing research projects on water quality and sustainable farming practices.

Many employers will match gifts that their employees make to nonprofits. Information on gift-matching programs can be found on doublethedonation.com, and you can ask your employer directly about matching your gift. Securities or stocks also make effective gifts. You are entitled to deductions for the fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift, plus you pay no tax on the capital gain value of the gift shares. A deduction of up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income is available, with a five-year carry-over of excess deductions. 

TAX INFORMATION

Center for Sustainable Stewardship is qualified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible, as allowed by the law. No taxable goods or services are provided in consideration of gifts, unless stated otherwise.

Thank you for your interest in making a donation to the Center for Sustainable Stewardship. We are able to continue in the pursuit of delivering our mission and vision with the philanthropic support from friends like you.