We work on the root causes of water pollution, both urban and rural.
3 million people and thousands of species of animals depend on clean water from the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The Compact promotes the health and enjoyment of waterways in the Cumberland River basin through education, collaboration, and action; click on a category below to learn more about our diverse work.
Stream Restoration
The Compact’s Stream Restoration program encompasses a variety of urban and rural initiatives to repair stream banks, restore natural water flow, and enhance native plant and animal habitats. Our restoration projects range in scale from backyard creeks to miles of public streams and rivers.
Urban Waters
Land use determines how much pollution flows into our creeks, streams, and native habitats. The greener the land, the cleaner the water! The Compact’s Urban Waters program gives Nashvillians the power to implement green infrastructure in their own neighborhoods by distributing free trees through the Root Nashville campaign, depaving unused parking lots, selling rain barrels, and more.
Working Lands
The Working Lands program works with the professionals who manage pastures, farms, and forests to implement solutions that improve water quality. By partnering with individuals and communities, we can restore healthy soils, maintain robust stream buffers, and replant native forests throughout the Cumberland River basin’s farmland and minelands– all while bolstering local economies.
Education & Engagement
With a focus on robust offerings to support K-12 teachers, the Compact offers classroom instruction, continuing education workshops, and resources, including water and environment focused lesson plans. Our goal is to inspire individuals of all ages to protect their waterways by providing engaging experiences that connect people to the natural world.
