Land Trust...Is it for you?

There is a place in the mountains of East Tennessee where people have joined together with a common concern for a healthy environment, sustainable technology, co-operative community living and respect for the natural world as well as each other. We are a group of adjacent community land trusts surrounding an ecological demonstration center known as Narrow Ridge Center. Today there is a total of more than 500 adjacent acres, located in the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian mountains.

More than 100 acres have been set aside as a wilderness area for community members to use for recreational activities such as hiking. Other areas have been designated as homesites. These sites vary in size and are protected by a set of restrictions known as a conservation easement. This protects the land from any industrial or mining activities, commercial farming, logging, etc. It means that our homes are safe from polluting chemicals in our neighbor's yards. It means we are protected from industrial noise. As a group, we make decisions about the use of the common areas. Because this is a community land trust under this conservation easement, the land is preserved for all time. For this parcel of 500 acres the wildlife habitat will be honored. Some of us wish to save a place on the planet for the plants and animals, since their homes are shrinking daily. We do not own the land. We are keepers of its beauty and its gentle wonder. In legal terms, we hold perpetual leases for our homesites. The deed is held by Narrow Ridge Center and will always be under the conservation easement. We are entitled to build our homes, grow our gardens, tend our animals, and live in community. We are encouraged to participate in the community decisions, but are not required to commit to any extensive level of participation. Some in the community plan to build here for their retirement years, others may never build. They may choose to tend their land holding in a more simple way.

There are two land trusts associated with Narrow Ridge Center. In one of them, Little Ridge Land Trust, all of the homesites have been leased by individuals or families. In the second, called Black Fox Community Land Trust, we have a small number of sites remaining open. Lease holders have access to 500 acres of beauty. These leases can be sold or passed on to your children just as if you held a deed.

We are located near the junction of Union, Grainger and Claiborne counties, overlooking Norris Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the state.

A Little About Narrow Ridge

Narrow Ridge Center is a non-profit educational center which is striving to demonstrate a sustainable way of life. We are exploring alternative modes of construction, such as cordwood, cob and rammed earth. Currently we have five solar powered buildings; two were built using strawbale construction. Other sustainable technologies include compost toilets, photovoltaics, passive solar and wind power, along with many other possibilities are still waiting to be tried. We offer retreat facilities and have organic gardens.

Are you excited by the possibilities of land trusts and becoming a part of this growing movement to live in harmony with Earth and all its creatures? Contact us if you are interested. We would love to meet you and take you on a tour.