Featured Insider: Cumberland Trails Conference

Meet Savana Keeton, Executive Director of Cumberland Trails Conference. Savana is a dedicated leader passionate about environmental conservation and community engagement. Her role as Executive Director of the CTC involves overseeing the construction and maintenance of the Cumberland Trail, a project vital to Tennessee's natural heritage.

Jeremy met Savana through his efforts of building trail as a volunteer with the Cumberland Trails Conference, and in 2024, Jeremy was elected as a Board Member of the Cumberland Trails Conference, where he joins Savana in a shared mission to preserve and further develop the Cumberland Trail.

What made you want to join the Cumberland Trails Conference?

“My decision to join the Cumberland Trails Conference (CTC) was fueled by a deep connection to its mission, which aligns with my values of environmental conservation and community engagement. The collaborative effort between the CTC, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and volunteers from across Tennessee to construct the Cumberland Trail reflects the impactful nature of public and private partnerships. Contributing to a non-profit organization that manages a professional trail crew and actively involves volunteers exemplifies the strength of grassroots efforts in environmental stewardship.

Being part of the CTC allows me to play a meaningful role in the development and maintenance of the Cumberland Trail, contributing to a project that extends over 300 miles from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. The collective dedication to land acquisition, fundraising, and community-driven trail building makes this a rewarding endeavor, emphasizing the transformative power of volunteerism and collaborative partnerships in creating lasting positive impacts.”

What evolutions are you seeing with the CTC?

“Our organization faced a period of stagnation when I assumed my current role. Over the past year, we've undertaken significant efforts to revitalize our presence, transforming into a more public-facing organization with increased opportunities for community involvement along the Cumberland Trail. Initiatives like our art auction, featuring local artists and trail-inspired art, and the Cumberland Trail Summit, spotlighting the diverse trail towns, have been instrumental in fostering engagement and breathing new life into our mission.

Additionally, we've consistently held monthly volunteer events to sustain the grassroots effort of completing the Cumberland Trail. These events not only contribute to the ongoing development of the trail but also serve as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in achieving our shared vision for the trail's growth and accessibility.”

Can you share more about the CTC’s Mission Statement?

“The mission of the Cumberland Trails Conference (CTC) is to provide paid and volunteer labor, equipment, supplies, and vehicles to design and construct the Cumberland Trail under the auspices of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

This mission statement highlights the CTC's commitment to collaborating with various entities to design and build the Cumberland Trail, with an emphasis on fundraising, construction, maintenance, and fostering a strong volunteer community.”

Who or what at the CTC has helped contribute towards your success?

“I have been truly blessed with mentorship from various organizations and board members, all of whom have played a crucial role in my success. However, a significant part of my achievements is owed to the guidance of Dreama Campbell. She has consistently motivated me when I needed a push, offered support when I needed someone to listen, and believed in me when I needed it most.”

What makes the CTC unique and how does it contribute to the vibrant culture of Chattanooga?

“The Cumberland Trails Conference is a distinctive presence in Chattanooga's culture, marked by its commitment to Tennessee State Park's most ambitious project—the Cumberland Trail. As it nears completion, the trail is Tennessee's largest state park, already spanning over 33,000 protected acres.

This expansive state park significantly enriches Chattanooga's outdoor-oriented culture, especially as Hamilton County serves as the trail's southern terminus. In highlighting the importance of the Cumberland Trail, we believe there is no better town in Tennessee than Chattanooga to showcase this remarkable and expansive natural resource.”

Can you share a significant challenge your business has faced, or is facing, and how you've overcome it or plan to overcome it, especially considering Chattanooga's evolving landscape?

“Our nonprofit has encountered numerous challenges over the years, particularly in securing funding and generating sustained interest in completing the trail. Despite these hurdles, we are currently fortunate to be working with an administration that shares a substantial commitment to realizing the trail's completion. This alignment of interests has provided a significant boost in terms of increased enthusiasm for the project.

As we approach the final stages of trail construction, we foresee new challenges emerging. The shift from construction to maintenance and advocacy will require a redefinition of our primary tasks. We are excited about this transition, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and evolution. Embracing these upcoming challenges, we aim to transform our organization to meet the changing needs of the Cumberland Trail. This includes developing robust strategies for trail maintenance, community advocacy, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital natural resource.”

What exciting plans or developments can Chattanooga residents look forward to from your business in the near future?

“In the near future, we are eagerly anticipating the completion of a significant 9-mile trail section in Rhea County, known as the Upper Piney section. This stretch, connecting Evansville to Spring City, winds through the rugged terrain along the Piney River gorge, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for trail enthusiasts. Although situated outside Hamilton County, it's just a short drive away, and each completed section brings us closer to fulfilling the vision of the Cumberland Trail. Additionally, this fall, we are excited to host the Cumberland Trail Summit in Hamilton County. The event will feature an enticing blend of guided hikes and presentations covering all aspects of the Cumberland Trail. We invite you to join us in celebrating and discussing the trail's progress as we continue our journey toward its completion.”

Thank you for sharing your insights and dedication to preserving the Cumberland Trail, Savana. You are an outstanding leader and your passion for helping further the mission of the CTC is evident. It has been an honor to feature you and the CTC as Evergreen Property Group’s March 2024 Featured Evergreen Insider.