Kentucky Natural Lands Trust

Established in 1995, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) raised more than $3 million to protect Blanton Forest, the largest old growth forest remaining in the state. Since then, our efforts have expanded into a variety of conservation projects with our focus on the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, the largest landscape level project in Kentucky. These efforts have resulted in the protection of thousands of acres of wildlands.

Pine Mountain spans more than 125 miles from Tennessee to Virginia, with over 110,000 acres in Kentucky. The mountain is a refuge to nearly 100 species of rare plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the world.

Who We Are

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust is a state-wide land trust committed to preserving our diminishing natural places, protecting our rich biodiversity and ensuring a future that will continue to inspire new generations of environmental stewards.

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust was established in 1995 when a state inventory identified Blanton Forest as one of the most important natural areas in Kentucky and funds were urgently needed to protect it. A group of longtime friends and some of Kentucky’s top conservationists joined forces to form KNLT and launch the campaign to raise funds for preservation of Blanton Forest, the largest old-growth forest remaining in the state.

Our efforts have expanded into a variety of conservation projects across the state and currently include the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, the largest landscape level project ever undertaken in Kentucky. Through partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, corporations and private individuals we have protected thousands of acres of wildlands.