If you're looking for another term for Greater Chattanooga area, think: the Cradle of Southern Appalachia. In a new initiative of conservation, Thrive Regional Partnership's Natural Treasures Alliance has created a blueprint for its future.

The regions? The Cradle spans across Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia + Northeast Alabama. The why? To double the amount of protected land — which is currently at 15% — to preserve one million acres by 2055.

Steps the alliance are currently taking include attracting national funding, measuring the progress with data + opening the floor to non-conservationists. Let's dive into what makes some of Chattanooga's natural areas so special.

Walden's Ridge
The 80-mile plateau is inhabited by black bears, the threatened wildflower Largeflower Skullcap + is the only habitat on the planet for the laurel dace fish. Bonus: See how far it's come over the years.

Lookout + Pigeon Mountains
Outside of being some of Chattanooga's prominent landmarks, the mountains are home to the endangered gray bat + rare carnivorous pitcher plants.

Hiwassee River Corridor
Known as the State Scenic River, this area contains at least 42 species of plants + fish. You've probably also seen thousands of sandhill cranes during their migration season.

Check out the full blueprint to see all areas of priorities and strategy plans. Wanting to be a part of this effort? Inquire via email to join the Natural Treasures Alliance.