Duck River Watershed Society Receives Grant to Expand Environmental Education Programs in Coffee County
Funding from The Lillian Ashley Fund at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Will Support Hands-On Learning and Conservation Education
COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. — June 8, 2026 — The Duck River Watershed Society (DRWS) has been awarded a grant from The Lillian Ashley Fund at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) to support the continued growth of its School Education Program, bringing hands-on environmental learning opportunities to more students across Coffee County.
Based in Coffee County, Tennessee, the Duck River Watershed Society is dedicated to protecting and sustaining the Duck River, one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America. Home to more than 650 aquatic species, the Duck River is an ecological treasure of national significance and a critical source of clean drinking water for more than 300,000 people every day.
The grant will help DRWS expand its Education Day program, which was initially funded by The Lillian Ashley Fund and developed in partnership with local school districts, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, and other community organizations. The program provides middle school students with immersive, hands-on experiences in ecology, environmental science, watershed conservation, and natural resource stewardship.
Students also explore the region’s rich Native American history through educational visits to one of Tennessee’s most important archaeological sites. By combining environmental education with cultural heritage experiences, the program helps students develop a deeper understanding of the connections between people, history, and the natural world.
Funding from CFMT will allow DRWS to strengthen programming for current partner schools while expanding opportunities to additional schools throughout Coffee County, helping more students gain meaningful experiences in conservation and environmental stewardship.
“We are deeply grateful to The Lillian Ashley Fund and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for their continued investment in environmental education,” said Christian Rieseberg, Board Vice President/Treasurer of the Duck River Watershed Society. “This support allows us to engage more students in hands-on learning, foster appreciation for our region’s natural and cultural resources, and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.”
The Lillian Ashley Fund was established to honor Lillian Ashley’s enduring commitment to serving the community she loved. A native of Manchester, Tennessee, Ashley created the endowment to support children, care for animals, and promote environmental conservation throughout Coffee County.
About Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) brings people, ideas, and funding together to help communities thrive. Through strategic grantmaking, civic leadership, and tools for long-term giving, CFMT partners with donors and organizations to create lasting impact across the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee. Learn more at cfmt.org.
We are here to protect the most biologically diverse river in North America
Biodiversity in Our Backyard
The Duck River Watershed flows for nearly 300 miles throughout Middle Tennessee before emptying into the Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. The river’s landscape ranges from small cities and towns to sparsely populated rural areas.
The watershed is one of the most biodiverse waterways in North America and features several endemic species found nowhere else on the planet.
Did you know …
The Duck River features several endemic species found nowhere else on the planet
The watershed provides over 300,000 people with their drinking water.
The Duck River is home to 35 species listed as federally endangered or threatened.
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Some of the many perks of being a DRWS Member
