As he accumulated his land, some tracts were littered with concrete slabs, old tractor parts and appliances. He removed the debris and replaced it with trees, clover and fescue. In the old tobacco fields, Charlie planted warm season grasses, providing habitat for quail, rabbits and songbirds. Through an easement agreement with a local electric cooperative, Charlie planted Swamp Milkweed for monarch butterfly habitat. He also allows deer and turkey hunting on his land to prevent damage from overpopulation.

While providing habitat for the wildlife above ground, Charlie also contributes to the care for wildlife underground, as some of his land sits above caves. After selling off cattle and eliminating the tobacco crop, fertilizer, lime and chemicals no longer drained into the caves. This resulted in a better environment for cave dwellers and improved the quality of the cave drainage into the Green River.

Charlie welcomes those who want to learn more about the value of woodland conservation. He has hosted over 4,000 forestry field days for children, undergraduates and business people seeking to learn more about woodlands. During the summer, he provides employment for high school and college students, teaching them to identify, plant and prune trees.

"With regard to conservation, I know of no one who more embodies commitment to a Land Ethic than Charlie,” said Dr. Todd Willian, Professor of Agriculture, Western Kentucky University. “His involvement with nature conservancy will one day undoubtedly be his most lasting legacy to his community and the Commonwealth."