Land Trust for Tennessee

Nunnelly Farm

Vernon, Tennessee, once the county seat of Hickman County, is today a small crossroads in a farming community along the Piney River. Nunnelly's

The Nunnelly family recalls its roots dating back from the 1840’s. Now Walter and Bill Nunnelly have protected their farm’s future by conserving almost 1, 000 acres with The Land Trust for Tennessee.

By using a permanent conservation agreement, the two brothers will know that their family legacy will live on whether or not a Nunnelly descendent owns the farm

With two miles of Piney River frontage and acres of productive bottomland, it is no wonder the Nunnelly family chose this spot in 1844 to make the family home.

Rolling hills of mature hardwoods and the historic family homeplace give any visitor a real sense of what a productive Hickman County farm was like in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Farming has changed a lot since those years, but what has not changed is the loving stewardship of the land this family has shown.

Bill and Walter grew up on this farm, and are the fifth generation of Nunnellys to swim and fish this stretch of the Piney River.

Nunnelly's Although they both went on to make careers and lives away from Hickman County, their love of this place never left.

In recent years, they began to consider what might be next for the farm. The brothers acknowledged that the property’s uniqueness and natural attributes, as well as their family history and that of the surrounding community, all represented a priceless heritage that they did not want to lose.

Signing a conservation agreement with The Land Trust for Tennessee has given them the freedom to sell the farm or pass it on to other family members if they wish, knowing that the land will always remain just as it is now.

According to Bill and Walter, “This farm is something very special to us and should remain intact. We know that much will change, but we made a decision to protect the farm for the future, and be assured the bounty of this land will remain.

“The Land Trust made it possible for us to share our legacy with future owners, knowing that this stretch of the Piney River will be saved.”

Jean Nelson, president and executive director, notes how important the Nunnellys’ act of conservation is to the region.

“This farm is a completely unique pairing of historic family legacy with one of the most rich and stunningly beautiful parts of Middle Tennessee.

“There are few places remaining across the entire state with such caring family members who want to be sure they do the right thing with land they love.

“We are so honored to be part of their stewardship and legacy from now on.”

The non-profit Land Trust for Tennessee now protects more than 17,500 acres throughout the state. This portion of the Piney River watershed is a part of The Land Trust’s Duck River Initiative. Begun two years ago, it is a community-based awareness effort, acknowledging the rich historic and natural resources these communities in the Duck River Watershed share together.

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