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Ozburn Hollow: A 480-acre Historic Legacy in Williamson County 
Arrington, TN: Today The Land Trust for Tennessee and the Ozburn family celebrate the permanent protection of their historic 480-acre farm in Williamson County. By donating a permanent conservation easement on their farm, the Ozburns have confidence that their 1804 farm will not be at risk to development now or in the future. This region is rich with farms in continuous operation by the same family for many years. Few, however, can boast a history like this family’s eight generations on Ozburn Hollow Farm. This farm was settled by the Ozburn family in 1804, and remains intact, currently owned by successful businessman Perry Ozburn and his family. Perry Ozburn feels proud about the stewardship of his family land over the past 200 years, but was worried what the next years will bring. In rapidly growing Williamson County, he was unsure the farm would remain intact and undisturbed. Ozburn wants to protect this heritage for his children and grandchildren. After carefully considering numerous options, he decided to donate a conservation easement on the farm to The Land Trust for Tennessee. The permanent conservation easement secures the farm from being divided and developed forever.
According to Ozburn, “This land means so much to me and my family – it’s a part of us that we never want to see separated and we certainly don’t ever want to see it’s beauty destroyed. I considered all kinds of ways to protect my family and this land, and this is a great tool to do just what I had in mind.”
The Land Trust for Tennessee staff first saw Ozburn Hollow in 2001 when they began visits with his cousin Lou Osburn Benson to help her conserve her nearby 1922 family farm. After Mrs. Benson completed a donation of a conservation easement on her farm, she hoped that other family members might one day be interested in also protecting their lands. With Perry Ozburn’s decision, her dream has now come true. Spend a short time with the Ozburn family, and it becomes clear that they possess an overriding love for this rolling Arrington landscape. Their farm is a peaceful place, with open fields rising to the forested ridges, punctuated by barns and the historic home place. The family is restoring some of the historic structures, and takes careful measure of the fields and forests. By donating a conservation easement, they have now taken the final step toward safeguarding their land and remarkable family history. This historic farm remains a reminder of a time when the region’s mainstay was agriculture; where families worked hard and provided for themselves. With their family’s well planned decision, the Ozburn’s are, in their own way, continuing that tradition to provide a valuable legacy for their family and their community. With Williamson County’s rapid rate of growth and the community’s awareness of its scenic beauty, using creative ways to protect the resources has become the Land Trust’s mission. The Land Trust for Tennessee has conserved 10,667 acres throughout the state, 3,493 of which are in Williamson County. Working alongside their key partner, The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, and other groups like the Harpeth River Watershed Association, the Land Trust for Tennessee is making a noticeable difference in Williamson County. This partnership of organizations is working to ensure that Tennesseans through the next generation will be able to enjoy its natural and historic treasures. Identifying and conserving priceless resources, such as Ozburn Hollow, is just the beginning. |
