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Landowners in the Southeast Region Inspire Each Other to Conserve
Just over two years ago, The Land Trust for Tennessee protected our first properties in the greater Chattanooga area - the Circle G Farm and the Circle V Farm in Georgetown, owned by David and Kathy Gooch and Greg Vital, respectively. The conservation of over 220 acres of rolling hills and woods on a beautiful stretch of Highway 60 along the driving route of the Trail of Tears dividing Hamilton and Meigs counties provided the spark that has encouraged and inspired other landowners in the area to permanently protect their treasured properties. "It's truly been exciting to see the growth of conservation agreements in the Southeast Region and across the state," says Greg, who became a member of the Board of Directors of The Land Trust in 2008.
As the word began to spread about the benefits of conservation, a new project came about in the midst of the fastest growing area of Hamilton County. Greg's business partner, Franklin Farrow, together with his wife Tamatha, are raising their young family on a 40-acre farm in Collegedale, near where Franklin himself grew up. In December of 2007, exactly one year after our first property in the area was protected, The Land Trust signed conservation agreements with the Farrow family, the Mayfield family in Athens, and three other landowners in the Southeast Region. Reflecting on the lasting legacy that his children and grandchildren will enjoy, Franklin believes that "The Land Trust brings to the surface what we know is core to our heritage, but have forgotten to value in our haste to live for today."
Less than three miles from the Farrow Farm and just inside the Bradley County line, Bill Brock's grandparents settled on a farm in McDonald nearly 100 years ago. In recent years, Bill became concerned about the increasing pace of development in the area and the accompanying loss of farms, forests and wildlife that have meant so much to him throughout his life. He began thinking about the future of the homestead he built on his 47 acres of the original Brock Farm, along what is known as Brock Road due to his family's legacy. "I have family and friends that live on this road. When I think about what could happen to this land, I just don't think they would want to see that." When Bill learned of the protection offered by a conservation agreement, he contacted The Land Trust for Tennessee. His farm became the first conserved property in Bradley County when his agreement was finalized in December of 2008.
From the first Southeast closing to the most recent, The Land Trust for Tennessee has conserved 11 properties and 1,738 acres, with many more projects underway. Our family of landowners, volunteers, and supporters continues to grow as more communities and individuals learn about The Land Trust. "Even in the current economic conditions, the preservation of the heritage and history of Tennessee is an important legacy for us to leave for future generations," Greg remarks. "People who really care about and value the natural resources we have need to know about The Land Trust." Franklin agrees, stating that, "being involved with The Land Trust has brought my family into contact with truly extraordinary people who unselfishly give of their resources to advance conservation of (unique and irreplaceable) land plots that would otherwise be lost."
"Working with landowners like Greg, Franklin, and Bill is so incredibly rewarding," says Tricia King, Southeast Region Project Manager. "Every project is unique, and I love getting to know the families and hear the stories about their reasons for choosing to protect their land for the future." While the stories and the special characteristics of the landscapes may vary, there is one constant among each landowner - the sense of peace that accompanies the signing of a conservation agreement. "I'm just so happy now that it's done," says Bill. "I don't have to worry about the farm being developed someday."
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