Once in a Blue Moon 2023
The 23rd annual Once in a Blue Moon Celebration brought together over 500 guests to recognize the importance of protecting public land and conserving the character of Tennessee.
Supporters gathered under the moon and stars at The Land Trust for Tennessee’s historic Glen Leven Farm on Saturday, October 21, for The Land Trust’s annual Once in a Blue Moon event. The group was brought together for a mutual cause: conserving land important to the people of Tennessee. Co-Chairs Sarah Lodge Tally and Jenny Wray went to great lengths planning and executing the finest details of the event, making this year’s Once in a Blue Moon a truly unforgettable celebration.
The evening began with a walk through the property’s historic barn, where guests were greeted with specialty cocktails, featuring Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, a presenting sponsor of the event. Before the program began and dinner was served, guests enjoyed live music by Tim Jones and the Wolves during cocktail hour.
To kick the program off, Liz McLaurin, President and CEO of The Land Trust for Tennessee, thanked those in attendance and spoke about the importance of conserving the character of Tennessee. McLaurin highlighted The Land Trust’s work “to expand and conserve public land – parks of all shapes, sizes, and uses – land open for hunting and fishing and to connect communities through trails and greenways.” From the stage, McLaurin recognized landowners in attendance, including Betsy and Tom Morgan, who recently protected their 167-acre farm adjacent to Montgomery Bell State Park in Dickson County with The Land Trust.
After a break for guests to enjoy their first course, Liz McLaurin introduced Greer Tidwell, Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Bureau of Conservation. Tidwell spoke about the importance of ensuring we have places in Tennessee, “for our future generations to get outdoors and fall in love with this phenomenal state.”
Looking back on accomplishments over the past 24 years and toward the future of conservation throughout the state of Tennessee, the evening was a special celebration that brought together supporters and local and state officials from across Tennessee. Following a farm-inspired dinner by Flavor Catering, Tim Jones and the Wolves returned to the stage for a lively performance alongside the event’s signature bonfire and s’mores.
