RECAP: Annual Celebration 2025
On May 8th, landowners, supporters, staff, and Board members gathered in Williamson County for The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Annual Celebration to reflect on the past 25+ years of successes and discuss what’s next.
With over 460 conservation projects spanning 137,000+ protected acres across 76 counties, the organization’s momentum has never been more positive.
Friends of Franklin Parks graciously hosted us at the Hayes House at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. The City of Franklin purchased this 200-acre property from the Harlin Family in 2004 after a 5-year effort that began with Julian Bibb’s vision of Harlinsdale as a place the public could enjoy. In 2007, the City then partnered with The Land Trust for Tennessee to permanently protect the park for future generations.
It has a rich agricultural and equestrian history and has been called one of the most significant places associated with the Modern Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Due to the outstanding work of the City Parks Department and the Friends of Franklin Parks, Harlinsdale has evolved into exactly what the initial vision had been— a place where the community can gather and recreate.
The Annual Celebration began with drinks and hors d’oeuvres by Flavor Catering. As the sun set over the grassy field and historic house, the program commenced. Guests heard remarks from President & CEO Liz McLaurin, Vice President Emily Parish, and LTTN’s new Chair of the Board of Directors, Louise Beasley. Remarks emphasized the importance of land conservation in Tennessee, other public parks we protect, and thanking outgoing Board members. Speakers also acknowledged new Board Member Emeriti Robert Brandt, Doug Cameron, and Steven Mason.
Conservation Highlights
Over the past 25+ years, we’ve conserved Century Farms and historic landscapes, prime farmland in quickly developing areas, wildlife habitat in the Sequatchie Valley and along creeks and streams feeding the Duck River, lands on the fringes of our urban core, public parks from Memphis to Knoxville, forested foothills of the Smokey Mountains, and tourist routes in Lynchburg, among others.
In the past year alone, The Land Trust for Tennessee closed conservation easements in Anderson, Grundy, Marshall, Monroe, Overton, and Sumner counties. Meanwhile, our stewardship team, dedicated to upholding our promise of perpetuity, completed over 430 visits to protected properties across Tennessee in the last year.
Welcoming New Board Members
Our Annual Celebration welcomed new Board members while recognizing those concluding their formal service. We’re excited to welcome our newest Board member, Baxter Ingram, Corporate Development and Strategy Professional.
Special Thanks
We extend a special thank you to the staff at the Hayes House for helping ensure that this event was a success even though it got off to a rainy start.
Really, we owe our success to our community. Thanks to our landowners statewide and all who’ve supported The Land Trust’s journey. We’re grateful for the hard work and partnerships that have fueled our accomplishments over the past 25+ years, and we’re eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
