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Once in a Blue Moon 2022

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Once in a Blue Moon 2022

The 22nd Annual Once in a Blue Moon Celebration brought together 600 guests and unveiled a vision for the future of The Land Trust’s Glen Leven Farm.

Supporters gathered under the stars at The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Glen Leven Farm on October 22, 2022, for the annual Once in a Blue Moon celebration. This year’s event brought the community together to look ahead, sharing a vision for the future of Glen Leven Farm for the first time. Chairs Kristin Paine and Ellen Smith brought a uniquely personal connection to the occasion: both of their families are descendants of the Thompsons who owned and operated Glen Leven Farm for 214 years before it was donated to The Land Trust in 2006.

The evening began with a walk through the historic barn, where guests were greeted with specialty cocktails and bluegrass music by Nathan Belt and the Buckles. Liz McLaurin, President and CEO of The Land Trust for Tennessee, thanked those in attendance who made the event possible and welcomed Doris McMillan of the Tennessee Historical Commission for a moment of gratitude.

As the sun set and dinner was served, attendees got a sneak peek into the future of the historic property. Using the findings of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects’ comprehensive landscape plan and cultural landscape synthesis funded by The Frist Foundation, The Land Trust is building a strategic plan for Glen Leven Farm. The plan will turn the property into a model that communities throughout the state can look to for best practices in land conservation and cultural preservation.

Thomas Woltz, Principal and Owner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, took to the stage to call for the community’s support to transform Glen Leven Farm into one of the most inspiring, relevant cultural landscapes in the Southeast.

Following a farm-to-table dinner by Menu Maker Catering, Nathan Belt and the Buckles returned to the stage for a lively performance while guests enjoyed s’mores around the bonfire late into the evening.

“Blue Moon is not just a celebration, but The Land Trust’s largest annual fundraiser,” explained McLaurin. “This tradition raises funds to support our statewide mission all year long and we’re grateful for everyone who came together in support of this year’s event.”