Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Sobery
For nearly a decade, Jim Sobery has been a dedicated volunteer at The Land Trust for Tennessee, bringing a unique perspective shaped by his deep love of history and his personal connection to land stewardship. Jim’s story is one of service, both to his country and to the land that he treasures, and it is through this lens that he approaches his work at The Land Trust.
Jim’s interest in history began during childhood visits to his family’s 110-acre farm in Gasconade County, Missouri. The land, originally farmed by German Americans in the 1840s, left a lasting impression on him. “We’d come and hunt, fish, and spend weekends there,” Jim recalled. “That connection to the land always stuck with me, even though I eventually moved on to school, the army, and a career in international business.”
His fascination with history is intertwined with his family’s military background. His father served in World War II, and Jim himself served in the U.S. Army, including time with the 1st Squadron, 1st Armored Cavalry Regiment during the Vietnam War. The stories of bravery and sacrifice from generations past have shaped Jim’s outlook on life, and his connection to the land is often rooted in the historical significance he finds there.
Jim’s move to Tennessee over a decade ago reawakened that connection to the land. When he discovered The Land Trust for Tennessee, it seemed like a perfect fit. “I found out about The Land Trust through the volunteer program online. What really drew me in was the history, the people, and the land. There’s something special about the character of both the people and the land here at Glen Leven Farm,” Jim explained. “It’s meaningful to me to be part of something that preserves the past while also caring for the future.”
For Jim, volunteering at The Land Trust is about more than just clearing fence rows and removing invasive species—though he takes great pride in that work. It’s about honoring the history of the land and the people who have shaped it. “There’s joy in seeing a place cleaned up and restored. And then you look over at the horse barn and think, ‘this used to be a famous horse-rearing area back in the day.’ It all ties together.”
Jim’s dedication to The Land Trust also stems from his belief in the importance of community stewardship. “Caring for land is a community effort,” he said. “Just like on a farm, if you don’t have the equipment you need, you borrow it from a neighbor. That sense of shared responsibility and working together is something I see every time I volunteer.”
Whether he’s reminiscing about Civil War history or simply enjoying the well-kept grounds of The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Glen Leven Farm, Jim’s commitment to protecting Tennessee’s landscapes is clear. “I love seeing the improvements here—the garden, the clean-up work, the families who come on Community Day. It didn’t used to look as cared for as it does today, but now it’s beautiful, and I’m proud to be part of that.”
For Jim, volunteering at The Land Trust for Tennessee is not just about giving back; it’s about connecting to something bigger—a history, a land, and a community that continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of people like him.
As Jim put it, “Sweat equity builds neatness around this farm. And I keep coming back because I believe in what we’re doing—protecting something valuable for future generations.”