Iris Hill Farm – West Tennessee
Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.
Nestled between the bustling cities of Memphis and Bartlett lies a unique 140-acre gem that stands as a tribute to Judy McCrary’s deep love for her land: Iris Hill Farm. The property is a living legacy of her and her late husband George’s shared dream to protect and cherish their piece of paradise. Judy worked with The Land Trust for Tennessee to protect 102 acres of this Greenbelt property in 2011. Here’s her story.
Judy and George McCrary.
Judy and George McCrary didn’t just see their land as a financial investment. For them, it was all about nurturing and protecting something beautiful. George, who had a successful career as a judge and engineer, had a true passion for farming.
“He was happier on a tractor than in a courtroom,” Judy said. “He was all about beekeeping, keeping logs of all the trees on the property, and keeping animals—his heart was truly in the land.”
George McCrary was happiest on a tractor, according to Judy.
When George passed away in 2009, Judy took over the maintenance of the property.
“I have a forestry plan on it and just intend to love it until the good Lord decides he’s going to take me away.” She said.
Judy knew she had to honor their dream of safeguarding their land. “After he was gone, I wanted to make sure we did what we always planned,” Judy explained. Her son’s discovery of the Land Trust for Tennessee online was a game-changer, setting their conservation plan in motion.
Iris Hill Farm.
The Land Trust for Tennessee was a perfect match for Judy and George’s vision. Protecting open spaces and historical properties fit right in with what Judy and George had always wanted. Setting up the conservation easement took some time—there were legalities to sort out and appraisals to be done—but it was worth every bit of effort, according to Judy. “The Land Trust made it all happen,” Judy said. “Now I can relax knowing the land is protected.”
Thanks to the easement, the land is safe from being developed or subdivided. It remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a special place for future generations to enjoy. “It’s protected, and I think George would be really proud,” Judy added.
George McCrary riding a horse at Iris Hill Farm, one of his favorite activities.
Judy’s memories of the property are filled with joy. She recalled fishing and camping by the lake with her daughter and George, George and her daughter riding horses, growing vegetables, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature. “We got to escape the city hustle and just enjoy the land,” Judy reminisced. “It was our peaceful retreat.”
Even as Memphis and Bartlett change around it, Judy’s land remains a slice of tranquility. She’s dedicated to keeping it in great shape, just as she and George always intended. Her commitment means that their dream of protecting this special place is alive and well.
A pond at Iris Hill Farm.
“You can’t make more land,” Judy said. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone. If you’ve got property that you’ve loved and taken care of and your family’s been involved in, then The Land Trust can protect that land for you.
The rest of the Iris Hill acreage is set to be placed into the conservation easement in the event of Judy’s passing.
Find out how you can support The Land Trust for Tennessee’s conservation work.