Rock Creek Farm – Middle TN
Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.
Buford Jennings was raised on a cattle farm in the heart of Lincoln County, Tennessee. His family had been in the area since the early 1800s. Growing up, Jennings didn’t have electricity or telephones and went to school in a one-room schoolhouse. Though life was tough, Jennings’ parents persevered, instilling in him a deep connection to the land. When he went away to college, he was eager to leave farm life behind, but over time, he found himself drawn back to it. But as time went on, he was motivated to get back to raising cattle and started to enjoy the work. In 2015, he decided to protect 100 acres of Rock Creek Farm, with a conservation easement with The Land Trust for Tennessee.
Jennings remarked on the beauty of Tennessee. “It’s the most beautiful state in the Union. It’s just remarkable as far as the hills and valleys and streams. It’s just beautiful topography, no doubt about it.”
After a career with the U.S. Army, Jennings returned to the land he loved. In 1976, following the passing of his father-in-law, he began managing the family farm in Lynchburg, initially 50 acres, while still commuting to Huntsville, Alabama. By the time he retired in 1993, he had expanded the farm to 150 acres. Jennings found solace in the land, explaining, “I had a fairly stressful job, and getting out on the land brought a sense of peace and quiet. It was something I enjoyed more and more.”
One particular moment made Jennings consider protecting his land. Sitting on a hill, he noticed 34 new houses that hadn’t been there when he bought the property in 1984. The landscape was changing, and the rural character of the area was fading. That’s when his son told him about The Land Trust for Tennessee. Jennings knew it was the right step to conserve his land for the future.
“Tennessee is losing so much farmland every year,” Jennings said. “We can do without a lot of things, but we can’t do without farms. People don’t always think about that—they just go to the grocery store. But everything eventually comes back to the land. That’s why I believe so strongly in what The Land Trust is doing.”
Jennings’ decision to protect his land was deeply rooted in his family’s history. His great-great-grandfather was awarded 100 acres nearby for his service in the War of 1812, and the Jennings family has been connected to the area ever since. “It’s a good feeling to know that they were here, I’m here, and my family will continue to be here,” he said.
For Jennings, conserving the land is about more than just protecting its natural beauty; it’s about keeping a way of life alive. “A lot of the property around Lynchburg is being divided and bought up,” he explained. It’s losing its local charm. I’m thankful for what The Land Trust is doing to help protect it.”
Looking ahead, Jennings is comforted knowing that his land will remain agricultural, at least in his sons’ ownership. They operate a custom cattle feeding business at Rock Creek Farm and run a farm-to-freezer market. “We’ve got customers we’ve had for over 30 years,” Jennings said. “It’s comforting to know that this property will keep its character. I hope my kids and grandkids will feel the same way about it.”
Buford’s story shows how important land conservation is in Tennessee. His decision to work with The Land Trust for Tennessee means that his family’s legacy—and the rural charm of his community—will be protected for generations to come. As Jennings put it, “The Land Trust is helping to slow down development and urban sprawl, and that’s something we need more of.”
Find out how you can support The Land Trust for Tennessee’s conservation work.