A Vision of the Future

John and Laura Cooper

Natalie Clements, Amy Keith Ophelia Paine, Samantha Saturn

Co-chairs Ellen Smith and Kristin Paine

The Land Trust for Tennessee looks ahead at Once in a Blue Moon

The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Once in a Blue Moon was celebrated on a beautiful evening under the stars at historic Glen Leven Farm. The event, in its 22nd year, is the largest fundraiser for the Land Trust for Tennessee and supports their mission to conserve the unique character of Tennessee’s natural and historic landscapes and sites for future generations.

The evening represented a mixture of Nashvillians and visitors throughout the state of Tennessee who are committed to preserving important sites from encroaching development. This year was particularly special because many guests represented the Next Generation — landowners who have inherited the land and are interested in focusing on honoring the legacy and importance of the spaces they now steward. Chairs Kristin Paine and Ellen Smith brought a unique perspective of stewardship to the event as both descend from the Thompson family, the original owners and operators of Glen Leven for 214 years.

Guests enjoyed a reception including specialty cocktails like the Tennessee Mule and the Rosemary Paloma while taking in the beautiful scenery and show-stopping sunset . As guests visited and moved into the dinner tent, they were entertained by the musical stylings of Nathan Belt and the Buckles, who returned to the stage after the dinner and presentation to fill the night air with music. “Blue Moon is not just a celebration, but The Land Trust’s largest annual fundraiser,” said Land Trust for Tennessee President and CEO Liz 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.”

The true highlight of the event was the video presentation unveiling the strategic plan for the future of Glen Leven Farm. Funded by The Frist Foundation, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects completed a comprehensive landscape plan and cultural landscape synthesis. The strategic plan will transition Glen Leven into a model that communities throughout Tennessee can look to for best practices in land conservation and cultural preservation.

After dinner, guests enjoyed the tradition of s’mores by the bonfire .

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Eric and Jessica Stanton, Briana and Nate Succop

Wynne and Emily James, Virginia Thompson Whitney Daane, Barbara Daane

Steve and Mary Jo Shankle

Tiffany and Frazer Buntin, Liz and Lee Vaughan Whit and Lauren Martin, Jeanie Nelson and Will Martin

Heather Wingate and Robert Jones

Todd and Kim O’Malley, Sara and Richard Bovender Bill and Robin Everhart

Joe Hodgson, Beau Jarrell, Sam and Mandy Hodgson