RECAP: Once in a Blue Moon 2024
Our community gathered for a night of good food, good company, and conservation support at The Land Trust for Tennessee’s historic Glen Leven Farm on Saturday, October 26, for The Land Trust’s annual Once in a Blue Moon event. The group was brought together for a mutual cause: conserving land important to the people of Tennessee. This year’s event was extra special, as the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary by honoring Philip Bredesen, Founder of The Land Trust for Tennessee.
Co-Chairs Susannah & Zulu Scott-Barnes and Michele & Aubrey Preston went to great lengths planning and executing the finest details of the event, making this year’s Once in a Blue Moon a truly unforgettable celebration.
The evening began with a walk through the property’s historic barn, where guests were greeted with specialty cocktails, featuring Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, a presenting sponsor of the event. Before the program began and dinner was served, guests enjoyed live music by Bourbon Revival during cocktail hour.
To kick the program off, Liz McLaurin, President and CEO of The Land Trust for Tennessee, and Susannah Scott-Barnes, Co-Chair of the event and Vice Chair of the Metro Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation, thanked those in attendance and spoke about the importance of conserving Tennessee’s natural and historic landscapes. Scott-Barnes made sure to thank all those who volunteer for the organization, including landowners, all of which voluntarily work with The Land Trust to protect their land.
After a break for guests to enjoy their dinner, Byron Trauger, Board Member Emeritus of The Land Trust for Tennessee, welcomed to the stage State Representatives Greg Vital and Caleb Hemmer, who presented a House Joint Resolution 989 to honor The Land Trust for Tennessee on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary. The gesture highlighted the bipartisan nature of land conservation in Tennessee.
Afterward, guests watched the premiere of a new short film by filmmaker Andrew Kornylak called “Be a Part of the Story” that brings The Land Trust for Tennessee’s journey to life, honors Philip Bredesen, Founder of The Land Trust for Tennessee, and highlights its innovative, data-driven vision for the future. Bredesen was then welcomed to the podium, where he shared touching remarks about the organization and invited guests to “Be a Part of the Story.”
Looking back on accomplishments over the past 25 years and toward the future of conservation throughout the state of Tennessee, the evening was a special celebration that brought together supporters and local and state officials from across Tennessee. Following a farm-inspired dinner by Flavor Catering, Hippies and Cowboys took to the stage for a lively performance alongside the event’s signature bonfire and s’mores.
House Joint Resolution 989.
This year’s Once in a Blue Moon was made possible by sponsors Jack Daniel’s, Tractor Supply Company Foundation, the Gustaf W. McIlhenny Foundation, Tabasco Brand, LP Building Solutions, Morning Pointe Senior Living, Truist Financial, re, McEwen Group, Brown Brothers Harriman, Haven Behavioral Healthcare, Silicon Ranch Corporation, Lipman Brothers and R.S. Lipman Company and other corporate partners.
