Williams & McKenzie Sisters- Middle Tennessee

Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.

Carol Williams and Gina McKenzie are sisters just 15 months apart in age, and though their lives took them on different paths—Gina teaching abroad in Japan and Germany, and Carol working in environmental regulation in Tennessee—they have grown closer than ever in retirement. Today, they live side by side on their family’s property in Marshall County, a place filled with memories, nature, and a deep sense of home. We had a chance to chat with the sisters about their properties and their decision to protect them at their family home on a hot August day. This is their story.

Left to right: Carol Williams and Gina McKenzie with their “Protected Forever by The Landowner” sign.

The Williams and McKenzie sisters grew up in and around Tallahassee, Florida, until their family moved to Tennessee when their father decided to pursue farming. Reflecting on their childhood, Carol fondly recalled, “We were always playing outside, barefooted, chasing snakes.” The sisters’ love for the outdoors was evident from a young age, whether they were climbing trees, playing in ponds, or helping their father with farm chores like baling hay and growing tobacco.

Their family’s farm in Tennessee became their true home, a place where they built lifelong memories and developed a profound connection to the land. “I always looked forward to coming home for breaks,” Gina shared. “That’s what home is—a place you want to come back to.”

: Gina McKenzie lives at the home the sisters’ parents built, but made it her own with Japanese influences.

: Carol Williams lives in a log cabin that she and her late husband, Doug, built together on the portion of the property next door.

While Gina traveled the world, Carol remained deeply rooted in Tennessee. “She was the traveler, and I was the homebody,” Carol said with a smile. Despite their different lifestyles, the sisters’ bond only grew stronger over the years, especially as they found themselves back on the family farm in retirement.

The porch of Carol Williams’ log home. A piece of outdoor art at Carol Williams’ home. The sunroom in Carol Williams log home.

Their shared love for the land eventually led them to consider its future. Concerned about the possibility of development encroaching on their beloved farm, Carol introduced the idea of placing a conservation easement on the property through The Land Trust for Tennessee. “I don’t want to see it become houses,” Carol said, her voice filled with emotion. “Once the land is gone, it’s gone. You can’t get it back. We also wanted to honor our parents and the fact that they brought us here and raised us here.”

: The family property where Gina McKenzie now lives.

: Carol Williams on the family property.

: A structure on the family property.

Initially, Gina was hesitant. “Carol had to work on me for a couple of years,” she admitted. However, after discussing her concerns with The Land Trust’s team, Gina realized that the easement wouldn’t mean giving up control over the land. “Jackson from The Land Trust explained that we weren’t giving up control and that the land could still be sold, but it would always have the conservation easement on it,” she recalled.

Understanding the long-term benefits, Gina eventually agreed. “We did it to honor our parents, for us, and maybe to inspire someone else to do the same with their land,” she said.

: A shed at the family property.

: The back of the family property is forested.

For Carol and Gina, the conservation easement is about more than just protecting their land—it’s about safeguarding the environment, providing a haven for wildlife, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty they’ve cherished all their lives. “I’ve always been environmentally-minded,” Carol explained. “We’ve got to take care of the environment, or we won’t be able to live here. So, this is my part in that.”

Gina also appreciates the tranquility and natural beauty of their protected land. “I just love looking out and seeing wildlife,” she said. “I love watching the birds and the butterflies, the hummingbirds, all kinds of animals.”

: A Japanese statue at Gina McKenzie’s home. Gina taught in Japan for many years.

: Gina McKenzie gives belly scratches to her sister Carol Williams’ cat, Oreo.

The sisters have found comfort in knowing that The Land Trust is there to help steward their land. “It’s nice to know they’re watching over everything, so I don’t have to worry about that,” Carol said.

Reflecting on their decision, Carol emphasized the importance of conservation. “Somebody’s gotta speak up for the land,” she said. “We’ve lost so much. Once it goes away, you can’t get it back. There’s so much value in it. I’m glad there’s an organization like The Land Trust that’s doing this in Tennessee.”

: Carol Williams commissioned a traveling artist to paint the tin man on this grain silo.

: A local farmer grows crops on the family property.

The McKenzie sisters hope their story will inspire others to consider the long-term value of conservation. “This is a positive for society,” Carol added. “If more people knew about it, they might see that it’s not just about money—it’s about keeping our world livable for generations to come.”

Carol concluded, “No matter where you go in the world and how much you travel, you can always come home. It’s about your memories and knowing that you can come back as long as you want to.”

Find out how you can support The Land Trust for Tennessee’s conservation work.