Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation in Kentucky
Since 1975, TNC has tackled conservation challenges with smart strategies, authentic partnerships and investments in communities.
On September 18, more than 200 Nature Conservancy staff, trustees, supporters and partners gathered at Ashbourne Farms in La Grange to celebrate 50 years of conservation in the Bluegrass State.
“This evening was about three things—celebrating an incredible conservation legacy; thanking the countless donors, partners and volunteer leaders who have made our success possible; and looking forward to how, together, we can meet this critical moment for Kentucky and our planet,” said David Phemister, long-time state director for The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky.
The anniversary event was attended by TNC global board member Stuart Brown, Nature Conservancy CEO Jennifer Morris, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and other community leaders.
The Nature Conservancy formally established a chapter in Kentucky in 1975 and completed its first land protection project at Boone County Cliffs, now a State Nature Preserve. From an early focus on land protection and restoration, TNC’s efforts across the state have grown to include innovative conservation financing projects, climate smart forestry, conservation funding and policy initiatives, and partnership in groundbreaking research on the link between trees and human health.
“These accomplishments have been made possible through collaboration with supporters, communities and partners across Kentucky,” said Gordon Dabney, local business leader and chair of the TNC board of trustees in Kentucky. “From the ancient Appalachian Mountains to the mighty Mississippi River, TNC is delivering results that matter locally and support a healthy, vibrant world for people and nature.”
Attendees heard remarks from David Phemister; Stuart Brown; TNC Kentucky board member and Brown-Forman representative Keo Brown; Gordon Dabney; and Jennifer Morris. In addition, Mayor Greenberg spoke and presented a proclamation for The Nature Conservancy from the City of Louisville. Attendees also enjoyed a short film, created by award-winning local filmmaker Mike Wilkinson, featuring TNC staff, trustees, supporters and partners. They also reunited with old friends and made new ones while listening to lauded Kentucky musicians The Local Honeys and enjoying locally sourced food and craft cocktails that celebrated the commonwealth’s cuisines and bourbon heritage.
The event was made possible with generous support from Title Sponsor Brown-Forman and 13 other sponsors, including Baird, Friends of Berea Forestry, Heine Brothers Coffee, CHI Saint Joseph Health, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Dinsmore, 15 Stars Bourbon, Bluegrass Motorsports and TNC Kentucky trustees.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.