Once in a Blue Moon Celebrates Generational Land Stewards

The preserved lands of Glen Leven Farm have been beloved by generations of Nashvillianians — as have many of the state’s treasured greenspaces. On a crisp fall evening, multigenerational landowners and Land Trust for Tennessee supporters came together under a waxing crescent moon for Once in a Blue Moon — an event supporting the Land Trust’s important work to preserve the natural world and historic sites throughout Tennessee.

This year’s co-chairs — Trisha and Chuck Elcan and their daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Baxter Ingram — epitomized the call to celebrate multigenerational landowners. As guests relished cocktails in the open air, they enjoyed bluegrass stylings from the band Willie Pearl. After the reception, guests made their way into a sprawling tent for a delicious dinner featuring a spinach and frisée salad, roasted chicken with whiskey glaze, and a white- and dark-chocolate bread pudding — all prepared by Flavor Catering.

Fifth-generation Nashvillian George Clements took the stage to discuss his work — and memories — with the Land Trust. “I am a fool for the great outdoors, for restoration and preservation work,” he said. George told the story of working on the house that sits on Glen Leven Farm, which was then in an advanced state of disrepair — an anecdote that perfectly captured the work the Land Trust does on a daily basis.

Baxter spoke on behalf of the co-chairs, sharing memories from his life growing up on a farm that had been in his family for generations. “For us, it’s never been just about property,” he explained. “It’s a place that connects our family across time — where values are learned, repeated and passed along.”

After the inspiring speeches concluded, revelers made their way to the twin bonfires outside the dinner tent — a Once in a Blue Moon tradition — and enjoyed s’mores by the fire.