Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary Rallies Supporters to Restore a Beloved Trail

On a sultry September evening, a line of cars wound along the gravel drive to Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary for the annual Dinner in the Forest. The evening celebrated conservation and natural beauty while raising funds to repair damage left by Winter Storm Fern.

As guests made their way to the shelter, the scent of late-summer pollinator plants filled the dusk air while a three-piece string band played in the distance. During the reception, guests sipped refreshing cocktails and crisp white wine, and many took the opportunity to meet Annie, an Eastern screech-owl, who serves as the sanctuary’s resident wildlife ambassador, alongside her partner, Hoot.

Owl’s Hill operates a 300-acre nature preserve dedicated to conservation, research and education. That educational mission includes Hoot and Annie, as well as their friend Shakespeare, a barred owl. (The jokes alone are a great reason to visit.)

After the reception, guests made the short walk to a nearby tent, where nature-safe candelabras and votives adorned the tables. Co-chair Elisabeth Sandberg — co-chair Tracy Stadnick was unable to attend — offered brief words of thanks and teased a special announcement to come from Owl’s Hill executive director Sandy Obodzinski. Board members Mimi Heldman and Llew Ann King followed, before continuing a beloved Dinner in the Forest tradition: reading Mary Oliver’s “When I Am Among the Trees.”

After guests enjoyed dinner by the Clean Plate Club, Sandy invited board member Russ Heldman to the stage. Russ delivered a fitting tribute to Shakespeare, weaving together lines from Richard II and All’s Well That Ends Well to illustrate the importance of Owl’s Hill. There is something magical — and oh-so-Nashville — about listening to a heartfelt profession of love for conservation, accompanied by a chorus of crickets and cicadas on nature’s green stage after dark.

Then came Sandy’s announcement: The AWC Family Foundation had offered a matching grant to restore the South Ridge Trail after Winter Storm Fern caused extensive damage. The trail requires a complete redesign, and the grant will help make that work possible — if donors meet the match.

The room immediately rose to the challenge, rallying to meet the goal and ensure the South Ridge Trail will once again welcome future generations into the forest.