Named president of Friends of Warner Parks (FOWP) last July, Jenny Hannon was already a familiar face to the walkers, hikers and horseback riders who use the 60 miles of primitive, paved and horse trails in Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. She had been hiking there with Libby, her 12-year-old miniature goldendoodle, for years before the 3,200-acre parks became her new “office.”
Jenny's experience as the director of the Nashville Sports Council and her 12 years on the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation more than equipped her for her current role. Other jobs since involved fundraising, promoting and selling aspects of the city she enjoys — its sports, schools and, now, parks.
While federal and state parks were closed during the Safer at Home order, the Warner Parks remained open and lived up to the motto “Our Sanctuary in the City.” Jenny laughs, "If FOWP had a dollar for every visitor in the park from March to May, we’d never have to fundraise again!” That would be fantastic, because FOWP is in the midst of the It’s My Nature capital campaign to raise $15 million to return the park to its original state and meet the heightened demands of park usage to date. The Allée restoration is almost complete, the invasive plant removal is well underway, and improvements to the trails and the Nature Center are planned. We caught up with Jenny to hear who she sheltered in place with, the parks’ hidden treasure and what to expect when native plants return.
THE BASICS
Name: Jenny Hannon
Profession/Title: President, Friends of Warner Parks
Hometown: Lebanon, Indiana
Zip Code: 37205
Years in Nashville: 28
Miles of trails in the Warner Parks: 60
Who was with you during the Safer at Home order? For seven weeks, all four of my girls were home with me; it was a gift. Mary Kate came home from Chicago and worked remotely; Halina, who is in nursing school at Belmont, came home — FOMO; Caroline was home from the University of Michigan; and Megan, my rising high school senior, was once again surrounded by sisters!
What’s your favorite spot in the Warner Parks? There is not one favorite spot. I find myself saying around every turn, “This is my favorite spot in the park.” I love the changing landscape and beauty around every turn in every season.
What’s a hidden treasure in the parks? The Burch Reserve, a peaceful spot across Highway 100 for passive hiking, wildlife observation and immersion in nature. It hosts hills, hollows, open meadows, huge trees and more. No trail running or dogs, though! It’s a natural park area, and we strive to minimize our impact on the delicate ecosystem.
What’s the best part of your job? That my office is the park. Many meetings are convened on the trails.
What are some opportunities for people who want to get involved? First and foremost, become a member and give a little to the park that gives you so much — and get membership benefits in return! The volunteer opportunities abound, from park ambassadors and organic gardening to invasive plant control and so much more. Follow us on social media to learn more about campaign updates, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. It’s equal parts inspiration and information. The barred owls have been putting on a show as of late, and the hummingbirds will come soon.
What’s your favorite locally made product? I live for the Tennessee Mountain Honey by Strange Honey Farm that I pick up at the Richland Park Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Other than the park, what do you do or where do you go for some peace and quiet? My back porch. I love to spend my afternoons there, reading a book, taking a nap, catching up with my girls or entertaining friends.
What annual fundraising event do you most look forward to every year? The obvious (and honest) answer is Sunday in the Park. I particularly enjoy attending events that take place outside and for an admirable cause. I also really enjoy the Frist Gala, because I believe the addition of the Frist Art Museum was one of the finest gifts to our city.
What’s one thing you want to cross off your bucket list? Visiting and hiking more of our National Parks: Bryce Canyon (Utah), Zion (Utah) and Glacier (Montana) are at the top of the list.
What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? Our esprit de corps.
For the full interview with Jenny, visit nfocusmagazine.com. For more on the Friends of Warner Parks and the ongoing restoration, visit warnerparks.org.
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