York Bell Conservation Reserve

Dr. York’s farm, located near the intersection of I-840 and Horton Highway in College Grove, includes a 1/3 mile of an unnamed tributary of Nelson Creek, which flows to the Harpeth River. Dr. York’s vision for this space is to create a passive public park, including hiking trails, a small lake, and a pavilion. Already, a small pond is located on the property, which is mostly farmland with some forests. Documented species on the property include fringed darter (Etheostoma crossopterum), two species of snail (Physa gyrina and Elimia laqueata), and two species of crayfish (Cambarus striatus and Faxonius durelli).

Dr. York and his late friend, Jean Bell, decided long before her passing that this land should be protected from development and remain publicly accessible for the enjoyment of future generations. TennGreen is grateful to them both for their visionary gift of the conservation easement, which will prove an invaluable open space in the years to come.

“This property is one of the most pristine properties in Williamson County and, in fact, the State of Tennessee, with an abundance of open space and some forest. It will serve the community well as a ‘forever natural green space’ in a rapidly developing Williamson County. TennGreen Land Conservancy has been an outstanding organization to work with. Everyone I’ve met at TennGreen has been very courteous, professional, and exceptionally committed to the organization’s core goals. It’s been a joy to get to know and work with the people at TennGreen, and I highly recommend them for any conservation project.” —Dr. Douglas C. York, Landowner

If you’re interested in conserving your land for future generations, trust TennGreen’s proven environmental stewards to guide you through your options. To learn more about conservation easements, please contact our experts at land@tenngreen.org or call (615) 329-4441 today!