First Light

Location: Little Turnbull Creek, Bowie Nature Park, Williamson County

Photographer: Wade Hooper, Fairview, TN

Photographer's statement:
This image symbolizes the beauty of western Williamson County. The uniqueness of the park compelled the community of Fairview to preserve it forever under the protection of a conservation easement. This is an example of what can be accomplished when a community works together to preserve a lasting heritage. 

Summer Harvest

Location: Sulfur Creek Farm, Bells Bend, Davidson County

Photographer: Paul Schatzkin, Pegram, TN

Photographer's statement:
Bells Bend is Davidson County's last large spread of undeveloped, rural farmland. It is isolated from the rest of the county by a loop in the Cumberland River that makes it inaccessible except by a single two-lane road. As the world's home of "Country Music," Nashville needs to preserve some of its authentic "country" landscape.

Winding into the Morning Mist

Kemmer Farm, Grassy Cove

Location: Near Crossville, Cumberland County

Photographer: Joe Allen, Nashville, TN

Contest coordinator's statement:
R.E. Kemmer founded this farm in 1860; his descendants still work the land today, making it one of a growing number of working family farms designated as "century farms" by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The Grassy Cove community itself, a natural sinkhole ringed by mountains, was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973.

Large Flowered Trillium

Location: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photographer: Steven Faucette, Williamston, SC

Contest coordinator's statement:
Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the first large-scale public-lands protection project in Tennessee. Important not only for preserving stunning natural landscapes, the park also ensures that the Southern Appalachians' rich plant life continues to thrive.     

Summer Sunrise

Location: Bells Bend, Davidson County

Photographer:  Paul Schatzkin, Pegram, TN

Photographer's statement:
Bells Bend is Davidson County's last large spread of undeveloped, rural farmland. It is isolated from the rest of the county by a loop in the Cumberland River that makes it inaccessible except by a single two-lane road. As the world's home of "Country Music," Nashville needs to preserve some of its authentic "country" landscape.

Lake Van in Spring

Location: Bowie Nature Park, Williamson County

Photographer: Wade Hooper, Fairview, TN

Photographer's statement:
This image symbolizes the beauty of western Williamson County. The uniqueness of the park compelled the community of Fairview to preserve it forever under the protection of a conservation easement. This is an example of what can be accomplished when a community works together to preserve a lasting heritage.