Joyce McCroskey passed away in 2012, a few years after placing an easement on her family’s land. Since then, it’s been in the care of her children and grandchildren. Several of them thoughtfully contributed to the development of this story, even if they are not quoted directly. FLC is grateful for their perspectives and memories.

The McCroskey’s family tree has roots in this area going back hundreds of years. This particular land has been in the family since the 1940s and started out as a cattle farm with its wide, open pastures. Lizzie McCroskey’s earliest memories are of playing in the fields and creek – a larger playground than most kids are privileged to ever have. Her father told her stories of his own early childhood when she was younger, as they hiked the same hills that he did.

Katie McCroskey describes this land as “the family’s own mini private national park. We are right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it can feel like we are already in it. As the crow flies, we are only about five miles from Cades Cove.  The views from the creek and up in the hills are stunning.”

This land is special to the McCroskeys because, to date, five generations have lived on it. “It is home, it is our community of place,” says Rachel McCroskey.  “That includes the wild things that live in the woods and swim in the creek.” Everyone is invested in maintaining the land’s natural beauty while using it responsibly and sustainably. The woodland, variety of slopes, streams, pastures and edges collectively support diverse year-round habitat for both plants and animals.  Most large and small game species can be found on the property including squirrel, rabbit, white-tailed deer, bear, wild boar and turkey. A small cave on the property could provide bat habitat, and family members have spotted otters and a variety of birds. The landscape offers generous access to water and a diverse woodland for year-round food, nesting, cover and unimpeded travel.

“Our mother and father, Joyce and David McCroskey, were ardent supporters of land conservation and have always wanted to preserve the farm for future generations to enjoy as they did,” Debbie Gilliam says. “They supported the Foothills Land Conservancy from the very beginning.” Rachel McCroskey adds, “Since my grandmother has passed away, the management of the property has transitioned to my parents’ generation, and in recent years, my generation is becoming involved.

FLC has been a partner and guide for our conservation goals since the conception of our easement. While FLC has grown significantly in the past few years, these are ‘local’ folks, with a small office and a handful of staff, not some huge faceless non-profit. These are our neighbors and friends who want to see the same things we want to see happen in our neighborhoods and across our landscapes. I think it’s important to put our money where our values are.  If someone values preserving open space and conserving our natural resources, then FLC is a great organization to support financially.”