Knox County’s Bull Run Creek valley has been the focus of extensive FLC conservation work. Almost 750 acres are protected by FLC conservation easements, and even more is protected within ten miles. This is particularly notable because Knox County is the third most populated county in Tennessee, which creates an unfortunate conservation dilemma: The natural landscape is increasingly sought after for relief from the fast pace and closeness of urban life, while it is also increasingly being sought after for urban development because of its beauty.

It’s a large part of why Kelmer and Shirley Reynolds made the decision to protect their property in perpetuity. This tranquil land includes open space, forest, and pastures, offering scenic views to a public roadway and surrounding countryside. Multiple organizations also agree that it’s critical habitat for birds.

The Reynolds property is located within an Important Bird Area (IBA) as designated by the National Audubon Society. IBAs are identified using a set of criteria internationally recognized as globally important for the conservation of bird populations. This IBA, the Cumberland Plateau Forest Block Complex, satisfies criterion A3, which indicates biome-restricted species, or species whose populations are largely or wholly confined to one ecological system. This site was identified and recognized by the National Audubon Society in 2013, and it was given Global Priority ranking.

Additionally, four species out of the 70 Priority Bird Species that the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture identified for the Appalachian Mountains Bird Conservation Region have been observed on the property. They either breed or winter in the Appalachian region. The species observed include Field Sparrow (High Priority), Eastern Wood-pewee, Eastern Towhee, and Summer Tanager (Moderate Priority). The Field Sparrow is also considered to be among Common Birds in Steep Decline.

The expansive pastures on the property are an important support for grassland-obligate bird species (like the Field Sparrow). During the past quarter century, grassland birds have experienced more severe population decline than any other avian guild on the continent. The Field Sparrow has seen its population decrease by 62% since 1970. Despite the role of agriculture in the loss of native prairie, these declines have been somewhat buffered by the expansion of agricultural grasslands – hayfields and pastures – existing as reservoirs of suitable habitat that allow grassland-obligate species to expand their ranges. This remnant habitat is considered vitally important in maintaining bird populations by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. This means the permanent protection of the Reynolds property’s agricultural grasslands will secure crucial habitat and help prevent further decline among these imperiled species.