Tim Robinson and Elaine Clark live on Hightop Mountain, one of the highest points in southeast Knox County with sweeping views of the French Broad River and the foothills of the Smokies. They both have deep roots and family ties to southern Appalachia going back 300 years through western North Carolina and east Tennessee, and their ancestors are some of the first settlers of this area.

The proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park means this part of Knox County faces intense real estate development pressures. In Tim’s words, “Preserving this viewshed, these woods and open fields as a safe habitat, was the main goal in placing a conservation easement on this property. It is so important for FLC and private landowners to protect the special parcels of land and wildlife in East Tennessee that are under constant threats of development before they’re lost forever.”

With panoramic views of the river and mountains, Hightop Mountain is a ridgetop oasis with a blend of habitats – home to a variety of wildlife including deer, fox, bobcat, turkey, bear, gray squirrel, possum and raccoon. Bird species include three varieties of woodpecker, redtail hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, northern harriers and even a pair of sandpipers that visit every late spring and summer. It’s a place to decompress from the hustle and bustle down in Knoxville. One of Tim and Elaine’s fondest memories on the property is watching the maiden flight of a young eagle, one of the first born in Knox County along the French Broad River at Seven Islands Birding Park. They watched from their window, as an adult eagle with a young one following landed in an oak tree right next to their house. The other parent landed next, right beside its offspring. They rested on the branch for a few minutes before flying back toward the river. It was “wonderful” to watch what had not been seen in this area for over 100 years.

Elaine added, “We had been working diligently in our East Knox County Community since purchasing the property in 2000 to preserve and protect the unique character of the area. It was important to us that we not only ‘talk the talk’ but also ‘walk the walk’ on preservation. Tim’s mother approached us about partnering with them as they were considering their own plans for their land, and between us we owned about 100 acres of mountain top forest and fields. We were fully on board, and the partnership with FLC was a perfect fit.”