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Stories in Kentucky

Celebrating 50 Years Together

We Celebrated A Big Milestone With a Big Party

April 21, 2025 | Last updated September 18, 2025

Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains with the graphic for our 50th Anniversary superimposed on the image.
Celebrating 50 Years Together Come join us September 18, 2025. © Cameron Davidson

The Nature Conservancy recently celebrated 50 years of conservation in the Bluegrass State. Together with partners, communities and supporters, we have achieved so much, including the protection of more than 155,000 acres of land, reconnecting 198 miles of free-flowing water on the Green River and restoring nearly 20,000 acres of floodplain wetlands.

This September, we threw a party worthy of those wins—and we are so grateful to those who could join us!

We are especially grateful that TNC CEO Jennifer Morris could join us to acknowledge nature’s visionaries and vanguards who are working to make Kentucky an incredible place to live, work and play—yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

We owe special thanks to Stuart Brown, a Louisville native who now serves on TNC’s Global Board of Directors.

With nearly 250 attendees, the celebration was a success, in large part due to our wonderful sponsors.

How We Celebrated

CEO on Site Jennifer Morris, TNC's CEO, was present to deliver remarks to the large group of valued sponsors and supporters in attendance. © Mike Wilkinson
Donors and Supporters From left to right: TNC Board member, Dan Key, Leisje & Alan Rietze, Claire Key, Paula & Fred Pope enjoying an evening of celebrating 50 years of conservation in Kentucky. © Mike Wilkinson
Live Music A local Kentucky band, The Local Honeys, provided live music to celebrate TNC in Kentucky's 50 years of conservation in the Bluegrass State. © Mike Wilkinson
A Beautiful Setting Attendees group together to take photos of the beautiful Kentucky countryside which created the backdrop of our venue, Ashbourne Farms in La Grange, Kentucky. © Mike Wilkinson

50 Years Celebration Publication

 

Learn more about the work we have done to protect Kentucky's lands and waters over our 50 years in the state.

Read More

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Various event sponsor's logos.
Anniversary Sponsors Title Sponsors, Community Sponsors and Friends of TNC's 50th Anniversary Celebration. © TNC

How We Celebrated

The Music Attendees were able to greet old friends and make new ones while listening to lauded Kentucky musicians, The Local Honeys. © Case Mahan
The Food Everyone enjoyed locally sourced food that celebrated the Commonwealth’s cuisines. © Ashbourne Farms
The Venue We gathered at Ashbourne Farms, a site with roots in agriculture, conservation and bourbon. © Ashbourne Farms
Mix and Mingle Those on hand mingled with conservation heroes who bring their support, talent and passion to making sure people and nature thrive in Kentucky. © Ashbourne Farms
Learn Attendees were able to discover more about our work through remarks, a video presentation and interactive stations. © Marco Tessari