Ryan Green
As our city continues its unprecedented growth, (a fact, lamented by many Nashvillians) it’s important to remember that Scottsboro-Bells Bend, a community in northwest Davidson County, still exists as it has for centuries: rural, agricultural, beautiful. And rare.
Few cities have such an unspoiled expanse of land so close to its urban core. Denizens of “The Bend” are devoted to preserving its character and their way of life. Protecting it from development has, for decades, been ingrained in their make-up.
One of the best protections is to come to the Bend and experience for yourself its pristine beauty, and the value the area farmers contribute to Nashville’s health and wealth. Being there, seeing rolling hills, cattle grazing, the orchards in bloom, the cultivated fields, the inherent peacefulness and you feel it. Here is a community worth supporting. (And just 15 minutes from downtown!) This is a way of life worth fighting for.
On Thursday, October 5, the non-profit Bells Bend Conservation Corridor will be hosting “Ring the Bell,” a farm-to-table fundraising dinner, held at historic Whooping Crane Farm. Chefs Julia Sullivan of Henrietta Red and Michael Hanna of St. Vito’s Focacceria will be preparing the multi-coursed meal, using products grown and harvested in the area. Dine on delicious food and drink outdoors with fellow supporters, taking in nature and doing good.
Funds from the dinner will be used towards several projects:
- Food Distribution to Families in Need over $40000 has gone to area farmers to purchase produce to give to food-insecure families—a two-fold benefit
- Farmers Development Fund for area farmers to get continuing education at conferences, etc
- Scholarships for children to attend camp, as partnered with The Beaman to Bells Bend Leadership Academy where they learn environmental stewardship, among other things
- Farmer Relief Fund to assist farmers recovering from damages (i.e. the 2020 tornado)