The Land Trust for Tennessee does more than offer tax easements to families who want to protect their land.

In 2011, Mayor Karl Dean and The Land Trust unveiled Nashville’s first comprehensive Open Space Plan, which calls for the preservation of 22,000 acres of public and private land over the next 25 years including large reserves of protected open spaces in the four corners of Davidson County.

The first acquisition was the purchase of the 135-acre Cornelia Fort Airpark, now a part of Shelby Park and Shelby Bottoms Greenway. At the end of 2011, Metro Council approved the purchase of the 181-acre Ravenwood Country Club.

"We are trying to get more green space in urban areas, especially Davidson County," says Caitlin Mello, communications and executive coordinator for The Land Trust.

"Right now they are trying to get a park in Antioch to promote health and outdoor activities."