2018 Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones
All Tennessee Valley Chapter members are invited to the annual chapter meeting on Saturday, November 3, 10 am – 2 pm at the historic McCoy Farm & Gardens, 1604 Taft Hwy, Signal Mountain. After a brief recap of a very successful 2018, including our first ever public native plant garden tour, you will receive a preview of some great programs and Certificate in Native Plant classes lined up for 2019. Learn how you can become more involved in YOUR chapter and make some new friends. We will hold our election of officers and Board members. Lunch will be provided for all chapter members who pre-register. Bring a native plant or some seeds for a swap, and go home with something new to try in your landscape.
The meeting and lunch will be held in the pavilion. Afterwards, you will be able to explore the gardens and grounds where several of our chapter members volunteer. You can also walk the 1.1 mile trail around this 38 acre parcel.
Please register separately for each person to attending the chapter meeting.
Wild Ones members and spouses/partners are welcome to attend.
Make your lunch selection from the following choices (beverages will be provided):
- The Memphian: Black Angus roast beef, Black Forest ham, Butterball smoked turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, lite mayo, and spicy brown mustard on a 6” multigrain baguette served with chips and cookie.
- Southwest Chicken Wrap served with chips and cookie.
- Savannah Chopped Salad: Sliced, grilled chicken breast, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola cheese, honey roasted almonds, tomatoes and cucumbers served with Sherry Shallot dressing and served with a cookie.
- The Veggie: Swiss, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and roasted red peppers on gluten free bread served with Ranch dressing, chips, and fruit cup.
- Garden Salad: Fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Cheddar-jack cheese, croutons and dressing on the side. Served with a fruit cup.
The schedule for the day is:
10:00-11:30am - Business Meeting
* Election of 2019 Officers
* Report about Chapter Activities and Volunteer Opportunities
* Preview of 2019 Programs
11:30am - 12:30pm - Lunch
12:30-2:00pm - Native Plant & Seed Sharing
Bring a labeled native plant or bag of seeds...and take home a new plant or seed.
A Brief History of McCoy Farm and Gardens
Before her death in 2004, Martha Bachman McCoy began conveying her historic family farm to the town of Walden. Martha’s grandfather, Jonathan Waverly Bachman, served under Confederate Gens. Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Her father, Nathan, was born in Chattanooga in 1878, attended Baylor School, and a number of colleges including the University of Chattanooga. Nathan Bachman earned his law degree at the University of Virginia. He started his law practice in 1903 and was elected Circuit Court judge and later Associate Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court before being appointed to the U.S. Senate.
The Bachmans bought the Anderson Pike property in 1912. The senator became a great lover of the mountain, its people, history, flora and fauna. The family home was open to all. His farm on Signal Mountain became a Southern gentleman’s dream.
The property is now a public park, available for community activities including weddings and special events. The home has undergone renovations and the blacksmith shop was completely rebuilt. Two recent studies have identified 24 bird species. Visit www.mccoywalden.org to learn more about the family’s history and this historic property.