Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Eustace.
Elise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since 1985, we’ve been working with property owners to conserve land in the Southeast.
Foothills Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects, preserves, and enhances the land of the Southern Appalachian region—and promotes it for the benefit of the public. We partner with landowners who want to protect their land for a variety of reasons: to keep it in the family, to protect sensitive habitats, or to preserve unique beauty that would otherwise be lost to development.
FLC grew out of an effort in Blount County to prevent a 1200-acre amusement park from being built in Tuckaleechee Cove, a beautiful and historic community on the western slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Although the development didn’t materialize, a committed group of supporters realized that land conservation issues were here to stay—and a movement was born.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed the leadership and support of many prominent Tennesseans who care about the amazing natural heritage that is our privilege and responsibility. Through their efforts, we’ve protected more than 200,000 acres as working farms, wildlife refuges, public greenways, and more.
Our home office is a testament to our mission. We run the day-to-day operations of Foothills Land Conservancy from a beautiful 300-acre farm in Rockford, Tennessee—a farm protected forever from development.
The Harris Farm was a generous gift from our former board member Gail Harris, who first placed a conservation easement on the property in 2009 and then transferred ownership completely to FLC in 2017. Besides maintaining our headquarters in the former family homestead, we also lease about two-thirds of the land for farming hay, cattle, soybeans, and corn.
Additionally, you may want to view the text and images in our recently released 40th Anniversary Report:
https://foothillsland.org/foothills-land-conservancy-celebrates-40-years/40th-anniversary-report/
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We certainly have had a few intermittent growing pains in the course of our 40 years of service as a regional land trust and that is a good thing! Over the last few years especially, we’ve been able to expand our presence and programs with additional staff and contract employees. Being able to transfer our office headquarters in 2017 to the 300-acre Harris Farm in Rockford, TN, has assisted staff in multiple ways and especially from an operations standpoint.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Elise Eustace, Outreach Director
Elise Eustace joined the FLC team in 2009 and is our resident strategist, fundraiser, event planner, and communications expert. She’s a graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX.
As outreach director, Elise connects FLC to local and regional communities, raising the visibility of our mission and programs through strategic partnerships, engagement events, and philanthropic initiatives.
A graduate of the Experience Your Smokies leadership program, Elise enjoys visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discovering other unique natural areas across the region.
Most proud of: Being a champion of FLC”s mission… Foothills Land Conservancy is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the lands and environments of the Southern Appalachian region and promoting the character of the land for the benefit of the general public, now and in the future.
Known for: I would like to think I keep whatever project I’m involved in moving forward!
What sets me apart from others? I’m not sure, as I believe we are all unique. I think most people have a sense of integrity in their work and lives overall and I believe that to be true of myself.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I have been blessed to be a part of Foothills Land Conservancy’s team over the years. I’ve met many wonderful and diverse landowners and have also been able to view incredible landscapes. We are all so lucky to live and thrive in our majestic East Tennessee!
Regarding bad luck, I will say that change is a constant in life. While it can be challenging, the lessons and personal growth it provides me is a well-earned take away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foothillsland.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FLC_Friends/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoothillsLandConservancy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foothills-land-conservancy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foothillslandconservancy
