For many years I have been asking you, "What is Your Adventure?" Well, here is mine for 2016...and beyond. 

In July of 2015, this property became available for purchase. Almost 116 acres of historic natural beauty and a stone English Tudor style house built in 1934.

My adventure (vision) for 2016 is to create a sustainable recreational and cultural event center that will include an art gallery, gift shop, café, manicured lawns and botanical gardens with an African safari theme. The plan is to convert the existing electrical systems to solar power, including solar powered fountains and exterior lighting. The property may even include its own solar farm, producing electricity for its own consumption and beyond. Rainfall will be captured and conserved for irrigation of newly designed botanical gardens. Parking areas will be permeable to reduce storm run-off. Compost and mulch will be created from the spent foliage and fallen leaves and re-introduced to the botanical gardens. Fallen tree branches will be chipped up and used for walking paths around the estate. Park benches will be installed throughout the property so that all ages can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Local schools and colleges can learn from our endeavors and local companies will be employed to do the work, pouring knowledge and money back into Sumner County.

My purpose is to preserve and beautify this property, in addition to providing the public with a recreational setting to be used for education, entertainment and involvement. The setting will also provide space for visiting artists and guest speakers, as well as provide an affordable wedding, reunion or meeting venue. The front lawn will be filled with visitors attending local performances. Holidays may involve giant Maize (Corn) Mazes and holiday light displays. Area schools may plan field trips to teach children subjects from art and photography to sustainability and conservation, from African and Indian culture to Christian missions, from African explorers to African wildlife, in a fun, casual manner. In addition, a portion of proceeds will be used to make life better for orphanages in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and India (current Safari Studio fans know my connection, work and history with these organizations). Providing clean drinking water to those with none has always been one of my goals. The newly renovated center will educate, entertain and excite visitors from all around for years to come. And, with almost 116 acres, there is plenty of room for expansion.

This dream cannot be achieved alone, I need your support to make it a reality. Contact me and become a part of this new Adventure. I ask that donors (corporate, family or individual) join me in preserving this property so that future generations can enjoy this natural piece of Sumner County and do good for those in need at the same time. The initial goal is $3,000,000 to cover cost of property purchase and start of renovation. Any donation over this amount will allow us to do more in a smaller time frame.

No donation is too large or too small.

For more details, contact me at [email protected].

Thanks,

Barnia (Barney) Scruggs

Safari Studios

Adventures In Photography

www.safaristudioadventures.com