FLC Staff (left to right: Meredith Clebsch, Bill Clabough, Ed Clebsch, Karen Reagan, and Elise Eustace)
About Us
Foothills Land Conservancy's mission is to protect and preserve the natural landscape of East Tennessee. From working farms to woodlands, watersheds to community parks, FLC has assisted individuals and families in protecting more than 25,000 acres to date. A private organization, we are dedicated to the preservation of the rich wildlife habitats, and the agriculture, scenic, and cultural resources of our region. Our ultimate goal is to lead the way to an East Tennessee that is a healthy place for both people and wildlife.
Working with landowners, the Conservancy offers creative, free-market alternatives for the conservation of agricultural and forest lands. A community based land trust, the Conservancy is led by a volunteer board of directors experienced in planning, land and wildlife management, education, and real estate. Foothills is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government. Foothills Land Conservancy was founded in 1985 and opened an office with full time staff in 1992.
To view our History, please click here.
Mission Statement of the Foothills Land Conservancy
To work with public agencies, preservation and conservation-oriented organizations, property owners, and the interested public to encourage the preservation of natural and productive lands which contribute to the unique character and heritage of the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The corporation will work to protect, preserve or enhance the land, water, geological, biological, historical, architectural, archeological, cultural or scenic resources of the foothills area and productive values of such lands.
Foothills Land Conservancy Board of Directors
Individual members may serve two staggered, three year terms. No one may serve more than three consecutive terms. Board responsibilities include: fundraising, policy making, long range planning, land protection, and a range of specialized volunteer activities.
Special Advisors
Our Staff
Bill Clabough, Executive Director
Bill Clabough has spent his entire life in Blount County. A graduate of the Blount County School system and UT Knoxville, Bill spent 30 plus years in the retail grocery business in Blount County. In 2004 he was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly, serving 4 years in the Tennessee House and 6 years in the Tennessee Senate. He joined Foothills Land Conservancy in the spring of 2006 as the Executive Director with the charge to take the organization to the next level. Bill has put together a strong team that is moving Foothills Land Conservancy to be recognized as a regional land trust. He has been involved in all project areas of Foothills. Through the course of overseeing the completion of many successful programs, Bill is always reminded that land protection is our business and our only business!
Ed Clebsch, Special Projects
Ed Clebsch is an emeritus professor of botany and ecology, retired from teaching at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He joined the board of FLC in 2003, served as Interim Executive Director from late December of 2005 through March, 2006, and then joined FLC’s staff as Projects Director. The major projects that Ed has been involved in have included preparation of baseline documentation reports, drafting of conservation easements, seeking monetary grants for travel, training, and completion of easements; leading a self-assessment team for FLC, and preparing the application for national accreditation of FLC by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. He and Meredith, two dogs, and multiple cats live among bountiful native plants in rural Loudon County.
Meredith Clebsch, Land Director
Meredith Clebsch joined the FLC team in 2007 monitoring conservation easements and preparing baseline documentation reports. She attended the Land Trust Alliance national meeting and training sessions in 2007 and 2008. Meredith’s formal education includes a BS degree in Animal Science from Clemson University with minors in Horticulture and Wildlife Biology. She also completed a number of graduate and undergraduate level courses at the University of TN in botany, ecology, horticulture and wildlife biology. For the past 25 years she has owned and operated a successful native plant nursery, which includes consultation and design services involving considerable field work in plant identification and landscapes interpretation. Much of her recreational time is spent outdoors hiking and pursuing nature study.
Elise Eustace, Communications & Development Director
Elise Eustace is the newest member of the FLC team, hired in January of 2009 as Communications & Development Director. She brings with her a background in marketing, a love of hiking and the East Tennessee region, as well as a bit of an organization streak. Elise has over 10 years experience in marketing in sales, client relations, event management, public speaking, and writing. Current FLC projects include donor, business, and media relations along with event planning, printed campaigns, and web development. She has a B.A. degree in Communications with a minor in Business from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. Elise is a member of the East Tennessee Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association and plans to hike all 900 miles of the GSMNP!
Karen Reagan, Office Administrator
Karen Reagan joined the staff at Foothills Land Conservancy as administrative assistant in July 2007. Born and raised in the East Tennessee area, Karen and her husband Steve are proud parents of 3 married children. They were blessed this summer with their first grandchild born June 2nd! Karen loves spending time with her family, enjoys the outdoors and being a part of the wonderful FLC team.
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© Copyright 2009 Foothills Land Conservancy • 865.681.8326 • info@foothillsland.org • 373 Ellis Avenue • Maryville, TN 37804 • Site design & maintenance by Bluegill Creative