Bluegrass Land Conservancy
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Since 1995, Bluegrass Land Conservancy has protected over 38,000 acres of land in 26 counties in KY!
Bluegrass Land Conservancy is the largest regional, accredited land trust in Kentucky, and spans Kentucky's two most populated metropolitan areas, covering the very best farmland in the Commonwealth, with over 30,000 acres of land already protected. BLC protects the Bluegrass region for current and future generations, with a focus on prime farmland soils, scenic open space, water resources, natural areas, rural heritage, and, of course, agricultural viability.
In Kentucky, conservation doesn’t stop at the fence line — it shows up on the plate.
Through Holly Hill and their culinary group, Ouita and Chris Michel have built a lasting connection between Kentucky farms, local food, and community. By growing ingredients on site, sourcing from local growers, and celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage, they help keep Kentucky’s food traditions tied to the land that makes them possible.
When farmland is protected, so are the ingredients, livelihoods, and traditions that depend on it.
We loved talking with sous chef Sean Patterson about Holly Hill Inn's garden-to-table approach, and we’re grateful for Holly Hill’s longtime support of Bluegrass Land Conservancy’s annual auction and mission to protect Kentucky’s working landscapes.
In Kentucky, farm-to-table isn’t a trend—it’s a conservation strategy.
Restaurants like Holly Hill Inn, Castle Farm at The Kentucky Castle, and Haymarket by Ashbourne Farms are proving that sourcing locally does more than taste better—it reduces food miles, lowers carbon emissions, and supports the farmers who steward our land.
Every locally sourced meal helps keep farmland in production instead of development. Every partnership between chefs and farmers strengthens the working landscapes that define the Bluegrass.
At Bluegrass Land Conservancy, we protect that land—so farm-to-table can continue to thrive, from soil to plate.
Because protecting Kentucky’s land means protecting everything that grows from it.
Farm-to-table in Kentucky starts long before the plate, it starts with protected land. When farmland is conserved, it stays in production; supporting local farms, local food, and stronger communities. Protecting working land also helps reduce development pressure, preserve local food systems, and keep Kentucky’s agricultural heritage thriving for future generations.
Here in the Bluegrass, the connection is clear:
Protected land → local farms → local food → stronger communities
At Bluegrass Land Conservancy, we work to protect the landscapes that make Kentucky’s farm-to-table culture possible - because sustainability starts with the land.
Happy !🥾
This National Trails Day, we’re celebrating the miles of trails that wind through the Bluegrass and the conserved lands that make them possible.
Because trails don’t just connect places…they connect us to the land we protect.
06/05/2026
This , we’re proud to recognize Diageo for its commitment to environmental stewardship and support of conservation efforts across Kentucky and beyond.
Through a grain-to-glass approach, Diageo continues to advance sustainability initiatives that help protect water, support regenerative agriculture, reduce emissions, and strengthen biodiversity across the communities where it operates.
We’re also grateful to Bulleit and Ritual Zero Proof for donating their signature products to our auction and conservation awards events, and helping bring people together around a shared commitment to sustainability.
Bluegrass Land Conservancy works to protect land, sustain natural resources, and inspire people to care for the places that shape them.
05/28/2026
Today’s shines on our friends at Airdrie Stud, a longtime champion of Kentucky land conservation.
Located along historic Old Frankfort Pike, Airdrie Stud has helped preserve the beauty and heritage of the Bluegrass for generations. Since 2000, Airdrie Stud has been permanently protected through a conservation easement with Bluegrass Land Conservancy.
We are grateful for Airdrie’s continued partnership and commitment to protecting Kentucky’s iconic farmland and equine landscape.
05/27/2026
Today’s shines on Mt. Brilliant Farm, a treasured Bluegrass landscape and longtime supporter of conservation.
With a legacy dating back to the 18th century, Mt. Brilliant is more than a world-class Thoroughbred farm. Their team is committed to raising horses on land as nature intended while helping preserve Kentucky’s iconic farmland for generations to come.
At its core, Mt. Brilliant embraces a deep responsibility as stewards of the land, honoring its history while protecting its future. We are grateful for their partnership in conserving the landscapes that make the Bluegrass so special.
05/25/2026
This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their sacrifice and the freedoms they helped protect.
Their legacy lives on in the communities, landscapes, and places we are privileged to call home.
Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
05/21/2026
Protecting Kentucky’s horse country means protecting the land, water, farms, and natural heritage that make the Bluegrass Region unique.
That mission is at the heart of Bluegrass Land Conservancy’s work every day, and through Acres of Impact, our monthly giving program, you can be part of it.
Your monthly gift helps conserve working farms, safeguard open spaces, and ensure the landscapes that sustain Kentucky’s equine industry remain protected for generations to come.
Join Acres of Impact today: https://www.bluegrasslandconservancy.org/support/
In the Bluegrass Region, horse country doesn’t start in the barn, it starts in the fields.🌾🐎
Hay is the foundation of the equine industry, fueling Thoroughbreds, sport horses, and breeding operations across Kentucky and beyond.
In 2025 alone, Bluegrass Land Conservancy’s protected properties collectively produced nearly 4,000 acres of hay—supporting a living, working agricultural landscape that powers horse country from the ground up.
🌿Healthy soil → high-quality hay → strong horses → a thriving equine economy
As development pressure increases, conserving these working lands is essential to keeping Kentucky’s horse industry strong.
🐎 Protect the land that feeds horse country.
🌾 Preserve the farms that grow it.
🏇 Sustain the legacy.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.bluegrasslandconservancy.org/protected-lands/
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Contact the organization
Telephone
Address
249 E. Main Street, Suite 201
Lexington, KY
40507
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm |