Along the banks of Boone Creek in Clark County, the Richard Hunt Smith Nature Preserve stands as a powerful tribute to love, loss, and the healing power of nature. Landowner Carolyn King created the preserve in memory of her son, Richard, who passed away in 2009.

Through a conservation easement with Bluegrass Land Conservancy, Carolyn has permanently protected her property—envisioning it as a “sanctuary for pure beauty, love, joy, and kindness for all life.” Inspired by the practice of rewilding, she has welcomed back native wildflowers, pollinators, deer, foxes, bobcats, and more.

“Rewilding has provided me the opportunity to learn and practice coexisting with all wildlife,” she shares.

Thanks to Carolyn’s vision, the land now flourishes—and Richard’s legacy lives on in every blooming tree and birdsong.