McCoy Farm & Gardens Newsletter

Volume Eleven: Issue Onexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx January 2026

A Look Ahead at 2026 Dates

From springtime fun to festive holiday traditions, our 2026 events at McCoy Farm & Gardens are designed for families of all ages to enjoy together. Mark your calendars now and make memories with us throughout the year.

Mahjong Class at McCoy

Are you curious about Mahjong but not sure where to start? Our Instructional Mahjong Party on Sunday, February 22, 2026, will include a lesson taught by Mahjong instructor Beth Newbold, refreshments, plus a mahjong card for you to keep after the event! Space is limited. Tickets are $60/each, and all proceeds benefit McCoy.

Annual Fundraising Campaign

Wrapping Up Soon

As our annual fundraising campaign enters its final stretch, we are grateful for the generosity our community has already shown. Your support has brought us so close to the finish line and makes our work possible throughout the year.

With just a little left to go, every gift truly matters. Thank you for investing in our "community gem."

Grounds Group Gets Creative

The members of our Grounds Group not only keep the trails and grounds clear, fight invasives, and plant trees, but also have a creative, artistic streak. Back in late fall, as they were clearing a dead pine, grounds volunteers Tyler Jeffrey and Sherry Newcomb commented that one of the logs looked like an animal. Before long, the group had taken on the project of turning the log into a reindeer in time for the Tree Lighting. Led by Andy Jones, members of the group, including Sherry, Tyler, Benjamin Horne, Elizabeth Longphre, Beth Myers, and Caroline Woerner, created a wooden reindeer sculpture complete with real antlers enjoyed by young and old during the holiday season.

Storytelling at Open House

During the December 7 Open House, guests were treated to a special reading of Emma Bell Miles and the Mystery of the Shoe Flower, by author Anne L.S.B. Davis. The story offers a warm and creative glimpse into the life and legacy of Emma Bell Miles and her deep connection to Walden’s Ridge. Book sales were available during the event, with all proceeds donated to support the work of McCoy Farm & Gardens. A limited number of copies will also be available at the next Open House on February 8.

What's Coming Up

Grounds Group

Every Tuesday | January hours 4:30-6:00pm

The Grounds Group meets every Tuesday evening to keep McCoy looking its best. Activities vary by week and include invasive removal, storm clean up, and planting natives. Times may vary seasonally according to sunset. If you're interested in joining this group, contact Beth Myers at 330-256-1472.

Open House

Sunday, February 8, 2:00–4:00pm

The Bachman-McCoy House is open the second Sunday of each month. Docents will be available to share the history of the property and the people who have lived there. McCoy merchandise, including a few copies of Emma Bell Miles and the Mystery of the Shoe Flower, t-shirts, and Emma Bell Miles merchandise will be available for purchase.

Weed Wrangle

Saturday, March 7 | 9:00–Noon

Volunteers across the state will be tackling invasive exotics in parks and natural areas, and McCoy needs your help—no experience required. Meet at the Welcome Station in the parking lot. Bring gloves, a water bottle, and hand pruners or loppers if you have them. Contact info@mccoywalden.org for more information.

Newsletter Volunteers Needed

McCoy Farm & Gardens is seeking volunteers to help create our newsletter. Assistance is needed with writing short articles, editing, proofreading, and gathering photos. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please reach out to info@mccoywalden.org for more information.

Contact McCoy Farm & Gardens

at katie@mccoywalden.org

to learn more about renting space at McCoy for your next event.

Or mail your check to

McCoy Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.

McCoy Farm & Gardens is grateful to our Annual Sponsors, whose support allows the continued restoration and improvement of the property and buildings, as well as the expansion of McCoy's programming. If you are interested in more information about becoming an Annual Sponsor, please check out our Partners page on our website or contact the office at 423-598-1658.

McCoy Farm & Gardens encompasses 38 acres and features the Bachman-McCoy home, gardens, and several outbuildings, including the Pavilion, Carriage House, Barn, and Blacksmith Workshop. Our Level 2 Arboretum contains 72 species. With over 2 miles of trails, the grounds also include the site of the former home of artist, poet, and naturalist Emma Bell Miles.