Volume Eleven: Issue Six — June 2026
Stories on the Stage
Join us for Stories on the Stage at McCoy, a summer storytime series for children and their families. Every Thursday morning at 10:00 am throughout June and July, community readers will step onto the McCoy stage to share their favorite books. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Settle in for a morning of great stories plus a short sing-along. Each session features beloved books read aloud, a little audience participation, and the sights and sounds of the great outdoors all around you. Hope to see you here!
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind fundraising sale at McCoy Farm & Gardens!
Browse an extraordinary selection of deeply discounted vintage and antique china, crystal, and unique treasures, including vintage vinyl records, seasonal decor (Halloween and Christmas), and surplus crafting supplies waiting to be rediscovered. You’ll also find McCoy honey, t-shirts, and plenty of other special finds.
Outside, you can shop a variety of local artisans showcasing handmade creations, and you’ll find a display of beautiful antique automobiles to admire. Whether you’re a collector, treasure hunter, history enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun Fourth of July outing, this is an event you won’t want to miss, all while supporting the preservation of McCoy Farm & Gardens.
Kite-Building Workshops
Calling all kids and all kids at heart! Join kite expert Chuck Jones for a kite-building and kite-flying workshop at McCoy this summer. You’ll build your own kite and then learn how to fly it afterward. The workshop is suitable for all ages, but younger children will need assistance from an adult. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $20 for each kite kit and $15 for each additional kite kit for participants in the same family. Workshops will be offered on Thursday, July 2, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday, July 3, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Class size is limited, so buy your tickets early to secure your spot.
Evening Kite Workshop Tickets, July 2 Morning Kite Workshop Tickets, July 3
Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth Hamilton
At McCoy, every path, planting bed, and gathering space reflects the care and dedication of volunteers who believe in the power of community. Elizabeth Hamilton is one of those volunteers whose journey began in the fall of 2019 during a Weed Wrangle, helping to remove invasive plants and restore the property’s natural beauty. After completing the Master Gardener program in the spring of 2020, she became even more involved, continuing efforts to clear English ivy and other invasive species from the woods. One day, while working on the property, she was invited to join the Garden Committee, an experience that sparked a lasting connection. As Elizabeth shares, “I did and had a wonderful time and kept coming back. It was wonderful to connect with such a kind and talented group of gardeners.”
For Elizabeth, now a board member, volunteering at McCoy is about giving back to the Walden’s Ridge community and being part of something special. McCoy is sustained by volunteers, and that shared purpose is what makes volunteering so meaningful. It also lets her think bigger than a home garden ever could. “I like to dream big, and McCoy gives me the opportunity to create gardens that go beyond what I can do in my own yard,” she says.
That vision helped bring two beloved spaces to life: the Children’s Garden and the Woodland Garden. Working alongside the Garden Committee and community members to create these spaces has been a source of pride, as well as a chance to form lasting friendships. Today, she finds joy in seeing children and families explore and enjoy the Children’s Garden, a living reminder of what community collaboration can achieve.
Elizabeth encourages anyone curious about plants or eager to connect with fellow garden lovers to consider volunteering at McCoy. The Garden Committee welcomes gardeners of all ages and skill levels, and there’s always meaningful work to do. Whether someone enjoys hands-on gardening or simply wants to learn alongside a friendly, supportive group, there’s a place for everyone. Most of all, it’s a space where people share knowledge, build community, and have fun while caring for gardens that benefit all.
What’s Coming Up
Evening Garden Group
First & Third Wednesdays, 5:30 pm
All McCoy gardens are maintained by volunteers, and joining the team is a rewarding way to learn more about native plants and gardening in general. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s a place for you. For more information about the daytime or evening groups, contact info@mccoywalden.org.
Grounds Group
Every Tuesday, 5:00–7:00 pm
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, June 14, 2:00–4:00 pm
Docent-led tours are held on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00 pm.
McCoy merchandise is also available for purchase, including a limited number of copies of Emma Bell Miles and the Mystery of the Shoe Flower, t-shirts, Emma Bell Miles prints, and notecards.
Interested in Volunteering?
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.
Volunteers are essential to McCoy Farm & Gardens. If you have other particular interests, just let us know how you’d like to volunteer. Sign up below to receive information about regular volunteer days and events.
Interested in Scheduling an Event?
Contact McCoy Farm & Gardens at katie@mccoywalden.org to learn more about renting space at McCoy for your next event.
Give Online
Or mail your check to McCoy Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
We are now able to receive your contribution of securities. If you would like to support McCoy in this tax-advantaged way, please contact our office at 423-598-1658. McCoy Farm & Gardens is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All contributions are charitable and tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.
Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors
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 House, 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.
NEWSLETTER TEAM
Juanita Wade, Joe Davis, Mickey Robbins, Susan Snow, and Karen Stone
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mickey Robbins, President · Joe Davis, Vice President · Larson Mick, Secretary · Leanna Jones, Treasurer · Bob Franklin, Historic Preservation · Elizabeth Hamilton, Gardens · Andy Jones, Grounds · Anne Leonard, House · Beth Myers, Volunteers · Susan Snow, Policy · Karen Stone, Publicity · Fred Wildman, Projects & Property Maintenance
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Mary Catherine O’Kelley & Annette Wildman, Community Event Co-Chairs
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — Melissa Nimon, 423-598-1658, melissa@mccoywalden.org
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR — Katie Whitmire, 423-212-3437, katie@mccoywalden.org