In the winter of 2007, Michael and Gay Nuckols Barnett donated a conservation easement on one-hundred eighty-one (181) acres of historic Blackburn Farm in Woodford County.  This prime farmland is currently in equine use and includes open grasslands, fields, pastures, a pond, a natural spring, and a diversity of trees from chinese elm to ginko.  The historic property also includes approximately 1/4 mile of frontage along United States Interstate-64 (I-64), 1/4 mile of frontage along the Midway-Spring Station Road, and 1/2 mile of frontage along the L&N Railroad.  The public traveling these roads and railroad are able to enjoy the rolling pastures, fields, open space, and historic resources whose beauty is now permanently protected.  This farm is in close proximity to land currently held – and land proposed to be placed – under conservation easement with Bluegrass Conservancy, thereby building an expanded area of protected open space.