This summer, one of Nashville's most beloved and iconic events will find itself immersed in the very landscape it seeks to protect. For the first time in its illustrious history, the 2025 Swan Ball, chaired by Melanie Baker and Laura Niewold, will take place in the heart of Edwin Warner Park. Also, for the first time, its proceeds will benefit Friends of Warner Parks, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and stewarding the 3,195 acres that comprise Percy and Edwin Warner Parks.
This partnership marks more than a milestone—it signals a profound evolution.
Presented by SB Initiative Inc., the 2025 Swan Ball will directly fund initiatives that ensure Warner Parks remains a sanctuary for all. From safeguarding native habitats and maintaining trail systems to advancing environmental education, the event will support efforts that protect the land and enrich the lives of those who visit it. Chief among these is the Nature Discovery Program, a youth education initiative developed in collaboration with the Warner Park Nature Center and Metro Parks Community Centers.
"Warner Parks is more than just a place—it's an experience, a classroom, a community hub and a refuge," says the Friends of Warner Parks team. "We are honored to be this year's beneficiary and thrilled to welcome the Swan Ball into the landscape it's helping to preserve."
Nature as Teacher
The Nature Discovery Program offers free, hands-on environmental education to Nashville youth—many of whom might not otherwise have access to green space. Through guided exploration of creeks and trails, wildlife observation and conservation-focused activities, children cultivate a lasting appreciation for the natural world. The ripple effect is both immediate and generational—nurturing the next wave of environmental stewards while deepening their sense of connection to the land.
This summer, with the support of Swan Ball attendees and donors, the program will grow—extending its reach to even more children and families throughout the city and beyond.
Restoring the Land, Honoring a Legacy
Among the organization's most ambitious initiatives is the Clare's Meadow Restoration Project, a transformative effort to restore overgrown fields to native grassland rich with biodiversity and ecological resilience. The project is named in memory of Clare Armistead—beloved philanthropist, longtime Swan Ball patron and co-founder of Friends of Warner Parks—whose reverence for nature and quiet leadership helped shape the Park's enduring legacy.
Clare's vision lives on in every wildflower planted, and every pollinator welcomed home. Thanks to the generosity of Swan Ball supporters, this work is accelerating, breathing new life into one of Nashville's most treasured green spaces.
A Community Rooted in Celebration
Although the Swan Ball brings elegance to Warner Parks for a single unforgettable evening, the spirit of celebration continues throughout the summer. Friends of Warner Parks invites the community to enjoy Full Moon Pickin' Parties—a series of outdoor bluegrass concerts held monthly from May through October. With live music, local food trucks, craft beer and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere beneath the stars, these gatherings are a beloved tradition in their own right.
"It's one of the best ways to experience Warner Parks," the team says. "These events are about community as much as conservation—and every ticket supports the Park you're enjoying."
Be a Part of the Legacy
Whether you're dancing beneath the lights at the Swan Ball, enjoying a summer concert, volunteering on a trail or simply walking among the trees, there's a place for you in the Warner Parks story.
To learn more, explore upcoming events, or become a member, visit warnerparks.org.
Preserving a place like this—for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come—requires all of us.