With a vision and relentless determination, Red spent years reclaiming these overgrown spaces, removing invasive species, and restoring the land’s health. Along the way, he uncovered a trove of artifacts, including relics from the Civil War’s Battle of Atlanta. Slowly but surely, Red transformed these neglected lots into a sanctuary for nature and neighbors alike. By 2010, Red had consolidated these lots into what is now Red’s Farm Preserve.

According to Red, some of the lots had once been part of a cattle farm, where kudzu was purposefully planted to address erosion. During invasive removals led by UFO, 100-year-old kudzu roots, measuring over 4 feet long and 1.5 feet in circumference, have been excavated. Planting kudzu, now considered a noxious invasive plant, is a practice hard to imagine today, so ubiquitous that it is now an emblem of the South. The landscape still bears the marks of kudzu’s impact and the tireless work Red undertook to control its spread. At the heart of the property, the Oak tree stands as a testament to this history—its lower branches dipping down, a quiet reminder of the kudzu that once draped from them.

Over the years, Farmer Red cultivated a wide variety of crops, from Christmas trees to fruits and vegetables, though none were more beloved than the 30+ towering Tiff Blue blueberry bushes he planted. These bushes, still enjoyed by neighbors every summer, are a testament to his dedication and love for the land. Red’s vision extended far beyond his own harvests. He welcomed gardeners, flower farmers, beekeepers, and neighbors to join him in cultivating the farm, creating a space that reflected his passion for community, music, art, and the natural world.