The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Frosted flora in Jackson County, North Carolina. © Theresa Thompson

Making a Charitable Bequest: My Story

I grew up in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, and spent my summers swimming in the lake near our house and taking long walks through the woods with my mom a few days each week. She would point out to me the different species all around us—the wildflowers, the birds and the water moccasins slithering in the water. It was my mother’s love of nature that helped instill those same values in me and eventually led to my passion for bird watching.

Many years later, my brother introduced me to the work of The Nature Conservancy. He brought an issue of Newsweek to a family event that included a very short piece about the Conservancy’s 25th anniversary. He encouraged me and my family members to join the organization, which at that time was quietly doing valuable conservation work. In addition to lending financial support to the Conservancy, through the years I became involved in other ways—attending field trips and helping plan fundraisers.

It is so important to me that this once-quiet organization has expanded its reach throughout the world. As a well-traveled birder, I have come to understand more fully how critical it is that we protect habitat for birds, but also for all species, including people.

Working with the Conservancy staff, I have seen their level of commitment and dedication. I admire the organization’s science-based approach in all situations. They do not simply acquire land; they ask what is unique about each piece of property and why it should be preserved. For these reasons, I believe The Nature Conservancy is doing the best possible conservation work.

I have served on the Conservancy’s Georgia Board of Trustees since 2001 and became board chair in 2011.

Join Me

I know The Nature Conservancy will always care about protecting Georgia’s forests, rivers and coast—the first wild places I loved. I decided to join The Legacy Club through a bequest in my will so that the work I have been doing with the Conservancy will continue after I am gone. This is a gift I can bestow on future generations and I sincerely hope others will join me.

Have you left The Nature Conservancy in your will or estate plan? If so contact us. We would like to thank you and welcome you to The Legacy Club. We would also like to confirm your wishes can be met. Let us know!