The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Suzanne makes a new friend. © Garland Marshall

"TNC leads in efforts to involve the local communities in recognizing the importance of conservation. They recognize the crucial importance of preserving biological diversity and focus worldwide on those areas where biodiversity is highest and in most jeopardy." -Garland Marshall

Suzanne and Garland Marshall have always been fascinated by the world around them. As a young couple, they spent two summers at marine stations while Garland considered marine biology as a possible profession. Now he’s professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Washington University’s School of Medicine. Suzanne is an accomplished creator and teacher of fabric art that often features design elements inspired by nature.

The Marshalls have been members of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for over 20 years and recently made their most generous and heartfelt gift: a family vacation home on Dewees Island, South Carolina.

“We have been very impressed with the motivation and dedication of the staff of TNC to their mission,” says Garland. “It's a quality organization that's working hard to make a difference for our grandchildren and their descendants. We're happy to be able to assist in some small way.”

In addition to supporting Missouri conservation, proceeds from the sale of the Dewees Island property will support Conservancy projects in Micronesia and Papua New Guinea, where Garland and Suzanne have witnessed the rapid degradation of forest and marine habitats. “TNC leads in efforts to involve the local communities in recognizing the importance of conservation. They recognize the crucial importance of preserving biological diversity and focus worldwide on those areas where biodiversity is highest and in most jeopardy. The increase in [Earth’s] population in the face of limited resources places incredible pressure on local communities to exploit rather than conserve.”