Transformative Estate Gift to Advance Climate Mitigation & Adaptation
The largest realized bequest in TNC Arizona history will benefit Arizonans for generations.
The Nature Conservancy celebrates the life and legacy of Ann Hitchcock, whose extraordinary generosity has resulted in the largest estate bequest in TNC's history of working in Arizona.
Guided by her father's advice to "live modestly and invest consistently in growth stocks," Hitchcock’s landmark bequest will advance climate mitigation and adaptation at a time of unprecedented environmental challenge in Arizona and across the globe.
(Frances) Ann Hitchcock — styled by family, friends and colleagues as “Ann Hitchcock” — was a museum professional who began her career at the Museum of Northern Arizona and went on to a 44-year career in the National Park Service (NPS), principally as the first Chief Curator.
In that position, Ann oversaw the development of a first-class curatorial-and collection-management system, well-funded computerized cataloguing, expanded storage and research access at park sites, and professional development of curators.
During Ann’s tenure, the NPS discovered that its collections numbered more than 125 million objects, archives and natural specimens, far exceeding earlier estimates of 10 million items. The finding established the NPS as steward of the world’s second-largest museum collection after the Smithsonian. Ann received numerous academic appointments, honors and publishing credits and, for a time, was the highest-ranking woman in the NPS. She continued working until her death at age 78.
Ann’s life and values reflected her love of the outdoors and the national parks from adolescence, and recreationally she maintained an intimate relationship with park lands — hiking, canoeing, backpacking and cross-country skiing. Her friendships and collegial relationships also reflected her commitment to nature.
Ann’s concerns about the impact of climate change, and desire to create a legacy of conservation, led her to the bequest that is already making a difference in Arizona. A longtime member and supporter of TNC, she valued its unique qualifications for large-scale conservation through a pragmatic, nonpartisan approach that unites diverse partners and stakeholders, including — for her most especially — Indigenous communities.
TNC Arizona is honored to accept from Ann Hitchcock this landmark estate gift, which will be directed toward climate change mitigation across the state for generations to come. Her gift will conserve and safeguard Arizona’s lands and waters at a time of unprecedented environmental challenge.
“This extraordinary bequest is both a tribute to a remarkable life well-lived and a powerful investment in Arizona’s natural heritage,” said Dan Stellar, State Director of TNC Arizona. “Legacy gifts like this allow us to plan boldly and act decisively to protect rivers, forests, grasslands and wildlife habitat that are essential to people and nature alike. Estate gifts are among the most meaningful expressions of support we receive. They reflect a lifetime of values and a desire to leave the world better than we found it. I am humbled by this donor’s trust and deeply committed to honoring her legacy.”
This historic bequest underscores the growing importance of planned giving to conservation in Arizona and beyond. By including TNC in estate plans, individuals can create a lasting legacy that protects land and waters, supports scientific research and helps communities thrive in a changing climate.
TNC Arizona invites others who share this vision to consider how their own legacy can help protect the places they love. To learn more about legacy and estate giving, visit nature.org/arizona or contact Mark Ryan, Sr. Associate Director of Development at mdryan@tnc.org.
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