Giving to the Future

By Chris Bunch, Executive Director

**Click on the name of the bird to hear the call**

On a late summer afternoon, we were on a hike on a preserve, bordered by farmland and residential neighborhoods, much of it also former farmland but with a substantial woodlot. The hike was led by one of our volunteers. An avid birder and well known naturalist, she kept us enthralled with her knowledge of the habitats and all the different wildlife we encountered.

Off in the distance, somewhere on the preserve, I heard an ethereal call that stopped me in my tracks, completely stunned. I thought it was a hermit thrush, which I had only ever heard in the deep recesses of remote forests—never in the much more urbanized region of southeast Michigan. Ruth Glass, our guide, corrected me and noted it was a wood thrush. Still rare, but not completely uncommon in this region. The call is very similar to a hermit thrush. She told us this kind of habitat—a forest, with its leaf litter, food sources and nesting habitat, is critical to the wood thrush—they are not backyard feeder birds. Our work was ensuring this fellow creature had a home.

Ruth passed away unexpectedly a couple of years ago. We were truly shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. This story of the wood thrush is a cherished memory and tremendous legacy. It will carry on for generations because she also made an extraordinary gift through her estate. That gift is helping us to ensure the wood thrush will have a place to sing in the future, and that mere mortals like me will be treated to their other-worldly song if we take the time to seek and to listen.

Our work—land conservation—is all about the future. For people, wildlife, wetlands, forests and fields, rivers, lakes and streams, the planet. Our members, donors, supporters and investors all share our vision of sustaining the character and quality of the natural world we inhabit for generations to come. Legacy gifts—through an estate, by will, trust or memorial gifts are all an important part of the resources necessary to translate those values into lasting, tangible outcomes for the wood thrush, the people, and all the other denizens of our region.

We are extraordinarily grateful to be the recipient of these gifts. They result in lands that are permanently protected and habitats that are restored, improved and enhanced. Whenever I hear a wood thrush or a hermit thrush now, I think of Ruth and her extraordinary gifts to conservation, both during her life as guide and interpreter of nature’s bounty and through her legacy gift that ensures these natural wonders will remain for generations to come.

It’s “Make-a-Will” month: Six Rivers board member, Andy Zale, is a financial planning professional and has very generously agreed to share some of his knowledge and experience in this brief article. If you would like to know more about leaving a gift to Six Rivers through your will, trust or estate plan, please contact Ashley Everhart, aeverhart@sixriversrlc.org.

The Vital Connection: Wills and Environmental Conservation

By Andy Zale, Board Trustee

When we think about leaving a legacy, our minds often drift to the tangible—homes, businesses, or financial assets. But there is a profound connection between estate planning and the preservation of our planet's future, a connection that's illuminated when we consider the work of conservation.

Why Making a Final Will Matters

Creating a final will is a critical step in ensuring that your wishes are honored after you’re gone. Without a will, the distribution of your estate is governed by the laws of your state, which might not align with your personal values or goals. A will allows you to specify who receives what, from your cherished family heirlooms to your financial assets. It is a tool for shaping your legacy and making a positive impact in areas that matter most to you.

The Power of Planned Giving

One impactful way to channel your values through your will is by including charitable donations. Many people don’t realize that their estate can support causes they care about long after they’ve passed. Environmental conservation non-profits, like Six Rivers Land Conservancy, which work tirelessly to protect our planet's ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources, often rely on such contributions to continue their essential work.

By making a planned gift through your will you can leave your legacy on the land, contributing to:

1. Preservation of Natural Habitats: Non-profits often focus on protecting endangered species and restoring critical habitats. Your support can ensure that these efforts continue, benefiting future generations.

2. Slowing Development and Suburban Sprawl: Besides the obvious benefit of preserving natural habitats, preserving land has the added benefit of curbing suburban sprawl. By protecting land now, we are making a green belt for both people and animals for years to come. Your bequest can play an enduring part in these efforts.

3. Education and Advocacy: Environmental organizations often engage in education and advocacy to promote sustainable practices. Your legacy can help fund programs that raise awareness and drive meaningful change.

Crafting a Will with Impact

To create a will that reflects your values and supports causes you care about, follow these steps:

1. Define Your Goals: Think about the causes that resonate with you. Is it wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, or something more? Identifying your priorities will guide your choices.

2. Consult with Professionals: Work with an estate planner or attorney who can help you structure your will in a way that maximizes its impact and ensures it aligns with legal requirements.

3. Research Organizations: Investigate environmental non-profits to find those whose missions align with your values. Ensure they are reputable and efficient in their use of resources.

4. Specify Your Bequest: Decide whether you want to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or residual assets after other bequests have been fulfilled. Clearly state these in your will to avoid any ambiguity.

5. Review and Update: Life changes, and so may your priorities. Periodically review your will to ensure it still reflects your current wishes and values.

Leaving a Legacy of Stewardship

By including environmental conservation non-profits in your final will, you’re not just distributing assets; you’re investing in the future health of our planet. This act of stewardship ensures that your commitment to environmental sustainability endures beyond your lifetime. It’s a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of our world and leave a legacy that aligns with your values.

In essence, making a final will isn’t merely about managing your estate—it’s about shaping a legacy that reflects what you cherish. By supporting environmental causes through your will, you help to safeguard our planet’s future, demonstrating a commitment to both present and future generations. In this way, your final will becomes a powerful tool for continuing the vital work of environmental conservation long after you're gone.

For more information about the ways you can leave a lasting impact on Six Rivers Land Conservancy by making a Legacy/Planned Gift visit the link below.

https://www.sixriversrlc.org/legacy-giving

Andy Zale