The Heritage Society recognizes donors who have shared in the mission of the Leelanau Conservancy by making a gift through a will, bequest, trust, annuity, insurance or other planned or deferred gift. Approximately sixty individuals and couples have notified the Conservancy that they have made such a commitment.

Since 1988, the Leelanau Conservancy has worked tremendously hard, and with great success, to conserve 6,355 acres and 22 miles of shoreline. As land prices escalate and critical areas of the County confront difficult choices, however, the Conservancy faces many more conservation opportunities and challenges. Also, as the legal steward of the lands it protects, the Conservancy must ensure adequate management and protection of the lands in its care… forever.

The current work of Conservancy friends, staff, volunteers and donors will benefit many generations to come – that is one of the great rewards of our efforts. Through wills, bequests, and other estate planning, however, Heritage Society members ensure that their support will not end after their lifetimes.

While supporting the Conservancy’s future, planned gifts can also serve the donor in important ways. For instance, a deferred gift can help minimize the tax liability of heirs. Some estate planning instruments can even create secure, annual income for donors right now, during their lifetimes. As one Heritage Society member likes to say, “It’s a win-win-win: for us, for our family, and for the Conservancy.”

To recognize the substantial impact that Heritage Society members will have on the organization’s future, the Conservancy recently set aside a portion of the DeYoung Natural Area on Cedar Lake for a “Heritage Society Grove” of hardwood trees. Located in the upland half of the property, the grove will be bordered to the west by a stream and, to the south, by an upland trail. We hope to transplant the first maples, poplars and cedars to the plot in the fall of 2007.

As a living legacy rooted firmly in the ground of Leelanau for many years to come, we hope this grove will represent an ever-growing group of likeminded people who stand together for the long-term conservation of Leelanau County.

To learn more about planned giving opportunities at the Conservancy, please contact Anne Shoup at ashoup@theconservancy.com or 231-256-9665.