Land & Legacy Society Member Spotlights

We appreciate the generosity of all our Land & Legacy Society members! Here are some of their perspectives on creating a legacy with Big Sur Land Trust.

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We are incredibly grateful to Amy Anderson and George Somero for supporting Big Sur Land Trust for 25 years and for being long-time members of our Land & Legacy Society! Recently, they shared their perspectives on why the Land Trust is part of their estate planning. Click here to read more.
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Stay close to nature. You’ll be motivated to follow your heart and do what’s right. — Joyce Stevens

To read Joyce’s remarkable story click here.

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One of my core values is supporting the things that I believe in. It’s not about us. It’s about who is coming next. How are we going to leave this planet for the next generation? Paying it forward is now more important than ever. Big Sur Land Trust’s outdoor programs for youth are especially important to me. Providing access for kids that are unable to get out into nature easily is so critical for inspiring the next generation of conservationists. — Jan Loomis
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It’s very fulfilling. To see all the work the land trust has been able to do over the years and to see all this come about. — Zad Leavy

We were able to persevere on something that turned out to be very important. That to me is what stands out in my heart. — Laela Leavy

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Being a Land & Legacy Society member exemplifies the spirit of land stewardship and transformation of people that I have always believed in.” George feels that “Giving is a work in progress, it’s something that builds over time. — George St. Clair
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I helped start Ohio’s Western Reserve Land Conservancy, so Sandra and I bring a unique understanding and appreciation for the importance of BSLT’s mission,” Bruce Merchant explains. “I am grateful to BSLT for preserving land throughout our county in an ‘unpaved’ state. That’s what land trusts are for. It starts with the land – but it goes beyond just acquiring property. Long-term stewardship is critical to the health of our region’s spectacular landscapes. Big Sur Land Trust has played a critical role in preserving many of the open spaces that make living in, or visiting this area, so desirable. — Bruce Merchant

BSLT’s youth programming is essential. It’s really important to get kids out on the land – especially those who have little or no familiarity with natural open spaces. Experiencing the care and wonder of nature is something that has to be modeled and learned so that local youth can become future conservationists.” In addition to being long-time volunteers, Bruce and Sandra are also members of BSLT’s Land & Legacy Society. “Including BSLT in our estate planning was a practical choice,” Sandra explains. “We are dedicated supporters, but we may not always be able to make regular, annual donations. So, we decided to select a few beneficiaries as legacy recipients. It’s a great option to consider! — Sandra Reel

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As time passes, I have occasionally reflected on what my legacy might mean. While my dad was around my age, he told me that people seldom regret acts of kindness or generosity. They really only regret the times when they did less than they could. Borrowing one of Woody Allen’s sentiments – the words I’d love to hear most at my memorial service are: ‘Look, he’s moving!’. But that seems unlikely. So instead, I will hope to be remembered as someone who appreciated and truly understood the natural world and tried to make a difference. Given the opportunity to join the Land & Legacy Society, I recognized that BSLT’s work reflects some of the values I hold most dear: the preservation of our amazing natural world, and the opportunity for young people to experience the wonder and joy that come with time spent out on the land. I concluded that a bequest to the Land Trust is one of the best ways I could honor these values… — Bob Montgomery
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I appreciate all the effort the Land Trust and their partners make to set aside and protect the magnificent places that make Monterey County such a wonderful place to live. — Don Newmark
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We encourage you to join us in making a big difference by leaving beautiful, unspoiled land for our posterity. — Barbara Baldock and Phil Butler