Legacy Circle

Our LEGACY CIRCLE invites you to continue the work of land that’s protected and cared for forever.

As you look out over the landscapes of Whidbey and Camano Islands, do you see a timeless view, one that you want to make sure future generations see? Would you like your personal legacy to include protecting forever the beautiful, natural surroundings of our islands?

If yes, then you’ll be interested in learning more about the Legacy Circle, a group of supporters who take the future of the Land Trust very seriously. It’s about caring and planning and acting — all with an eye to the future. Membership in the Legacy Circle comes with making the Land Trust a beneficiary of all or part of your estate. You can do that by putting the Land Trust in your will, making us a beneficiary of your life insurance policies or retirement plans, or making a gift of real estate or other significant assets. In addition, supporters who activate a planned gift, such as a Charitable Lead Trust or a Charitable Remainder Trust, during their lifetime are also eligible for membership in the Legacy Circle.

Planning for your personal legacy – what you will leave for future generations – takes time and careful thought. During the process, you have the opportunity to think about what matters most to you. If it’s protecting our Islands’ natural heritage, wildlife habitat, and beauty forever, you need to decide how to support the Land Trust in your estate planning. Here’s how two individuals have chosen to provide their legacy:

I support the Land Trust because of the efficient, professional work they do. My husband and I became involved in land conservation here in 1995 and have seen the Land Trust become a truly effective agent for land protection and stewardship. If we want to have forests, open space, and homes for wildlife, we need to preserve our natural areas. That’s a legacy worth leaving. Our will leaves 25% of our estate to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust and I want to publicize that to encourage more people to make the Land Trust a part of their estate plans. -- Diane Kendy

Thanks to the Land Trust’s Legacy Circle, I have found a way to give more than I normally ever could. I wanted to be a personal nature conservancy for Whidbey Island. Of course, I didn’t have the money. Since I’m single and my family doesn’t need an inheritance from me, in my will, I’m bequeathing my house to the Land Trust. After I’m gone, the Land Trust will sell my house and the sale proceeds will be used to protect important islands lands. This type of donation is known as a “trade land” — turning real estate into habitat. -- Nancy Waddell

There is a lot to consider and decide when planning your estate. Many options allow you to make a generous gift to the Land Trust while taking care of family and heirs. Depending on your situation, there may be significant tax advantages, such as reducing or eliminating estate, gift, or inheritance taxes. It’s important to consult with your attorney and/or accountant.

Why not sit down and chat with us as you ponder your decision on what your legacy will be? In a confidential meeting, we’d be honored to discuss your goal to care for the natural world of Whidbey and Camano Islands. We would love to welcome you to the Legacy Circle. We can recognize your participation and gift publicly or you can remain anonymous; the choice is yours.

Please call our office at (360) 222-3310 to set up a confidential meeting to discuss your legacy of land conservation. Let’s work together to care for our island home – forever.