A Feast for the Land
A message from our Planned Giving Officer Sierra Hoisington
Dear Friends,
If you’re like me, as soon as we flip the calendar to November, my mind starts dreaming of the delectable feast I’ll be taking part in consuming on that fourth Thursday of the month. The aromas, the laughter, the abundance — it’s a time to gather, to give thanks, and to savor the fruits of so much care and collaboration.
As I start planning my (vegetarian) plate — swapping out the turkey for a savory lentil loaf or maybe roasted eggplant with herbs — I can’t help but see our mission at Conserving Carolina reflected in this Thanksgiving spread. Every dish on the table represents something unique, yet all come together to create something truly nourishing.
The mashed potatoes? That’s the comfort and stability of our land protection work. It is the foundation of what we do. The cranberry sauce adds that bright spark, like our education and outreach programs that inspire new conservationists of all ages. The stuffing, rich and full of layers, reminds me of our easement partnerships, where landowners, staff, and supporters come together to preserve land for generations. And the roasted vegetables? That’s our restoration work, which is full of vibrancy, color, and new life.
Just as every dish has its place, so does every person around the table. The feast wouldn’t exist without those who grew the food, prepared it, and shared it. In the same way, Conserving Carolina’s work wouldn’t be possible without you — our volunteers, members, donors, and partners who make every part of our mission possible.
This season of gratitude, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the table we’ve built together. This table is one filled with the bounty of protected lands, restored habitats, and thriving communities. Thank you for being part of this shared feast for the land.
Sincerely,
Sierra Hoisington
Planned Giving Officer
P.S. As we approach the end of the year, I also wanted to share that the tax rules for charitable giving are changing next year. If you’re thinking about giving a gift for conservation, doing it before December 31 would help protect our beautiful landscapes and may have tax advantages under current rules.
Each gift is case-specific, and you should always consult your tax advisor for questions regarding tax treatment of your gifts, but we’re here to help assist you as one step of your giving journey. You can also review this article from Fidelity Charitable for helpful tips on year-end giving.
Branches of Giving is a monthly segment sharing inspiring stories from our dedicated supporters, letters from our Development Team, and different ways you can give back and make a difference for conservation.