August Is Make-A-Will Month—Leave a Legacy That Lasts
August is National Make-A-Will Month—a meaningful reminder to pause and consider the future. Creating a will isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about peace of mind. It ensures your wishes are honored, your loved ones are cared for, and that the people closest to you have a clear path forward during a difficult time.
In my role as Planned Giving Officer at Conserving Carolina, I have the privilege of speaking with individuals who have chosen to include the land they love in their legacy, otherwise known as Land Legacy League (LLL) members. These conversations are some of the most inspiring parts of my work. Again and again, I hear a common thread—deep gratitude for the natural world and a desire to protect.
When I ask why they’ve made this decision, a few heartfelt themes often emerge:
- “I want my grandchildren/the next generation to experience the beautiful places I had access to.”
- “Nature has given me so much – it’s important for me to give back even when I’m gone.”
- “I want this contribution to be a part of my family’s legacy. Doing something bigger than ourselves is important.”
These are more than reasons—they’re reflections of a life shaped by connection to place, memory, and meaning.
I had the chance to ask one of our LLL members, Amy Dahan, and ask her why she chose to include Conserving Carolina in her will. This is what she said:
It’s a hard thing to put into words, Sierra. Natural places and plants have always been my primary source of solace and inspiration. I believe a financial bequest to Conserving Carolina is a way of saying ‘thank you’ to Mother Nature. Having volunteered with the organization, I’ve witnessed the huge accomplishments of the small staff. I give to say ‘thank you’ to them as well.”
If you’ve ever thought about including Conserving Carolina in your will or estate plans, I’d love to hear what inspires you. Which of these resonates most with your story? Send me an email at sierra@conservingcarolina.org.
Sincerely,
Sierra Hoisington, Planned Giving Officer
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.