Including Conservation in Your Estate Planning

Remember that New Year’s Resolution?

As you move through your New Year’s resolutions—organizing your home, focusing on health, or strengthening relationships—consider adding one more meaningful task: updating your will and estate plans. Life changes, financial circumstances evolve, and charitable priorities often deepen over time. Reviewing your plans ensures they reflect your current values and offers an opportunity to include a designation to Eastern Shore Land Conservancy as part of your legacy.

Including ESLC in your estate plans is a powerful way to protect the landscapes, farms, waterways, and rural heritage that make the Eastern Shore so special. Planned gifts—whether through a bequest, beneficiary designation, or other deferred arrangement—provide critical long-term stability for ESLC. These future commitments allow ESLC to plan strategically, respond to conservation opportunities, and ensure that the land you love today stays protected for generations to come.

There are also meaningful benefits for you as a donor. Estate gifts can offer tax advantages, simplify the transfer of assets, and allow you to make a transformative impact without affecting your current financial security. Most importantly, they reflect your deeply held values and commitment to place.

Sample Bequest language

The language below is intended as a guide that may be included in your new will, or in a codicil to an existing will. Please consult with your legal, financial, or tax advisor when preparing your planned gift.

Bequest for General Purposes

“I give, devise, and bequeath [the sum of $______] or [all or a _____ percent of the residue, rest and remainder of my estate] or [other specified property] to Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, a non-profit located at 114 S. Washington St, Easton, MD, EIN #52-1711989, for its general purposes.”

Simpler still, consider naming ESLC as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy or other financial account. ESLC is profoundly grateful for such forward-thinking generosity. If you are willing to share your plans with us, we would welcome the opportunity to thank you personally, recognize your commitment if you wish, and thoughtfully plan for the future alongside you.

For more information on supporting ESLC now or in the future, please contact Director of Development, Melissa Canoni, at 914-282-7313 or mcanoni@eslc.org.

**Everyone’s tax situation is likely to be affected by specific facts and circumstances that are beyond the control or knowledge of ESLC. Additionally, tax laws and regulations change often and their application to a particular taxpayer’s circumstances vary widely. We strongly encourage you to consult with your tax and legal advisor/s.**