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.

First, do you have a favorite spot on one of Big Sur Land Trust’s nature preserves?

Amy: I suppose it might be the barn at Glen Deven Ranch. My string quartet played the dedication event there, after the ranch was bequeathed to the Land Trust by Dr. Seeley and Virginia Mudd. We had a great time and loved the way the barn felt. Great ambience and great acoustics! I’ve taken part in lots of good things that have happened there.

George: Mitteldorf Preserve is magnificent. My favorite spot is the spring on Headwaters Trail where Williams Creek originates – it’s an oasis. WOW! I’d love to shrink myself to the size of a soil particle and look at the subterranean movement of water as the creek gathers momentum and flows to the sea.

What has inspired your long history of giving to Big Sur Land Trust?

Amy: We mostly donate locally, to organizations that make our region and the world a better place. We’re so fortunate to live in an area with a land trust, especially since it’s the wonderful Big Sur Land Trust.

George: I resonate with the Land Trust’s two principal focal points: land conservation (which is standard for such organizations), and their expanded vision for supporting healthy communities while providing all people access to conserved lands. The values driving BSLT have continued to strengthen over the years.

Speaking as a former board member with a long-term “insider’s view” of the organization, Big Sur Land Trust has walked its talk for over four decades. We’re working towards things on an enormous scale like our Carr Lake Park project and our Carmel River FREE project. We’re collaborating with the County and community partners, while continuing to monitor thousands of acres of conservation easements. We also care for the nature preserves we own to keep their ecosystems thriving while providing safe access. When you put all of that together, it is a remarkable conservation effort and public service.

When we talk about healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities, that’s not just a slogan. It’s a powerful recognition of the importance of how we support these facets of public health. We’re growing, we have more projects than ever and they are more geographically diverse than ever. Big Sur Land Trust is a well-recognized (and applauded!) national role model, particularly for our community service. Many land trusts are effective at protecting and caring for the land but we also give access – allowing human interaction on the land in a way that doesn’t degrade it and getting young people to experience the benefits of being in wild places!

What appealed to you about joining our Land & Legacy Society?

George: Big Sur Land Trust features prominently in our estate planning. It was a perfectly natural thing to do. We don’t have any kids, so in planning our estate we looked at our values: environmental, cultural, and educational. Basically, our estate will be divided among these priorities. Being involved with the Land Trust for so many years, I have a deep appreciation of the quality and dedication of the staff. They share Amy’s and my philosophy, they’re motivated, and work well together. I feel that Big Sur Land Trust is going to have a great future, both in terms of what they’ll do, and the fact that they have a wonderful staff and a good financial base to make it happen.

How did you get involved with the board of trustees, George?

Amy: I can claim initial responsibility for George joining the board. In 2006, I knew he’d be retiring soon and might need something he felt strongly about to dig his teeth into. I was right – it’s been a great experience for him! George: Service on the board is rewarding. The people are knowledgeable and enjoyable with various life experiences. Say ”yes” if you get invited! I’m now on the science and land management committee – the link between the two is largely in the context of climate change. We have to approach things differently as we address fire mitigation, restoration, or how intensely we graze the land. We’ve met with experts in rangeland and fire ecology and our dynamic quarterly meetings are very educational.

What do you look forward to with Big Sur Land Trust?

George: I’m looking forward to the acquisition and protection of more land, with plans to transfer them to public entities. I’m excited about the addition of backpacking trips for our experienced youth campers. I want people to get the same benefits from nature that I did as a kid. You must be out on the land with all your senses engaged. I am inspired by our programs directed at kids, and the community at large. These offerings help people understand the benefits to both physical and mental health from the types of interactions with nature that our programs facilitate. We’re clearly moving in the right direction.